
If you love lazy weekend brunches and crave the comfort of old-fashioned pancakes with a twist, this Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is about to become your new favorite! It’s all the comforting, fluffy magic of blueberry pancakes baked in a convenient one-dish casserole, crowned with a buttery crumb topping and a hint of lemon. Every tender slice is bursting with juicy blueberries and cozy breakfast nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Blueberry Bliss: Every bite is filled to the brim with plump, juicy blueberries that burst with flavor in the light, fluffy pancake base.
- All-in-One Ease: Skip flipping stacks and messy griddles—just pour, layer, and bake for a crowd-friendly breakfast or brunch.
- Buttery Crumb Topping: The sweet, cinnamon-kissed streusel forms a golden finish that’s honestly swoon-worthy.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is easily prepped in advance—perfect for holidays or weekday mornings alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a key role in building the flavor, tenderness, and crave-worthy color of your Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole. Don’t skip the crumb topping or lemon zest—it’s what elevates this bake from everyday to truly unforgettable!
- All-purpose flour: Gives the pancake base its signature fluff and structure—be sure to fluff and measure it right for a light casserole.
- Granulated & light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and flavor—brown sugar in the crumb delivers a caramel warmth.
- Cinnamon & salt: Just a touch of each for depth and cozy warmth in the topping and base.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses richness into both the crumb topping and pancake batter for that old-fashioned taste.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These help your casserole puff and stay tender inside.
- Eggs: Bind and give the bake lift and structure.
- Buttermilk & milk: Classic buttermilk keeps everything tangy, ultra-fluffy, and moist, while milk balances richness.
- Lemon zest: Adds a bright pop that makes the blueberries sparkle—fresh zest is best here!
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, making every bite taste like pancakes from scratch.
- Blueberries: Bursting with color and juicy sweetness—use fresh or toss frozen straight into the pan (no thawing needed).
- Maple syrup: For serving; the absolute best friend of pancakes, now cascading over every warm, crumbly slice.
Variations
This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is super flexible—customize it to your family’s favorites or work with what you have on hand. It’s easy to get creative and swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or flavor cravings!
- Use frozen blueberries: No need to thaw—just toss them in for a juicy, berry-rich bake anytime of year.
- Try different fruits: Swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or even diced peaches for a colorful twist.
- Gluten-free option: Simply use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious and inclusive breakfast treat.
- Citrus swap: Orange zest instead of lemon brings a fragrant new brightness.
- Pancake mix shortcut: Use a good-quality pancake mix in place of dry ingredients for mornings when you need an extra-quick fix.
How to Make Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole releases easily and bakes up evenly golden around the edges.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until fully moistened and clumpy. Pop this into the fridge—chilling keeps the topping delightfully crumbly until baking time.
Step 3: Mix the Pancake Batter
In your largest bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla. Don’t worry if the butter clumps a bit—it will smooth out in the oven!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and gently fold them together with a spatula. The batter will look a little lumpy—this is perfect for tender, puffy pancakes in casserole form, so resist the urge to overmix.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared dish, then scatter blueberries generously across the surface. Top with the chilled crumb, breaking it up with your fingers for an even, chunky layer of goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden, the edges are set, and the center springs back when gently touched. Let your Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole cool for at least 10 minutes—it makes slicing (and serving with maple syrup) so much easier!
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole
- Crumb Topping Chill: Keep the crumb topping cold until right before baking to ensure crunchy, bakery-style crumbles on top.
- Batter Texture: Lumpy batter is key! Don’t overmix—gentle folding makes the casserole puffy and tender, never dense.
- Check for Doneness: Gently press the center—it should spring back and look set, not wet or jiggly. Ovens can vary, so it’s okay to give it an extra few minutes.
- Blueberry Distribution: Sprinkle berries evenly over the batter for sweet, fruit-filled bites in every square.
How to Serve Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole is made for a maple syrup drizzle, but don’t stop there! Dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of gently whipped cream, or scatter extra fresh blueberries and a bit of lemon zest right before serving for a stunning finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Balance your sweet, blueberry-studded bake with savory sides like crisp bacon, sausage links, or a platter of fluffy scrambled eggs. A fresh fruit salad or tangy yogurt parfait rounds out the experience and keeps brunch feeling festive and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole into squares and stack them high like pancakes, then finish with a cascade of syrup at the table. For a brunch buffet, serve individually in ramekins or layer the casserole with whipped cream and berries in jars as parfaits—a total showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crumb topping stays surprisingly crisp, and every slice heats up beautifully for a second breakfast (or midnight snack!).
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before storing in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a slice (or the whole casserole) into a 325°F oven until warmed through—about 10 minutes for slices or 25–30 minutes for a whole pan. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just keep it covered and heat in short bursts for a moist crumb every time.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can use frozen blueberries without thawing them first—just scatter them straight from the freezer onto the batter. This prevents your casserole from turning too blue or watery and delivers perfectly juicy berries in every bite.
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Can I make Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep the batter and streusel topping the night before and store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, assemble and bake for a hot, effortless breakfast. Leftovers also reheat beautifully throughout the week.
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What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, make your own by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk—let it sit for a few minutes, then use as directed in the recipe. It adds the same tang and fluff!
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Can I halve the recipe?
Definitely! Make a half batch in an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish and bake for about 30–35 minutes. It’s perfect for a smaller crowd or for keeping breakfast on hand for a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s as easy as it is delightful, Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole has your back. Grab your favorite mug and gather around—this dish is made for sharing, savoring, and celebrating all the best moments, big and small. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how quickly it disappears at your table!
PrintBlueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, baked to perfection with a sweet crumb topping and bursting with juicy blueberries. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pancake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk (skim milk)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1–2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
- Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until fully incorporated. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the pancake batter.
- Pancake: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk wet ingredients until well combined. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the top. Crumble the chilled crumb topping over the blueberries and batter.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Flour: Whisk and lightly scoop for accurate measurements.
- Make-ahead options, using frozen blueberries, and using pancake mix discussed above.
- Serve warm with maple syrup. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Recipe adapted from The Kitchn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 63mg