Overnight Pancake Breakfast Bake (Printable version)
A make-ahead pancake and egg custard casserole that bakes into a puffy, golden morning dish with savory or sweet add-ins.
# What you need:
→ Pancake Layer
01 - 8 large pancakes, store-bought or homemade
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Egg Custard
03 - 6 large eggs
04 - 1½ cups whole milk
05 - ⅓ cup heavy cream
06 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
07 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
10 - 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or chopped cooked bacon (optional)
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - ½ cup diced fresh strawberries or blueberries (optional, for a sweet version)
→ Topping
13 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
14 - Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
15 - Extra berries or sliced bananas, for serving
# How To:
01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring even coverage on all surfaces.
02 - Arrange the pancakes in the prepared dish, overlapping them slightly to create a uniform base. Brush the tops evenly with the melted butter.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Scatter the desired add-ins — sausage or bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and/or fresh fruit — evenly across the pancake layer.
05 - Slowly pour the egg custard mixture over the pancakes and add-ins, tilting the dish gently to ensure even coating throughout.
06 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the custard to soak into the pancakes.
07 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and let it stand at room temperature while the oven comes to temperature.
08 - Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the top of the casserole.
09 - Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, puffed, and the center is fully set with no liquid visible.
10 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into portions. Dust with powdered sugar and top with additional berries or sliced bananas if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You do all the work the night before, so morning you gets all the credit with zero stress.
- It stretches simple pantry ingredients into something that feels special enough for guests.
02 -
- Do not skip the overnight soak, because rushed pancakes that have not fully absorbed the custard will taste soggy rather than creamy.
- Letting the dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats prevents the center from staying cold and underbaked.
03 -
- Use day-old pancakes rather than fresh ones, because they are sturdier and hold their structure better during the long overnight soak.
- If you want a crispier top, run the baked dish under the broiler for two to three minutes right at the end, watching it like a hawk so it does not burn.