Zesty Pancake Casserole Recipe

I first made this recipe when I needed to feed a house full of guests without spending my entire morning flipping flapjacks by the stove.

This Pancake Casserole combines the fluffy texture of your favorite breakfast with the rich, custardy goodness of a bread pudding. It has quickly become my secret weapon for holiday mornings and lazy Sunday brunches alike.

Why This Pancake Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

You can prepare the entire dish the night before and let the flavors meld while you sleep. This hands-off approach means you get to enjoy your coffee while breakfast bakes to golden perfection.

The texture achieves a perfect balance between fluffy and creamy that makes every bite of this Pancake Casserole irresistible. It transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels decadent enough for a special occasion.

It is also the perfect solution for using up leftover pancakes that might otherwise go to waste. You can even use frozen pancakes to make the process even faster on busy weekends.

If you love cozy baked breakfasts, my Perfect Pumpkin Muffins Recipe are another must-try, and the 3 Ingredient Peach Yogurt Pops offer a refreshing contrast.

Everything You Need for Perfect Pancake Casserole

Here is what you will need to gather to get started:

• Cooking spray: To grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
• Pancakes: You will need about 24 to 30 pancakes, which can be homemade or store-bought.
• Large eggs: These bind the custard mixture together and add richness.
• Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious, creamy texture that soaks into the pancakes.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture to the custard base without being too heavy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture just enough to complement the syrup later.
• Vanilla bean paste: Adds beautiful specks of vanilla and deep flavor.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: For serving on top of the warm casserole.
• Maple syrup: The classic finishing touch for drizzling over each serving.

My Method for Perfect Pancake Casserole

Let’s get cooking!

1. Lightly coat a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Arrange the pancakes in the baking dish in three rows, overlapping them slightly like shingles, starting at one long end.
3. Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste, and kosher salt in a large bowl until fully combined.
4. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged pancakes, ensuring every piece gets some of the liquid.
5. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the Pancake Casserole to absorb the custard.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F when you are ready to bake.
7. Bake the casserole covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 25 minutes until the center is set.
8. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before dotting with butter and drizzling with maple syrup.

My Best Tips for Perfect Pancake Casserole

Use day-old or slightly stale pancakes if possible because they absorb the custard mixture much better than fresh ones. If you only have fresh pancakes, you can toast them lightly in the oven to dry them out a bit before assembling.

Do not skip the overnight resting time since it allows the Pancake Casserole to fully soak up the liquid for a tender texture. This step ensures the center cooks evenly and prevents the dish from being soggy.

If the tops of the pancakes start browning too quickly during the uncovered baking time, simply tent a piece of foil loosely over the dish. This protects the crust while allowing the custard inside to finish setting completely.

How I Like to Serve This Pancake Casserole

I love serving warm squares with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup and a few pats of salted butter melting on top. The contrast of the salty butter against the sweet custard and syrup is absolutely delightful.

Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar add a lovely finish that makes this Pancake Casserole look beautiful on the table. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or savory turkey sausage for a complete meal.