Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole Recipe

The Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the fluffiness of pancakes with the sweetness of juicy blueberries. Perfect for busy mornings, this casserole eliminates the need to flip individual pancakes while still delivering a homemade, hearty meal. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or preparing a weekend breakfast, this recipe allows you to enjoy delicious flavors with the convenience of make-ahead preparation. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to create this delightful dish!

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What is Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole?

A Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a creative twist on traditional pancakes. Instead of making individual pancakes, this dish uses pancake batter poured into a casserole dish along with fresh or frozen blueberries. It’s baked, resulting in a fluffy, slightly crisped top and a tender interior. The combination of buttermilk, flour, eggs, and blueberries creates a sweet, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

This casserole is especially great because it can be made the night before and popped in the oven the next morning, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy mornings or gatherings. The blueberries provide a burst of sweetness and antioxidants, while the buttermilk gives the dish a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the fluffy texture.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Before you begin preparing your Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – This is the standard size for this casserole and ensures even baking.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need two: one for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients.
• Whisk – To thoroughly mix your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe.
• Rubber spatula – For mixing and folding ingredients gently.
• Cooling rack – To let the casserole cool after baking.

These simple tools will help you efficiently prepare the casserole and ensure it turns out perfect every time.

Key Ingredients for Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole

Here’s a list of the main ingredients that will bring your casserole to life. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor:

• All-purpose flour – The base of the batter, giving it structure and texture.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the buttermilk.
• Baking powder and baking soda – These leavening agents help the casserole rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Buttermilk – Provides the tangy, creamy flavor that’s key to the dish.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help the casserole set.
• Vanilla extract – A must-have for any dessert or sweet breakfast recipe for extra flavor depth.
• Blueberries – Fresh or frozen, blueberries add that burst of fruity flavor and a pop of color.

Optional ingredients you can add to enhance the flavor include ground cinnamon and brown sugar, which can add a warm, spiced layer to the casserole.

How to Make Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole

Now that we have all the ingredients and tools, let’s go step-by-step through the process of making this delicious casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon of salt

This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, helping the casserole rise evenly while baking.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:

• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Mix until smooth. The buttermilk and eggs create a rich, creamy base for the batter.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in a dense texture, so keep it light and airy.

Step 5: Add the blueberries

Gently fold 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. They’ll hold their shape better and won’t stain the batter as much.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the baking dish

Carefully pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so check around the 25-minute mark.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole

Perfecting the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is all about small details. These tips will help you ensure the best possible outcome every time you make it:

Use fresh or frozen blueberries

While fresh blueberries are the most common option, frozen blueberries work just as well. In fact, they can sometimes help keep the casserole moist and prevent the batter from becoming too soggy. If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them beforehand. Simply fold them directly into the batter – this helps keep them intact during baking.

Don’t overmix the batter

It’s tempting to mix the ingredients thoroughly, but doing so can lead to a dense casserole. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. The batter should have small lumps – this is perfectly normal.

Adjust sweetness

You can easily adjust the sweetness level of your casserole. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe. Alternatively, you can top the casserole with a little extra maple syrup or powdered sugar before serving if you want a sweeter result.

Experiment with different fruits

Blueberries are the classic choice, but this recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to swap in other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries. You can even mix and match berries for a colorful and flavorful twist.

Add spices for warmth

To enhance the flavors, you can experiment with adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter. A pinch of cinnamon will provide a warm, comforting flavor that complements the blueberries perfectly.

Make it ahead of time

This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake. This is ideal for busy mornings when you need something quick yet delicious.

Use a toothpick to check for doneness

To make sure your casserole is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the casserole is ready. If there’s still batter on the toothpick, bake it for a few more minutes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers

If you have any leftover casserole, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating. The casserole tends to firm up once chilled but will still be delicious the next day.

Reheating

To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the casserole, make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. You might need to cover it with foil for the first part of the reheating to prevent it from drying out.

The Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With its fluffy texture, sweet blueberries, and make-ahead options, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a family brunch or preparing it the night before for a quick weekday breakfast, it’s an easy recipe that delivers impressive results every time.

By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating a few of the tips we’ve shared, you’ll be able to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and fruits – this recipe is all about making it your own!