Easy Overnight Blueberry Pancake Casserole

Overnight Blueberry Pancake Casserole: Imagine all the cozy flavor of classic pancakes – soft, fluffy, lightly sweet, combined with bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite.

Now imagine not having to stand at the stove flipping batch after batch. Instead, you prep everything the night before, slide it into the oven in the morning, and serve a warm, golden blueberry breakfast bake to your family or guests.

This make-ahead pancake casserole is perfect for holiday brunches, weekend gatherings, meal prep, or simply making your mornings easier.

It’s comforting. It’s practical. And it just might become your new favorite breakfast tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Make-Ahead Blueberry Pancake Bake

1. It Saves Time

There’s no flipping pancakes one by one. Everything bakes together in one dish, freeing you up to focus on coffee, family, or guests.

2. It Feeds a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting brunch or feeding a hungry family, this casserole makes generous portions in one pan.

3. It’s Perfect for Holidays

Christmas morning, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day breakfast—this dish fits right in. It feels festive without being complicated.

4. It’s Customizable

From lemon zest to cream cheese swirls, you can easily adapt the base recipe to suit your taste.

5. It’s Great for Meal Prep

Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an excellent breakfast meal prep option for the week ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this overnight breakfast casserole is that it uses simple pantry staples.

Core Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a heartier version)
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Eggs
• Milk (dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond milk)
• Melted butter or neutral oil
• Maple syrup or granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh or frozen blueberries

Optional Add-Ins

• Lemon zest for brightness
• Cinnamon for warmth
• A crumb or streusel topping for added texture
• White chocolate chips for a sweeter twist

Using frozen blueberries? No problem. Just fold them in straight from the freezer to prevent excess bleeding into the batter.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Overnight Blueberry Pancake Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Gently mix the two together until just combined. Do not overmix—small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 2: Fold in the Blueberries

Carefully fold in fresh or frozen blueberries. For even distribution, you can lightly toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight. This allows the batter to rest and develop structure.

Step 5: Bake in the Morning

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and set in the center, usually 35–45 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Fluffiest Pancake Casserole

• Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the casserole dense.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
• Check the center with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
• Add a streusel topping before baking for a bakery-style finish.

These small adjustments make a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

One of the reasons this blueberry breakfast bake is so popular is its flexibility.

Lemon Blueberry Version

Add lemon zest and a simple lemon glaze for a bright, fresh flavor.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl before baking.

Cinnamon Streusel

Top with a crumb mixture made from butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for added crunch.

Mixed Berry Pancake Bake

Replace some blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a colorful twist.

Protein-Packed Option

Substitute part of the milk with Greek yogurt to boost protein content and add richness.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Storing

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Slice into individual portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds.
• Reheat larger portions in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

To maintain moisture, you can lightly cover with foil during reheating.

Serving Ideas for Brunch and Holidays

This casserole pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory sides.

• Warm maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh whipped cream
• Greek yogurt and honey
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
• Fresh fruit salad
• Scrambled eggs for added protein

For special occasions, serve it as the centerpiece of a brunch spread with coffee, fresh juice, or mimosas.

Recipe FAQ’s

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

Yes. Simply prepare the mix according to package instructions, then proceed with assembling and refrigerating overnight.

Can I make it the same day?

You can, but the overnight rest improves texture. If short on time, allow at least 1–2 hours of refrigeration.

Will frozen blueberries make it soggy?

Not if used correctly. Add them frozen and avoid thawing first.