Pancake Casserole is a delicious and easy way to serve pancakes to a crowd, combining the fluffy goodness of traditional pancakes with the convenience of a baked dish. This casserole features layers of soft, golden pancakes soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked until set, resulting in a warm, comforting breakfast or brunch dish. You can customize it with fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts, and drizzle it with maple syrup or powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Perfect for weekend mornings or holiday gatherings, this pancake casserole is a surefire hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts (optional)
- 4 large eggs (for custard)
- 1 cup milk (for custard)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Powdered sugar or extra maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the pancake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix). Fold in berries, chocolate chips, or nuts if desired.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden. Repeat until all the batter is used.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the cooked pancakes in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to fill the dish.
- Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the pancakes, pressing down gently to soak the pancakes.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
This Pancake Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that turns traditional pancakes into a warm, baked delight, perfect for any special breakfast occasion!
