This Pancake Casserole is a fluffy, custard-filled twist on classic pancakes, perfect for brunch or a weekend breakfast! Made with layers of soft pancakes soaked in a rich vanilla custard and baked to perfection, this dish brings together the best elements of pancakes and bread pudding. It’s ideal for serving a crowd and can be prepped the night before for a hassle-free morning. Top it with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for the ultimate breakfast treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cooking spray
14 pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
6 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Unsalted butter and maple syrup, for serving

Directions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Layer the Pancakes: Stack pancakes in the dish, arranging them in 3 rows to fit snugly.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Soak the Pancakes: Pour the custard mixture over the pancakes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the covered casserole for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for another 25 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Nutrients

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 185mg
Sodium: 310mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saving: No more flipping pancakes one by one—just assemble, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for a Crowd: Great for serving large families or brunch gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
Versatile & Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a unique twist.
Deliciously Fluffy & Custardy: A soft, moist texture with crispy edges and a rich flavor.

What Makes This Pancake Casserole Special?

This is not your average pancake breakfast! Unlike traditional pancakes, which can sometimes become dry when stacked, this casserole remains incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to the custard mixture. The pancakes absorb the creamy vanilla-infused custard, transforming them into a soft, pudding-like texture while still maintaining a light, fluffy bite.

The result? A golden, slightly crispy top with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interior—the perfect balance between pancakes and French toast casserole.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

Pancakes: The Star of the Dish

The foundation of this casserole is soft, fluffy pancakes. You can use homemade pancakes or store-bought ones to save time. The pancakes absorb the custard mixture, making them rich, soft, and slightly chewy with every bite. If using store-bought pancakes, opt for ones that are slightly thick, as thin pancakes may become too soggy.

Eggs & Dairy: The Creamy Custard Base

The custard mixture—made from eggs, heavy cream, and milk—creates the rich and silky texture that makes this dish irresistibly soft and creamy. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream ensures that the casserole remains moist and rich without being too dense.

Vanilla & Sugar: The Flavor Enhancers

A touch of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the custard. Granulated sugar sweetens the dish just enough without making it overpowering. You can also adjust the sweetness depending on your preference—if you love extra sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup before baking can enhance the flavor even more.

Kosher Salt: A Flavor Balancer

Salt may seem like a small ingredient, but it balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the custard and pancakes.

How to Make This Casserole Ahead of Time

One of the best parts about this Pancake Casserole is that it’s a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

The Night Before: Assemble the casserole by layering the pancakes and pouring the custard over them. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The Next Morning: Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Then, bake as directed.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds per serving.

Customizations & Variations

This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to get creative with flavors and add-ins!

Mix-In Ideas

Chocolate Chip Pancake Casserole: Add mini chocolate chips between the pancake layers for extra indulgence.
Blueberry Pancake Casserole: Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
Nutty Pancake Casserole: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
Cinnamon Roll Pancake Casserole: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the custard and drizzle with icing after baking.

Topping Ideas

Maple Syrup: The classic pairing that enhances the pancake flavors.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness and visual appeal.
Whipped Cream: For a creamy, decadent finish.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries provide a refreshing contrast.
Caramel or Toffee Sauce: For an extra-sweet, indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions

This Pancake Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with side dishes to make it part of a bigger brunch spread:

Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The savory flavors balance out the sweetness of the casserole.
Scrambled Eggs: For added protein and a hearty breakfast.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side that complements the rich custard.
Coffee or Orange Juice: The perfect drink pairing for a balanced breakfast.

Why This Pancake Casserole is Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings

If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, birthday breakfast, or special occasion meal, this casserole is a stress-free and crowd-pleasing dish.

Feeds a Crowd: No need to flip pancakes for multiple people—one dish serves everyone!
Festive & Cozy: The warm, comforting flavors make it perfect for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day.
Easy to Transport: Great for potlucks and brunch gatherings since it reheats beautifully.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Breakfast Casserole

This Pancake Casserole is a game-changer for pancake lovers. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for brunches, holidays, and special mornings. With its fluffy texture, rich custard, and endless customization options, this dish will become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

Whether you make it ahead for a stress-free morning or serve it fresh for a weekend brunch, one thing is certain—this pancake casserole is a guaranteed hit! So grab your favorite pancakes, whisk up some creamy custard, and enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast that feels like a hug in every bite.

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