How is a pancake casserole different from regular pancakes?

For this casserole, we take traditional pancakes and up the ante by soaking them in a custardy base that transforms them into a luscious casserole, making them easy to prepare in advance and serve to a crowd.

Can I freeze pancake casserole?

You can freeze the baked casserole, whether whole or in individual portions, for up to three months. Thaw overnight or for at least a few hours in the refrigerator, before reheating in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

Can I make this pancake casserole savory?

For a savory version of this casserole, you can cut back on the sugar in the custard, and add cooked spinach, mushrooms, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and more to the casserole before baking.

Pancake Casserole Recipe

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

9 hrs 5 mins

Servings:

10

Get ready to add pancake casserole to your weekend routine. This playful twist on classic pancakes incorporates the best elements of bread pudding to make a beautifully fluffy and decadently sweet brunch dish. Be sure to let this dish sit overnight to properly soak up all that glorious custard mixture.

This pancake casserole will be a favorite amongst kids and adults alike. In the South, we love our casseroles. This recipe is proof that, with a little determination, any dish can be turned into a one-tray classic. It's perfect for entertaining and all your guests will be impressed by your sophisticated reinvention of a time-tested breakfast favorite.

Learn how to make pancake casserole, and don't forget to top it with maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar and/or fresh berries. Or, if you like your sweet and savory combined, top with crispy strips of bacon.

What Is a Pancake Casserole?

Also known as a pancake bake, pancake casserole combines traditional, fluffy pancakes, with the ease of a casserole. Pancake casseroles can be made by either baking the pancake batter in a casserole pan directly, skipping the step of making individual pancakes, or by adding a custard base to cooked pancakes for a tender, cakey consistency. No matter how it's prepared, pancake casseroles make serving a crowd a breeze, and eliminate the cumbersome task of cooking pancakes to order.

Ingredients for Pancake Casserole

Choose your favorite pancake recipe and prepare the pancakes ahead for an easy way to throw this casserole together when needed in under 10 minutes. To make pancake casserole, you'll need:

Cooking spray: To prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.
Pancakes: The base of the casserole. Use any recipe you prefer, or opt for pancake mix in a pinch (but we promise our homemade versions are well worth it).
Large eggs: Binds the custardy liquid poured over the pancakes.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess.
Whole milk: Provides additional moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the casserole.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds depth of flavor. Can be substituted with a splash of rum or bourbon, if preferred.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter and maple syrup: For serving.

How To Make Pancake Casserole

Serving a crowd is easy with this comforting casserole that'll have everyone lining up for seconds. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare baking dish: Spray to coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Step 2. Add pancakes to baking dish: Stack pancakes in baking dish in 3 rows.
Step 3. Make egg mixture: Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt; pour over pancakes.
Step 4. Refrigerate casserole: Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
Step 5. Bake casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole, covered, 25 minutes, then uncover and bake until set, 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Dot with butter and drizzle with syrup before serving.

Variations for Pancake Casserole

Turn this pancake casserole into your own unique creation with some simple additions:

Add mix-ins: Sprinkle in fresh or frozen berries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, sliced bananas, and more before baking.
Amp up the flavor: Whisk pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, chai spice, lemon zest, or other flavorings into the custard before pouring over the pancakes.
Add variety: When preparing the pancakes, feel free to dot in blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or any other inclusions for a casserole with an eye-catching presentation.
Make it special: Serve the casserole with whipped cream, fresh fruit, a fruit compote, or a variety of syrups for a fun way to keep your guests engaged.

Can I Make Pancake Casserole Ahead?

This casserole can be prepared 8 or up to 24 hours in advance, as directed. You can also get ahead of the prep for this casserole by preparing the pancakes in advance. Stack the finished pancakes with parchment paper, then wrap and freeze for up to two months. Bring to room temperature before using.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Pancake Casserole

While leftovers of this casserole are unlikely, they do last for a few days. Cover and refrigerate leftover pancake casserole for up to three days. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What To Serve with Pancake Casserole

Pair this family-friendly casserole with all your brunch favorites, including biscuits, scones, eggs, crispy bacon, fruit salad, and more.

More Breakfast Casserole Recipes You'll Love

If you're serving a crowd, these breakfast casseroles will help fill up the table in no time:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

Cooking spray
24-30 Pancakes
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Unsalted butter and maple syrup, for serving

Directions

Prepare baking dish:

Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Add pancakes to baking dish:

Arrange pancakes in baking dish in 3 rows, overlapping slightly, starting at 1 long end.
Make egg mixture:

Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Slowly pour mixture over pancakes.
Refrigerate casserole:

Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
Bake casserole:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole, covered, in preheated oven 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until center is set, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Dot with pats of butter; drizzle with syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a pancake casserole different from regular pancakes?

For this casserole, we take traditional pancakes and up the ante by soaking them in a custardy base that transforms them into a luscious casserole, making them easy to prepare in advance and serve to a crowd.
Can I freeze pancake casserole?

You can freeze the baked casserole, whether whole or in individual portions, for up to three months. Thaw overnight or for at least a few hours in the refrigerator, before reheating in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.
Can I make this pancake casserole savory?

For a savory version of this casserole, you can cut back on the sugar in the custard, and add cooked spinach, mushrooms, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and more to the casserole before baking.