Pancake Casserole with Streusel Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for both the pancake batter and the streusel topping.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the pancake batter.

Baking powder: Helps the pancake batter rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the pancake batter.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the batter.

Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the pancake batter.

Brown sugar: Used in the streusel topping for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.

Cold butter: Essential for creating a crumbly streusel topping.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the streusel topping.

When preparing the streusel topping, ensure that the cold butter is cut into small cubes before mixing it with the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. This will help create a crumbly texture that evenly distributes over the pancake batter. Using your fingertips to mix the ingredients can help achieve the perfect crumbly consistency.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the texture denser.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder to achieve the same leavening effect.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different flavor profile.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in most baking recipes.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water for each egg to create a vegan alternative.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a slight coconut flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and a similar caramel-like flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is gluten-free and adds a slightly nutty flavor, but may alter the texture.

• cold butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar texture in the streusel.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can complement the other ingredients similarly to cinnamon.

• Allow the pancake casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the streusel topping soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent the streusel from burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes.

• For longer storage, freeze the pancake casserole. First, cut it into individual servings. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat using the oven method described above for the best texture. Microwaving directly from frozen is not recommended as it can make the streusel topping less crisp.

• For an extra touch, drizzle with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. This adds a delightful sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover pancake casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the streusel topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the streusel get crispy again.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the pancake casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pancake casserole on a small baking sheet or toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the streusel topping from burning.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the streusel.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the pancake casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Be careful not to burn the streusel topping; lower the heat if necessary.

• Oven: Used to bake the pancake casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

• Mixing bowl: Another one is required to whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter.

• Whisk: Used to mix the wet ingredients until they are well combined.

• Spatula: Useful for folding the wet and dry ingredients together without over-mixing.

• Baking dish: The greased dish where the pancake batter will be poured and baked.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure smaller quantities like baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

• Small bowl: Used to prepare the streusel topping by combining brown sugar, flour, cold butter, and cinnamon.

• Pastry cutter: Helps to mix the cold butter into the streusel topping until it becomes crumbly.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the casserole is done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the streusel topping by pulsing brown sugar, flour, cold butter, and cinnamon.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the batter to save time.

Grease dish in advance: Grease the baking dish before starting to mix ingredients.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick breakfast later.