Pancake Casserole

This Pancake Casserole is my answer to those mornings when you want something cozy, filling, and a little special without standing at the stove flipping pancakes one by one. I still remember the first time I baked pancakes instead of cooking them on a pan, the kitchen filled with warm vanilla and maple aromas, and suddenly breakfast felt effortless. You get soft, custardy layers, golden edges, and a dish that feeds everyone at once, making mornings calmer and a whole lot sweeter.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

There’s something deeply comforting about scooping a warm slice of Pancake Casserole straight from the dish and drizzling it with syrup. Trust me, you’re going to love this, it’s fluffy in the center, lightly crisp on top, and endlessly satisfying. This one’s a total game-changer for brunches, holidays, or busy mornings when you still want breakfast to feel special.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by lazy weekend mornings when everyone wanted pancakes, but no one wanted to wait. I wanted the same familiar flavors I grew up with, but baked into one generous dish that could go straight from oven to table. It feels nostalgic, playful, and comforting, like a hug in breakfast form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create tender layers, gentle sweetness, and a golden baked finish that feels just like pancakes, only better.

1. All-purpose flour: 2 cups, forms the structure and gives the casserole its fluffy pancake texture.
2. Baking powder: 2 teaspoons, helps the batter rise and stay light.
3. Granulated sugar: 3 tablespoons, adds gentle sweetness without overpowering.
4. Salt: 0.5 teaspoon, balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
5. Milk: 1.75 cups, creates a smooth batter and soft, custardy interior.
6. Eggs: 2 large, bind the batter and add richness.
7. Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons melted, brings moisture and buttery flavor.
8. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, adds warm aroma and depth.
9. Fresh blueberries: 1 cup, provide juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
10. Maple syrup: 0.5 cup for serving, adds classic sweetness and shine.

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Special Equipment You’ll Need

This recipe is simple and doesn’t require much, just a few basics to make things easy.

Baking dish: Holds the batter and allows even baking throughout.
Mixing bowl: For whisking the batter smoothly.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients without lumps.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures balanced flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through this together, it’s easy, relaxed, and very forgiving.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C and lightly grease your baking dish so nothing sticks.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
4. Create the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, the batter should be thick but pourable.
5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and scatter blueberries evenly across the surface.
6. Bake until golden: Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until puffed, lightly golden, and set in the center.
7. Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes so it slices cleanly and stays fluffy.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Tips

Serve this Pancake Casserole warm, cut into generous squares, and finished with a drizzle of maple syrup that glistens on top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy contrast, while extra berries on the side bring color and freshness. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea and let the table feel inviting and relaxed.

Extra Tips for Best Results

A few small tips can make this casserole truly unforgettable.

• Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
• Do not overmix the batter, gentle stirring keeps the texture tender.
• Let it rest briefly after baking so slices hold their shape.
• Add syrup just before serving to keep the top lightly crisp.

Variations You Can Try

You can easily customize this casserole to suit your mood or occasion.

1. Add sliced bananas to the batter for extra sweetness and softness.
2. Stir in chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast treat.
3. Use mixed berries instead of blueberries for more color and tang.
4. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for warm spice notes.
5. Top with chopped nuts before baking for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the batter the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the texture soft and comforting.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 290
Note: These are approximate values.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this Pancake Casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time, store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning for best texture.

2. Will the casserole still be fluffy after baking?

Absolutely, the baking powder helps it rise and stay soft, especially if you avoid overmixing.

3. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, use 1 cup frozen blueberries, add them straight from frozen to avoid excess moisture.

4. How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The top should be lightly golden and the center should feel set when gently pressed.

5. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish, adjusting bake time slightly.

6. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s mildly sweet, soft, and very kid-friendly.

7. Can I add toppings before baking?

Yes, berries or nuts work well baked in, but syrup is best added after baking.

8. How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

9. Does it taste like regular pancakes?

Yes, it has the same familiar flavor, just baked into soft, scoopable layers.

10. Can I serve this as dessert?

Definitely, with extra syrup or fruit, let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Conclusion

This Pancake Casserole brings all the comfort of classic pancakes with none of the hassle, making breakfast feel easy and joyful. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and enjoy every warm, syrupy bite.

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