Sweet Pancake Casserole

### Instructions to Make Sweet Pancake Casserole

**1. Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and creates a golden top.

**2. Prepare the Pancake Batter**
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the **pancake mix**, **milk**, **eggs**, **melted butter**, **vanilla extract**, and **sugar** until fully combined. If you’re using homemade pancake batter, simply follow the recipe instructions for the batter but ensure it has the consistency of traditional pancake batter.

**3. Prepare the Casserole Dish**
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pancake batter into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

**4. Add the Topping**
In a separate small bowl, mix together the **brown sugar** and **cinnamon**. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pancake batter. Then, drizzle the **melted butter** over the sugar and cinnamon mixture. This will create a sweet, caramelized topping as it bakes.

**5. Add Fruit (Optional)**
If you’re adding fruit, scatter your choice of **berries** or **chopped fruit** on top of the batter. This adds a burst of flavor and color, making your casserole even more appealing. Fresh berries are particularly great, but you can use any fruit you like—apples, bananas, or even peaches work wonderfully.

**6. Bake the Casserole**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes** or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The casserole should be puffy and slightly crispy on top, while still soft and fluffy on the inside.

**7. Serve and Enjoy!**
Once your Sweet Pancake Casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into squares or serve it family-style directly from the dish. For extra indulgence, drizzle **maple syrup** over the top before serving.

### Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily make modifications based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

– **Chocolate Chip Pancake Casserole**: Add a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent, sweet treat.
– **Nutty Pancake Casserole**: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped **nuts** like walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top.
– **Apple Cinnamon Pancake Casserole**: Layer **thinly sliced apples** with cinnamon and brown sugar in the batter before baking.
– **Lemon Blueberry Pancake Casserole**: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrusy flavor, and use fresh **blueberries** for the fruit topping.
– **Caramelized Banana Pancake Casserole**: Slice bananas and sauté them in a little butter and brown sugar before adding them on top of the casserole.

### Why You’ll Love This Sweet Pancake Casserole

– **Convenience**: This casserole allows you to make a hearty, breakfast-style dish all at once, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
– **No Flipping**: Unlike traditional pancakes, there’s no need to stand over the stove flipping each pancake. Just pop the casserole in the oven and relax while it bakes!
– **Customizable**: The recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own by adding different fruits, nuts, or even spices to the mix.
– **Perfect for Special Occasions**: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or celebrating a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing option that combines the best of pancakes and dessert.

### Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, delicious breakfast that everyone will enjoy, this **Sweet Pancake Casserole** is the answer. It’s fluffy, flavorful, and completely customizable. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy a cozy breakfast with the family without spending all morning at the stove. Try it out and let the irresistible combination of pancakes, cinnamon, and fruit delight your taste buds!