Spring Brunch Blueberry Pancake Bake
Highlighted under: Family Kitchen
I love hosting brunches, especially during the spring when fresh berries are abundant. This Spring Brunch Blueberry Pancake Bake is a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of fluffy pancakes and juicy blueberries creates a delicious breakfast that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making my brunch gatherings more enjoyable and less stressful. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!
One Saturday morning, I decided to whip up something special for my family. I had fresh blueberries sitting in my fridge and wanted to create a dish that embraced the cheerful vibes of spring. I combined my favorite pancake batter with those juicy berries, and the result was something spectacular. The bake rose beautifully while the blueberries burst, creating pockets of sweetness that paired perfectly with the pancake base.
After several tries, I discovered that letting the batter rest for a while before baking made it even fluffier. Serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar was the finishing touch! This dish is the perfect centerpiece for any spring brunch gathering, and it quickly became a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy pancakes infused with fresh blueberries
- Easily serves a crowd, ideal for brunch gatherings
- Bright, vibrant flavors that celebrate spring
Getting the Batter Right
The batter for this Spring Brunch Blueberry Pancake Bake is key to creating a fluffy texture. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix; you want to stop as soon as everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a dense final product rather than the light and airy pancakes we're aiming for.
For the best results, allow your batter to rest for about 10-15 minutes after mixing. This helps to hydrate the flour fully and gives your pancakes a better texture by allowing bubbles to form, which will create that lovely lift during baking.
Blueberry Bliss
Using fresh blueberries not only adds flavor but also provides a burst of color and additional moisture to the pancake bake. Make sure to rinse them gently and dry them thoroughly before adding them to your batter. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the batter consistency, ensuring that your pancake bake doesn’t become soggy in the middle.
If you can’t find fresh blueberries, frozen ones can work in a pinch; just be aware that they might bleed a bit more juice into the batter. If using frozen blueberries, there's no need to thaw them first: simply fold them directly into the batter from the freezer, which helps them maintain their shape during baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pancake Bake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Instructions
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Serve
Let the pancake bake cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Spring Brunch Blueberry Pancake Bake!
Pro Tips
- For a variation, substitute the blueberries with strawberries or raspberries. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Before You Bake
Once your batter is ready, pouring it into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish ensures even cooking. To further prevent sticking, consider lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides. This little step makes lifting out the pancake bake super easy once it's cool, enabling clean slices for serving.
Keep your oven at the right temperature for optimal baking. If your oven tends to have hot spots, rotate the dish halfway through the baking time. Look for the top to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean—both signs that your pancake bake is done.
Serving Suggestions
This pancake bake pairs perfectly with classic maple syrup, but feel free to mix it up with toppings like fresh whipped cream, a dollop of yogurt, or even lemon curd for a zesty twist. Fresh fruit on the side—like more blueberries, sliced strawberries, or even a citrus salad—can enhance the springtime feel of your brunch.
If you're expecting a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a larger dish. Just be mindful to adjust the baking time, checking for doneness with a toothpick, as a larger volume may require additional minutes in the oven.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just ensure they are not thawed before adding them to the batter.
→ How can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
→ Can I prepare this the night before?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before pouring it into the baking dish.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Spring Brunch Blueberry Pancake Bake
I love hosting brunches, especially during the spring when fresh berries are abundant. This Spring Brunch Blueberry Pancake Bake is a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of fluffy pancakes and juicy blueberries creates a delicious breakfast that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making my brunch gatherings more enjoyable and less stressful. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!
What You'll Need
For the Pancake Bake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the pancake bake cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Extra Tips
- For a variation, substitute the blueberries with strawberries or raspberries. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 6g