Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole

This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast that combines the fluffy, tender texture of pancakes with a creamy, custardy soak and bursts of sweet, juicy blueberries throughout. The golden baked top offers a beautiful contrast to the soft inside, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ideal for weekend brunches or special mornings, this casserole is easy to prepare ahead and bake fresh whenever you want a warm, satisfying start to the day. The subtle tang of buttermilk enhances the pancakes’ flavor and keeps the dish light yet indulgent. Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate this crowd-pleasing classic even more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups day-old pancake pieces (preferably buttermilk pancakes)

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 4 large eggs

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

• Maple syrup, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cut the day-old pancakes into bite-sized pieces and spread half of them evenly in the baking dish.

3. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the pancake layer.

4. Add the remaining pancake pieces on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries.

5. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

6. Pour the buttermilk mixture evenly over the layered pancakes and blueberries, pressing down lightly to ensure the liquid seeps through.

7. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.

9. Let cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.

10. Serve warm with maple syrup and extra blueberries if you like.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Decadent Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Bake

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish that beautifully combines the fluffy texture of classic pancakes with a rich, creamy custard soak and bursts of juicy blueberries throughout. Unlike making pancakes fresh on the griddle every time, this casserole allows you to layer pre-made pancakes, soak them in a luscious buttermilk and egg custard, then bake everything into a warm, golden, and tender morning treat. It’s perfect for weekend family gatherings, holiday brunches, or any day when you want an effortless yet impressive breakfast.

The Beauty of Using Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that takes this casserole from ordinary to extraordinary. Known for its slightly tangy flavor and tenderizing properties, buttermilk enhances the pancakes with a subtle zest and keeps them moist while baking. This acidity reacts with the baking powder to create light, fluffy pancakes initially, and later it enriches the custard soak to add a silky texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute is to mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly, mimicking that tangy buttermilk flavor.

Why Use Day-Old Pancakes?

Using day-old pancakes in this casserole is ideal because they are a bit drier and sturdier, making them perfect to soak up the custard without turning into mush. Fresh pancakes tend to be too soft and may dissolve during the soaking and baking process. If you’re pressed for time, you can make pancakes a day ahead or bake them in advance and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. The leftover pancakes become the base “bread” of the casserole, layered with blueberries to add natural sweetness and fresh fruit flavor.

Blueberries: Fresh or Frozen?

Both fresh and frozen blueberries work beautifully in this recipe. Fresh blueberries offer the best natural flavor and texture during the baking process, but frozen blueberries are a great year-round option that still provide plenty of sweetness and color. Frozen berries can release more juice when baked, which makes the casserole extra moist and fruity, but you can adjust by gently patting them dry before layering if you want to reduce excess liquid.

Custard Soak: The Heart of the Casserole

The custard mixture is made with eggs, buttermilk, sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This blend is poured generously over the pancake and blueberry layers, allowing the pancakes to soak up the rich custard overnight or at least 30 minutes before baking. This soaking period is crucial as it softens the pancake pieces and binds everything together while infusing the casserole with creamy texture and a slight sweetness. The eggs provide structure, while the sugar and vanilla enhance the overall flavor.

How to Customize This Casserole

One of the great things about this casserole is its versatility. While blueberries add a wonderful burst of flavor and color, you can easily customize the fruit component based on your preference or what’s in season. Consider swapping blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches or apples. For added texture, toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard for warm spice notes.

For those who prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, try substituting the buttermilk with coconut milk mixed with lemon juice and use a vegan egg replacer. The texture and flavor may be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is best served warm, fresh out of the oven. Dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation, and drizzle generously with pure maple syrup or honey. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch or dessert twist. Fresh berries on the side or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add texture and color to the plate.

Meal Prep and Storage

This casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast. Assemble it the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed, saving you precious time on busy mornings or holidays. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Considerations

This dish is a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The pancakes provide a comforting carb base, while eggs in the custard supply protein, and butter adds richness. Blueberries contribute antioxidants, fiber, and natural sweetness. For those counting calories or managing dietary restrictions, consider using whole grain or gluten-free pancake mix, reducing sugar, or replacing butter with a healthier oil alternative.

Why This Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about pancakes, and this casserole captures that feeling while adding a modern, convenient twist. It offers the satisfaction of pancakes with less hands-on time, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without stress. The combination of soft pancakes soaked in custard and bursting with blueberries is a guaranteed hit, loved by kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that elevates traditional pancakes into a baked masterpiece perfect for any special breakfast or brunch. Its rich buttermilk custard soak, tender pancake layers, and juicy blueberries create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you prepare it ahead of time for ease or bake it fresh on a lazy weekend morning, this casserole brings comfort, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to the table.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. It’s easily adaptable, allowing you to tailor the fruit, spices, and toppings to suit your tastes and dietary needs. From casual family meals to festive occasions, this Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a dependable crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a beloved staple in your breakfast repertoire.

Try it once, and you’ll find it hard to go back to regular pancakes again!