Go Back

Make-Ahead Pancake Breakfast Bake

A layered breakfast casserole combining fluffy pancakes, cream cheese swirls, and cinnamon-sugar ribbons that's assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for an effortless, crowd-pleasing brunch dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

Pancake Base
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk or milk with 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
For Serving
  • maple syrup warmed
  • powdered sugar optional
  • fresh berries optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Line with parchment paper if desired for easier removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to form a thick paste. Set aside.
  4. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and egg until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour half the pancake batter into prepared dish. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over batter and swirl with a knife. Drizzle half the cinnamon mixture in ribbons and swirl. Add remaining pancake batter, more cream cheese dollops with swirls, then remaining cinnamon mixture to create a marbled top.
  6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove baking dish from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while oven preheats.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set with slight jiggle. A toothpick should come out with just moist crumbs.
  9. Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Notes

Can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Freezes well unbaked—thaw overnight before baking. Leftovers keep refrigerated for 4 days. For best swirls, make sure cream cheese is fully softened. The overnight rest creates the signature custardy texture.