Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Bake: A Cozy Brunch Favorite With a Sweet Crumb Topping
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ToggleA Warm Slice of Home—Why This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Bake Is So Special
Think about those chilly weekend mornings when the only thing that sounds appealing is something warm, sweet, and satisfying. This is where the blueberry buttermilk pancake bake steps in. You’re not flipping pancakes one by one or watching the skillet for the perfect bubbles. Instead, you can pop this dish into the oven and let it fill your kitchen with the aroma of vanilla, butter, and fresh blueberries. It brings the comfort of homemade pancakes with a twist that makes it feel indulgent, yet effortless.
You don’t have to be a professional chef to make a dish that tastes like something out of a brunch cafe. This blueberry buttermilk pancake bake with crumb topping wraps all the flavor, texture, and sweetness you crave into one family-sized breakfast that serves 12 to 15 people. Whether it’s for a holiday morning, weekend treat, or meal-prepped breakfast throughout the week, this bake makes sure you start the day off deliciously.
What Makes This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Bake Stand Out?
This isn’t just another pancake recipe. It’s something much more convenient and flavorful. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:
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- Fluffy Pancake Texture Without the Skillet: Say goodbye to standing over the stove.
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- Sweet and Buttery Crumb Topping: Think coffee cake vibes, but on pancakes.
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- Fresh Blueberries in Every Bite: Juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness.
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- Rich Buttermilk Base: Adds that classic tang and keeps the texture moist.
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- Easy to Prep Ahead: Make it the night before, bake it fresh in the morning.
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- Feeds a Crowd: It’s brunch-perfect, no matter how many mouths you’re feeding.
You’ll love how this dish turns an ordinary breakfast into a weekend-worthy feast with minimal effort. It’s particularly ideal when you’re hosting guests, managing a busy morning, or simply craving the warmth of homemade pancakes without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Pancake Bake
Creating this bake starts with a few basic pantry staples. But it’s the mix of tangy buttermilk, lemon zest, and crumb topping that elevate the flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need.
Crumb Topping
Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
---|---|---|
1/2 cup | All-purpose flour | Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed |
3 tbsp | Light brown sugar | Dark brown sugar works too |
2 tbsp | Granulated sugar | Adjust to taste |
1/2 tsp | Ground cinnamon | Adds warm spice |
1/4 tsp | Salt | Balances sweetness |
4 tbsp | Unsalted butter | Melted for mixing |
Pancake Batter
Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
2 1/2 cups | All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour for a heartier version |
2 tbsp | Granulated sugar | Optional for low-sugar version |
1/2 tsp | Salt | Enhances all the flavors |
1 tsp | Baking powder | Helps the batter rise |
1 tsp | Baking soda | Reacts with buttermilk |
2 | Large eggs | Room temp preferred |
2 cups | Buttermilk | Adds tang and moisture |
1/2 cup | Milk | Any milk works |
4 tbsp | Unsalted butter | Melted for rich texture |
1-2 tsp | Lemon zest | Brightens the flavor |
1 1/2 tsp | Vanilla extract | Adds warmth |
1 2/3 cups | Fresh blueberries | Frozen can work if thawed |
— | Maple syrup | Optional for serving |
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Bake
You’ll be amazed at how simple this dish is to prepare. Even if you’re not a confident baker, this bake doesn’t require any special skills or tools. It’s all about layering and baking—no flipping required.
Step 1: Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them until evenly mixed. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms soft clumps. This is your golden, buttery crumb topping. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the batter. Keeping it cold ensures it bakes into perfect, crispy nuggets of sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this aside.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. Add the buttermilk, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. It’s normal if the butter clumps a little due to the cold dairy—don’t worry, it’ll still mix beautifully.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be lumpy. Overmixing leads to tough, chewy pancakes, and that’s not what you want here.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the pancake batter into the prepared dish. Scatter the blueberries evenly over the surface, gently pressing some of them into the batter.
Remove the crumb topping from the fridge and crumble it evenly across the top. You want a good mix of large and small crumbles—don’t overthink it.
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Drizzle with warm maple syrup, add a pat of butter, or serve with a side of fresh fruit to complete your brunch plate.
Serving Tips and Variations
Want to elevate your blueberry buttermilk pancake bake even more? Try these ideas:
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- Top with powdered sugar for a coffee cake-like finish
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- Add whipped cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
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- Substitute blueberries with raspberries or chopped strawberries
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- Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) on top for crunch
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- Serve with lemon curd to enhance the citrusy flavor
This bake is just as tasty the next day. Warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds per slice, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the biggest perks of this blueberry buttermilk pancake bake is how well it stores:
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- Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
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- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.
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- Reheating: Microwave individual slices or reheat covered in the oven.
Want to prep ahead? Assemble everything (except the crumb topping) and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping in the morning and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimate per serving (based on 12 servings):
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- Calories: 260
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- Fat: 11g
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- Carbohydrates: 36g
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- Sugar: 15g
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- Protein: 5g
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- Fiber: 1g
For more health insights on ingredients like blueberries and buttermilk, visit Healthline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from watering down the batter.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free too.
Is this blueberry buttermilk pancake bake good for meal prep?
Yes! Slice it into portions and store in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully.
What other fruits can I use?
Try raspberries, blackberries, or chopped peaches for seasonal spins on this bake.
Wrap-Up and Call to Action
You’ve got everything you need to create a bakery-worthy blueberry buttermilk pancake bake that’s cozy, delicious, and perfect for any breakfast occasion. This recipe combines classic brunch comfort with modern convenience—and it’s ready for you to try.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your blueberries, and let the smell of sweet vanilla and buttermilk fill your kitchen. If you make this bake, share it with friends and tag us on your favorite social platform. Happy baking!

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Bake with Crumb Topping
- Author: Chef Rina
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 13 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy this easy blueberry buttermilk pancake bake recipe with a crumb topping—perfect for a warm, crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping:
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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3 tablespoons light brown sugar
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pancake Batter:
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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2 large eggs
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2 cups buttermilk
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½ cup milk (such as skim or any preferred type)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1–2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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1⅔ cups fresh blueberries
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Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until evenly combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator.
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Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla. Don’t worry if the butter clumps slightly due to the cold ingredients.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. The batter will be lumpy—avoid overmixing.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle blueberries over the top.
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Remove the crumb topping from the fridge and crumble it evenly over the batter and berries.
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Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast or Brunch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13 servings
- Calories: 260 kcal