This easy Patriot Day dessert turns a bag of solid unthawed frozen buttermilk pancakes into a warm, comforting baked treat with almost no prep. It borrows the spirit of bread pudding and baked casserole desserts, using pantry staples to transform an everyday breakfast item into something soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and ideal for feeding a family on a busy evening.
Serve it warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of lightly sweetened yogurt. Fresh strawberries and blueberries fit the Patriot Day theme nicely, and a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or cold milk makes this simple baked dessert feel especially cozy.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Patriot Day Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 solid unthawed frozen buttermilk pancakes
1 1/2 cups blueberries
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup maple syrup
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oven-safe glass baking dish.
2. Arrange half of the solid unthawed frozen buttermilk pancakes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them to cover the bottom.
3. Scatter half of the blueberries and strawberries over the pancakes, then dollop half of the cream cheese across the fruit and drizzle with half of the maple syrup.
4. Repeat with the remaining pancakes, berries, cream cheese, and maple syrup to make a second layer.
5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the pancakes are heated through, the berries are juicy, and the cream cheese is softened and lightly golden in spots.
6. Let the dessert rest for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping and serving warm.
Variations & Tips
Add a crunch topping: For a little texture, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or granola over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking so the dessert has a pleasant crisp contrast.
Use other patriotic fruit: Raspberries can stand in for some of the strawberries, and blackberries work well too. Keeping a mix of red and blue fruit preserves the theme while giving the dessert a slightly deeper berry flavor.
Make cleaner slices: If you would rather cut squares instead of scooping spoonfuls, let the baked dessert cool a bit longer before serving. The cream cheese will set slightly as it rests, making portions neater.
Sweetness tip: If your berries are especially tart, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over each serving at the table rather than adding more before baking. That keeps the casserole from becoming overly wet.