This easy Thanksgiving dessert is the kind of cozy shortcut busy families appreciate during a full holiday week. Using frozen mini pancakes as the base turns a few simple ingredients into a warm, bread-pudding-style bake with soft centers, golden edges, and plenty of seasonal comfort. It is a clever little casserole that feels special enough for the dessert table without needing a lot of prep or a long ingredient list.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple finish. It also pairs nicely with hot coffee after a big Thanksgiving meal, and if you want to make it feel extra festive, a spoonful of cranberry sauce or a light sprinkle of chopped pecans on the side adds a lovely holiday touch.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert with Mini Pancakes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
24 ounces solid frozen unthawed mini pancakes
1 cup pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Spread the solid frozen unthawed mini pancakes evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pancakes, making sure most of the pancakes get coated. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes so the pancakes can absorb some of the mixture.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Pecan Topping: For a little crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before baking. This adds a nice Thanksgiving feel and makes the casserole look extra pretty on the table.
For Picky Eaters: If your family prefers milder fall flavor, reduce the cinnamon slightly and serve each portion with whipped cream. That soft, creamy topping helps win over little ones and anyone who is unsure about pumpkin desserts.
Make It Sweeter: If you like a dessert that tastes more like a holiday treat than a breakfast bake, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over each serving right before bringing it to the table.
Doneness Tip: The center should look set, not liquid, when you take it out of the oven. A little softness is fine, since it will continue to firm up as it rests.
Leftover Tip: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave. It makes a lovely next-day treat with coffee or even a cozy brunch plate.