Pancake Casserole with Maple, Cinnamon, and Chocolate Chip Garnish Recipe
This indulgent Pancake Casserole transforms store-bought pancakes into a delightful baked breakfast treat. Soaked overnight in a rich custard of eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, and brown sugar, then baked until golden and custardy, it's perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion morning. Serve with chocolate chips, fresh berries, and extra syrup for an irresistible start to your day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pancakes
- 20 store-bought pancakes, sliced in half
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Garnish (optional)
- Chocolate chips
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray an 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange pancakes: Cut the 20 pancakes in half and arrange them cut side down in the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly to cover the entire bottom.
- Mix custard: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs until smooth. Add 1½ cups half-and-half, 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Whisk until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth custard.
- Soak overnight: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged pancakes. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours to let the pancakes soak up the custard.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown. If the top begins to brown too much, cover loosely with foil for the final minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit briefly. Serve warm topped with chocolate chips, fresh berries, additional maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Using store-bought pancakes saves time, but you can substitute homemade pancakes if preferred.
- Overnight soaking allows pancakes to absorb the custard completely for a rich, custardy texture.
- Vanilla bean paste adds intense flavor but vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
- Feel free to add nuts or other fruits as toppings to customize the casserole.
- Covering the casserole with foil during baking prevents excessive browning.
