Fluffy Maple Pecan Pancake
A simple yet comforting breakfast bake made with pancake mix, maple syrup, and crunchy pecans, this dish delivers all the flavors of homemade pancakes with none of the flipping. Light, fluffy, and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly recipe that can be customized with bacon or enjoyed as is for a sweet start to the day.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk or spoon
- 1 8x8-inch baking dish
- 1 oven (preheated to 425°F)
- 1 cooking spray or small amount of oil
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups pancake baking mix e.g., Bisquick
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
- 3 –4 slices cooked bacon crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the pancake bake rise quickly and develop a light, fluffy texture while creating a golden-brown crust on top. While the oven is heating, lightly coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This ensures the batter won’t stick and makes serving much easier later. Set the dish aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack two large eggs and whisk them gently until the yolks and whites are well blended. Pour in the buttermilk and pure maple syrup, whisking again until the mixture looks smooth and slightly frothy. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, which contributes to the fluffy texture of the finished bake.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the pancake mix (such as Bisquick) and sugar into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a whisk or sturdy spoon to stir everything together, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go to avoid clumps of dry mix. The batter should come together smoothly and resemble a thick pancake batter — not too runny, but not overly stiff either.
- Fold in Crunchy Add-Ins: At this point, stir in the chopped pecans, which will add a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to the bake. If you prefer a bit of savory contrast, you can also fold in some of the cooked, crumbled bacon (or save it to sprinkle on top later). Mix gently so the nuts and bacon are evenly distributed without over-stirring the batter.
- Transfer Batter to the Dish: Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula so the surface is level. A smooth surface helps the pancake bake rise uniformly in the oven. If you’ve reserved bacon crumbles, hold off for now — you’ll add them after the first bake.
- Bake the First Round: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial baking period allows the batter to set and rise while developing its fluffy structure. The top should start looking slightly golden but not fully browned yet.
- Add Savory Topping and Finish Baking: After the first 10 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts. Sprinkle the cooked bacon crumbles evenly over the top if you haven’t added them yet. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
- Rest, Slice, and Serve: Once fully baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. This short resting period makes the bake easier to cut into neat squares and allows the flavors to settle. Slice into 6–8 portions, depending on serving size, and drizzle each square with a little extra maple syrup if desired. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- A cozy, baked twist on classic pancakes, combining maple syrup, pecans, and optional bacon.
- Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch.
- Fluffy texture thanks to the combination of eggs, buttermilk, and pancake mix.
- Nutritious addition of pecans provides healthy fats and fiber.
- Sweet and savory flavors can be customized with or without bacon.
- Great for meal prep — can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Can be served plain, drizzled with syrup, or paired with fruit and yogurt.
