Easy Overnight Pancake Casserole with Streusel Topping: The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast

Are you tired of rushed weekday mornings? Do you dream of a delicious, stress-free breakfast that everyone will love? Look no further than this Easy Overnight Pancake Casserole with Streusel Topping! This recipe is a game-changer for busy families, brunch gatherings, or anyone who wants a comforting and satisfying breakfast without the morning fuss.

This pancake casserole is incredibly simple to prepare the night before. Just mix the pancake batter, layer it in a baking dish, and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply bake it until golden brown and bubbly, and top it with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. The result is a warm, fluffy, and utterly irresistible breakfast that will make you the hero of the day.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The biggest advantage of this recipe is that it can be prepared the night before. This saves you precious time and energy in the morning.
* **Effortless Baking:** This recipe requires minimal effort. It’s as easy as mixing, layering, and baking.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This pancake casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The fluffy pancakes and sweet streusel topping are a delightful combination that everyone will enjoy.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to the pancake batter or streusel topping.
* **Perfect for Brunch:** This casserole is a fantastic option for brunch gatherings. It’s easy to transport and serve, and it looks impressive on the table.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Pancake Casserole:**

* 6 cups cubed bread (French bread, brioche, or challah work best)
* 8 large eggs
* 4 cups milk (any kind will work)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Optional additions: fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), chocolate chips, chopped nuts

**For the Streusel Topping:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Small bowl (for the streusel topping)
* Pastry blender or fork (for the streusel topping)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious overnight pancake casserole:

### Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.

### Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the bread is distributed in a single layer.

### Step 3: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and free of any lumps.

### Step 4: Pour the Batter Over the Bread

Pour the pancake batter evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread is moistened with the batter. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it absorbs the liquid.

### Step 5: Add Optional Additions (Optional)

If you’re using any optional additions like berries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the pancake batter. This will add extra flavor and texture to your casserole.

### Step 6: Cover and Refrigerate

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the batter and creates a wonderfully soft and fluffy texture.

### Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. You can also use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour.

### Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole bakes evenly and develops a golden brown crust.

### Step 9: Sprinkle the Streusel Topping

Remove the pancake casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the casserole. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor and texture.

### Step 10: Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

### Step 11: Let Cool Slightly

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to slice and serve.

### Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the pancake casserole into squares and serve warm. You can enjoy it as is, or top it with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread works best for this recipe because it absorbs the batter more effectively. If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven before using it.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough casserole. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or streusel topping.
* **Get Creative with Additions:** Feel free to experiment with different additions to customize this recipe to your liking. Consider adding chopped apples, bananas, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread and gluten-free flour in the streusel topping.
* **Storage:** Store any leftover pancake casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Berry Blast:** Add a mixture of your favorite berries to the pancake batter for a burst of fruity flavor. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are all great options.
* **Chocolate Chip Delight:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the pancake batter or add them to the streusel topping for a decadent treat.
* **Nutty Crunch:** Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Apple Cinnamon Swirl:** Add chopped apples and a swirl of cinnamon to the pancake batter for a cozy and comforting flavor.
* **Peanut Butter Cup:** Swirl peanut butter into the pancake batter and top with chopped peanut butter cups for a truly indulgent breakfast.
* **Savory Option:** Omit the sugar and cinnamon from the pancake batter and streusel topping. Add shredded cheese, chopped cooked bacon, and diced green onions to the pancake batter for a savory casserole.
* **Vegan Pancake Casserole:** Substitute the eggs with a flax egg mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Ensure the bread is also vegan-friendly.

## Serving Suggestions

This Easy Overnight Pancake Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of toppings and sides to create a complete and satisfying breakfast or brunch.

* **Maple Syrup:** The classic topping for pancakes, maple syrup adds sweetness and a touch of warmth.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the fluffy pancakes.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or other seasonal fruits for a healthy and refreshing touch.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
* **Chocolate Sauce:** Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** Serve with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a balanced and satisfying meal.
* **Scrambled Eggs:** Add scrambled eggs for a complete and protein-rich breakfast.
* **Yogurt:** Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for a healthy and tangy contrast.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make Ahead:** As the name suggests, this recipe is designed to be made ahead of time. You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. The streusel topping can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

**Storage:** Leftover pancake casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

## Conclusion

This Easy Overnight Pancake Casserole with Streusel Topping is the perfect solution for busy mornings and effortless brunch gatherings. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the morning stress and embrace the deliciousness of this make-ahead breakfast recipe. Your family and friends will thank you!

Enjoy creating this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations and serving suggestions in the comments below! Happy baking!