If you love waking up to something special yet simple on the holidays, you are going to adore this Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake. This dish combines the cozy, festive flavors of eggnog and nutmeg with the comforting texture of fluffy pancakes, baked into a warm, golden casserole that feels like a holiday hug in every bite. It’s such a welcoming way to start Christmas morning, bringing family and friends together with minimal fuss but maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake is a breeze since they are straightforward staples that work in harmony to create the perfect blend of festive flavor and fluffy texture. Each element plays a key role in making this breakfast bake super special.
- 2 cups pancake mix: The base of the bake giving it lightness and structure without any complicated measuring.
- 1 ¼ cups eggnog: Brings rich, creamy holiday flavors with a subtle nutmeg and vanilla punch.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients for a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and deepens the overall warm scent.
- ½ tsp nutmeg: Introduces that nostalgic holiday spice note essential for a seasonal treat.
- Powdered sugar for serving: A delicate dusting for a pretty finish and a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Greasing your baking dish thoroughly ensures the Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake will come out easily after baking, with nicely browned edges and a soft center.
Step 2: Combine Your Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, eggnog, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. This blend is your batter and will come together quickly, with the eggnog adding a unique richness and that signature holiday flavor that sets this dish apart from ordinary pancakes.
Step 3: Pour and Smooth
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to even out the top. This step helps ensure that your bake cooks evenly, resulting in a consistent fluffy texture throughout the dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Bake the pancake mixture for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and a firm set that springs back when pressed gently. This baking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly while achieving that irresistible fluffy but custardy texture.
Step 5: Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar to add a hint of sweetness and a charming snowy appearance. Serve warm for the best experience that truly captures the magic of the Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake.
How to Serve Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup can complement the warm flavors of the bake beautifully. These small touches make each serving feel extra festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pairing this bake with savory sides such as crispy bacon, fresh scrambled eggs, or even a simple fruit salad balances the meal and keeps it exciting. It’s all about combining sweet and savory to elevate your Christmas morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special holiday brunch, consider serving individual portions in ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a cinnamon stick on the side makes this Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake not just delicious but also eye-catching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture soft for easy reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pancake bake can last up to one month without losing too much of its fresh taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftover portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. This refreshes the creamy, spiced flavors and restores that comforting feel of fresh-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pancake batter instead of mix?
Absolutely! Homemade batter works beautifully and can make the dish even more personalized, just be sure it’s not too runny. The Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake hinges on a balance of thickness to set properly in the oven.
Is eggnog necessary, or can I substitute milk?
Eggnog is the star ingredient that gives this bake its holiday spirit and flavor depth, but if you don’t have any, rich milk combined with a bit of vanilla and nutmeg can come close. However, it won’t have quite the same festive punch.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can take your Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake to the next level. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking to spread flavors evenly.
What size baking dish works best?
A medium-sized rectangular or square baking dish around 8×8 or 9×9 inches is perfect for this recipe. It allows the batter to cook evenly with that ideal fluffy texture and lightly browned edges.
How do I know when the bake is done?
Look for a golden, set top that springs back slightly when you press it gently. You can also insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This signals your Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake makes holiday mornings simpler, tastier, and cozier. It brings a festive twist to a beloved breakfast classic with minimal effort but maximum smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it and create warm memories around your own holiday table!
PrintChristmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake
This Christmas Morning Eggnog Pancake Bake is a festive and delicious breakfast perfect for holiday mornings. It features fluffy, lightly spiced pancakes infused with rich eggnog and warm nutmeg, baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this bake makes for a comforting, cozy start to your Christmas day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 ¼ cups eggnog
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the pancake batter from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, eggnog, large egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the prepared pancake batter evenly into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
- Bake the Pancake Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bake is fully set and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm for a delightful holiday breakfast treat.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate the batter in the baking dish, then bake it fresh in the morning.
- For an extra festive touch, add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
- Use homemade eggnog or store-bought based on preference.
- Ensure the pancake mix you use is suitable for your dietary needs (gluten-free if necessary).