Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of warm pancakes wafts through the air, I can’t help but feel a wave of comfort wash over me. That’s why I’m excited to share my Easy Pancake Breakfast Bake, a luscious dish that transforms humble frozen pancakes into a delightful morning feast. Perfect for busy weekdays or those special holiday brunches, this recipe is not just a time-saver; it allows you to prepare a delicious breakfast the night before, freeing you to enjoy leisurely mornings with loved ones. With a rich egg custard enveloping the pancakes, each bite is both fluffy and satisfying, offering a wonderfully indulgent start to your day. Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game and impress your family or brunch guests? Let’s dive into this comforting baked treat! Why is this Pancake Breakfast Bake special? Convenience: This bake is a game-changer for busy mornings. Prepare it the night before, and you can have a warm breakfast ready in no time! Rich Flavor: The egg custard gives each bite a creamy texture that perfectly complements the fluffy pancakes. Versatility: You can customize this dish effortlessly! Swap in different pancake flavors or add fresh fruits like berries for a delightful twist. Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your family and friends at brunch gatherings; this recipe is sure to be a hit! Serve alongside Cheesy Broccoli Bake or Skillet Breakfast Hash for a complete morning spread. Easy Cleanup: One dish means less mess to worry about after cooking, making it perfect for home chefs who want delicious results without the chaos. Pancake Breakfast Bake Ingredients • Here’s everything you need for a delicious Pancake Breakfast Bake that the whole family will love! For the Base Frozen Pancakes – These provide the essential texture and flavor; feel free to use your favorite variety from the store or your homemade stash. Eggs – They bind the custard beautifully, so whisk them well for the best results. Milk – Whole milk makes it rich and creamy, but swap it for skim for a lighter option if you prefer. Sugar – Just enough to sweeten the dish; you can adjust this based on how sweet your pancakes are. Vanilla Extract – This enhances the flavor; for something different, almond extract adds a lovely twist. For the Crumb Topping Butter – Adds richness to the topping; you can use margarine as a suitable alternative. Brown Sugar – This contributes depth to the flavor of the crumb topping; granulated sugar works if you’re out of brown. Now, aren’t you excited to create this easy Pancake Breakfast Bake? It’s a wonderful way to kickstart your mornings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pancake Breakfast Bake Step 1: Assemble the Base Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it warmed up. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, lay out the frozen pancakes side by side, ensuring they cover the bottom evenly. This forms the delicious base for your Pancake Breakfast Bake, providing texture and flavor that everyone will love. Step 2: Prepare the Custard In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. The egg custard is essential for creating that rich and creamy texture that envelops the pancakes, so take a moment to blend everything well. Step 3: Chill Overnight Once your custard is prepared, pour it evenly over the arranged pancakes in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the pancakes to absorb the custard flavors. This step ensures that you’ll wake up to a perfectly soft and flavorful Pancake Breakfast Bake. Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping The next day, prepare the crumb topping by combining 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of flour in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until you achieve a crumbly texture. This buttery topping adds a delightful crunch to your baked dish, elevating the entire experience of the Pancake Breakfast Bake. Step 5: Bake Remove the dish from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked pancakes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly puffed and the center has a light jiggle. Step 6: Serving Once your Pancake Breakfast Bake is golden and fragrant, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This brief cooling period makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy it warm, perhaps drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast treat that will bring smiles to the table. Storage Tips for Pancake Breakfast Bake Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavor and moisture of the Pancake Breakfast Bake. Freezer: You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This makes for easy, quick breakfasts! Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Serving Fresh: For optimal taste, enjoy your Pancake Breakfast Bake warm, topped with your favorite syrup or fresh fruit. Make Ahead Options This Pancake Breakfast Bake is a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps: layer the frozen pancakes, mix the custard, and pour it over. After covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate to allow the pancakes to soak up delicious flavors. On the day you plan to serve, simply prepare the crumb topping and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown. This method not only saves you time during busy mornings but also ensures that your Pancake Breakfast Bake remains just as delicious and fluffy as if it were made fresh! Pancake Breakfast Bake Variations Feel free to make this delightful Pancake Breakfast Bake your own with a range of tasty variations! Flavored Pancakes: Use flavored frozen pancakes like blueberry or chocolate chip to add a fun twist. Imagine the burst of fruit or chocolate in every bite—delicious! Fruit Additions: Mix in fresh or frozen fruits like sliced bananas or berries for a fruity dimension. The sweetness of fruit enhances the custard flavor, making every forkful irresistible. Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. This switch gives a nutty taste, and it’s perfect for those with lactose sensitivities! Veggie Boost: Add shredded zucchini or carrots to the custard for a sneaky veggie boost. No one will suspect a thing, and it’s a great way to add nutrients to the morning! Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for warm spices. These spices will infuse a comforting aroma and flavor that you’ll adore. Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for extra crunch. It’s a delightful textural contrast that makes this bake even more satisfying. Extra Sweetness: Drizzle in some maple syrup or honey into the custard for added sweetness. A touch of sweetness elevates the overall flavor profile, making breakfast feel like dessert. Savory Twist: Consider adding cooked sausage or crispy bacon pieces for a hearty, savory version. This twist will convert this dish into a delightful breakfast casserole that everyone will love! Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out these delicious options: Bagel Breakfast Sliders or Skillet Breakfast Hash! What to Serve with Easy Pancake Breakfast Bake Start your morning journey with delicious additions that enhance the comfort of your freshly baked delight. Maple Syrup: Drizzle this classic topping over warm slices for a sweet, irresistible finish that complements the fluffy pancakes. Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries not only adds a burst of color but also brightens up the overall flavor profile. They provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake. Whipped Cream: For a touch of luxury, a dollop of homemade whipped cream creates a creamy layer that enhances each bite, making your breakfast feel extra special. Greek Yogurt: This tangy addition adds creaminess without overwhelming sweetness, providing a healthy balance while enriching the texture. Serve it on the side for some delightful dipping! Bacon or Sausage: The savory aspect of crispy bacon or hearty sausage introduces a satisfying crunch and saltiness that pairs magnificently with the sweet pancake bake. Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed fruits can lighten up the richness of the breakfast bake, ensuring a well-rounded meal that feels vibrant and wholesome. Coffee or Tea: Kickstart your morning with a warm mug. The rich flavors of coffee or the calming essence of tea offer a cozy beverage choice to sip alongside your pancake breakfast bake. Pecan Pralines: For a sweet treat, sprinkle some homemade pecan pralines over the top for added crunch and an extra layer of indulgence to your meal. Embrace the comforting warmth of an Easy Pancake Breakfast Bake while enjoying these delightful pairings that will surely make your mornings unforgettable! Expert Tips for Pancake Breakfast Bake Smooth Custard: Whisk eggs thoroughly: For a silky custard, ensure your eggs are completely beaten before mixing with milk and sugar. This helps avoid any clumps. Optimal Soaking Time: Chill overnight for best results: Allowing the pancakes to soak in the custard overnight is key for flavor absorption and texture. Add Texture: Use fresh crumb topping: Make your crumb topping just before baking for a fresh, crunchy texture that complements the soft pancakes. Watch the Bake Time: Check for doneness: Bake until golden brown, but keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking. A slightly jiggly center is perfectly fine when done! Flavor Variations: Experiment with ingredients: Try different flavored pancakes or add fruits like blueberries or bananas to customize your Pancake Breakfast Bake to your taste. Pancake Breakfast Bake Recipe FAQs What type of frozen pancakes should I use? You can use any variety of frozen pancakes—store-bought or homemade! If you have a favorite flavor, like buttermilk or blueberry, don’t hesitate to use them. Just be sure they are not overly thick or heavy, as this could affect the final texture of the bake. How long can I store the Pancake Breakfast Bake in the fridge? Absolutely! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh and maintain its flavors. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving for the best taste. Can I freeze the Pancake Breakfast Bake? Yes, you can! I often freeze individual portions by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag. This works wonders for quick breakfasts later on, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. What should I do if the custard isn’t setting during baking? If the custard isn’t setting, it may need more baking time. Make sure to check for a golden color and a center that jiggles slightly; that’s perfectly normal! If it looks too watery, you likely need to increase the baking duration by 5-10 minutes. It’s about finding that sweet spot of dryness and creaminess! What are some dietary considerations or allergies to keep in mind? If you have guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily adjust the recipe. Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version and check that your pancakes do not contain allergens like nuts or gluten. There are many brands that offer gluten-free, vegan pancakes if that’s necessary for your guests. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety! Can I make this recipe ahead of time, and how? Certainly! This Pancake Breakfast Bake is perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble the dish the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Allowing it to soak in the custard mixture helps to deepen the flavor. The next morning, just add the crumb topping and pop it in the oven for a quick and easy breakfast! Delicious Pancake Breakfast Bake for Effortless Mornings Enjoy a comforting Pancake Breakfast Bake that transforms frozen pancakes into a delightful morning feast, perfect for busy weekdays or brunch gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsChill Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 9 hours hrs Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base12 pieces Frozen Pancakes Use your favorite variety4 large Eggs Whisked2 cups Milk Whole milk preferred1/4 cup Sugar Adjust based on pancake sweetness1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be usedFor the Crumb Topping1/4 cup Butter Melted1/4 cup Brown Sugar Granulated sugar can be substituted1/2 cup Flour Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishmixing bowlWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and lay out the frozen pancakes side by side.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.Pour the custard evenly over the pancakes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.The next day, mix 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup flour for the crumb topping.Sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked pancakes and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.Let cool for 10 minutes, slice, and serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fruit. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
