- Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 23x33cm (9x13") ceramic or glass baking dish with unsalted butter. This prevents sticking and adds richness to the edges.
- Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This forms the base structure of your pancake batter.
- Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, large eggs, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated for a rich, smooth mixture.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Add Blueberries to the Batter
Toss fresh blueberries in a tablespoon of flour, then fold them into the batter. This step keeps the fruit evenly dispersed as the casserole bakes.
- Transfer Batter to the Dish
Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan 160°C) for 35–40 minutes. It should be puffed, golden on top, and set in the centre.
- Rest the Casserole Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve with Toppings
Cut into squares and serve with toppings like maple syrup, yoghurt, clotted cream, or extra fresh berries.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories:320 Kcal
- Protein:8 g
- Fat:12 g
- Carbohydrates:45 g
- Sugar:18 g
- Fibre:2 g
- Sodium:230 mg
Few recipes combine simplicity, nostalgia, and indulgence quite like this Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole. Whether you’re preparing a family brunch in the heart of England, a weekend breakfast in rural Ireland, or a festive feast in any part of the UK, this baked pancake casserole is a show-stopping dish with very little fuss.
It’s warm, comforting, and studded with juicy blueberries, all while being easy to prep the night before. Let’s dive into the story, benefits, tips, and everything you need to know about mastering this brilliant buttermilk breakfast casserole.
Table of Contents
Why This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole Works Wonders
✅ Stress-Free Morning Brilliance
This dish is a make-ahead breakfast marvel. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and pop it into the oven in the morning. Perfect for busy weekends or when you’re hosting guests without wanting to be stuck in the kitchen.
✅ Beautiful Texture and Flavour
Thanks to buttermilk, this casserole is tender, custardy, and has just the right tang. The top is golden and lightly crisp, while the inside remains fluffy and moist.
✅ Versatile and Forgiving
You can use store-bought pancake mix or go fully homemade. Toss in lemon zest, cinnamon, or swap blueberries for blackberries or chopped apples — anything that suits your seasonal pantry.
✅ Family-Friendly and Fancy Enough for Guests
Even children love this casserole. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — it’s fancy enough to impress your Sunday brunch crew.
Common Blueberry Pancake Bake Mistakes and Fixes
❌ It’s Too Soggy
If underbaked or if too many wet ingredients (or juicy frozen berries) are used, your casserole may be soggy. Always bake until the centre is set and consider using fresh blueberries.
❌ Too Dense
Overmixing the batter is a key culprit here. Mix gently — just enough to bring ingredients together.
❌ Uneven Fruit Distribution
Tossing the berries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter helps keep them suspended.
❌ Top Burns Too Fast
Tent the casserole with foil if it’s browning too quickly but still jiggly in the centre.
A Short History of the Baked Pancake Casserole
Though pancakes have long been a breakfast staple throughout Ireland and the UK — especially on Shrove Tuesday — baking them into a casserole is a much more modern idea, likely influenced by American-style breakfast bakes.
In many Irish and British homes, bread and butter pudding has always been a traditional sweet bake — and this pancake version borrows the same principles: layering carbs (pancakes instead of bread), enriching with eggs and dairy, then baking to perfection.
Today, the baked pancake casserole is becoming a staple in brunch culture, and for good reason — it’s hearty, flexible, and downright delicious.
Easy Brunch Recipe Ideas Using Blueberry Pancake Bake
Looking for more ways to serve this dish? Here are several serving suggestions that elevate it into a full easy brunch recipe spread:
- With Clotted Cream and Jam: Serve warm with a dollop of Cornish clotted cream and strawberry or blackberry jam.
- With Rashers and Black Pudding: For a heartier twist, pair the bake with a traditional Irish breakfast platter.
- As Part of a Brunch Board: Slice into squares and serve with bacon, fruit salad, and mini scones on a brunch platter.
- With Herbal or Irish Breakfast Tea: Pair it with robust tea blends for a satisfying brunch experience.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Tips for Busy Households in the UK
Planning ahead? This dish is perfect. Here’s how to get the best results:
🕒 Make the Night Before
Fully assemble the casserole, cover it with clingfilm or foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the fridge 20–30 minutes before baking so it can come to room temperature.
❄️ Freeze Individual Slices
After baking and cooling, slice into squares. Wrap each piece in baking paper and freeze. Reheat directly in the oven.
👩🍳 Meal Prep for the Week
This recipe makes 8 generous portions. You can refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days and reheat for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
🧒 Great for School Mornings
Kid-friendly and portable when sliced into small bars — ideal for mornings when there’s no time for sit-down breakfasts.
Regional Twists from England, Ireland, and the UK
The charm of this dish lies in how easily it adapts to local ingredients. Here are some regional spins:
English Version
Add lemon zest and a swirl of lemon curd before baking for a zesty finish. Serve with a pot of Earl Grey tea.
Irish Version
Use creamy Irish butter and substitute some of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like taste. Serve with Barry’s Tea.
🏴 Scottish Version
Add a handful of oats or toasted almonds for texture. You can even use Scottish raspberries instead of blueberries.
🏴 Welsh Version
Top with whipped cream cheese and serve with laverbread or a savoury item for contrast.
Seasonal Variations of the Baked Pancake Casserole
Want to enjoy this all year round? Try these seasonal versions:
🌸 Spring
Add chopped rhubarb or use fresh raspberries. Serve with crème fraîche.
☀️ Summer
Use fresh blueberries, strawberries, or cherries. Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream.
🍁 Autumn
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and diced apples. A drizzle of maple syrup brings it all together.
❄️ Winter
Go decadent with chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Serve warm with custard or brandy cream.
Troubleshooting Your Baked Pancake Casserole
Casserole Won’t Set?
Make sure your oven is properly preheated. Cover and bake longer at a lower temperature if the centre is still jiggly.
Blueberries Sinking?
Toss them in flour before adding to the batter. This prevents them from falling to the bottom.
Top Too Dark?
Use foil to tent the top halfway through baking.
Too Dry on Reheat?
Add a spoonful of milk or cream to the slice before reheating in the oven.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Queries
Can I use pancake mix instead of making it from scratch?
Yes! Use about 150g of pancake mix and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
Can I bake it in individual ramekins?
Certainly! Just adjust the baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Can I make this dairy-free and egg-free?
Yes — use plant-based milk with lemon juice (to mimic buttermilk) and an egg replacement like flaxseed or commercial egg replacers.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it tastes great chilled, especially in summer. Try topping with yoghurt and honey.
Does it pair well with savoury sides?
Surprisingly, yes. Serve with sausages or roasted tomatoes for contrast.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 500ml of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes — use a larger roasting pan and extend the baking time to about 50–60 minutes.
