Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a breakfast lover’s dream come true. It offers all the flavor and fluffiness of pancakes but in a much easier, fuss-free form. You won’t have to flip individual pancakes; just pour the batter into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The juicy blueberries pop with sweetness in every bite, and the buttermilk batter gives it a light, slightly tangy flavor. This dish is simple, yet it feels like a treat. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you’re craving a special breakfast!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)

• 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 or coat it with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to break them up too much.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with warm maple syrup.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It requires approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time, making it a quick and easy option for a delicious breakfast.

Variations

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the blueberries.

• Use Different Fruit: Swap the blueberries for other berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can also add diced peaches or apples for a different twist.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour to make this casserole gluten-free.

• Add a Streusel Topping: If you want a little extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping over the casserole before baking.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly and bake it the next morning. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s chilled.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, use a dairy-free milk substitute (like almond milk) and a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy yogurt or a homemade buttermilk substitute (add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of plant-based milk and let it sit for 5 minutes).

4. How can I make this casserole even fluffier?

To make the casserole even fluffier, you can separate the eggs, beating the egg whites until soft peaks form and folding them into the batter at the end. This will create a lighter texture.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

6. How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom?

To prevent the blueberries from sinking, you can toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the batter while baking.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to this casserole?

Yes, chocolate chips would be a delicious addition! You can fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips along with the blueberries for a sweet, indulgent twist.

8. Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade batter with a pancake mix. Use the mix according to the instructions for making pancake batter, and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Conclusion

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is the perfect dish to enjoy with family or friends for a special breakfast or brunch. With its fluffy texture, sweet blueberries, and creamy buttermilk flavor, it’s like enjoying pancakes in casserole form—only easier and more comforting. Whether you make it for a holiday or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a breakfast favorite!