if you’ve ever wanted your favorite pancakes in a form that you can slice, serve, meal prep, or bring to a brunch gathering… this fluffy layered protein pancake casserole is about to make your whole week (life?!).
it’s inspired by my viral pancake recipe that so many of you make on repeat, but this time we’re turning it into the coziest, easiest baked breakfast ever.
you make a big batch, cut them in half, layer them into a 9×13 dish, and pour the creamiest, protein-packed custard all over the top.
the result is a soft, fluffy, slightly custardy pancake bake that tastes like pancakes met a french toast casserole… but lighter, higher in protein, and way more satisfying for busy mornings.

taste + texture
this casserole tastes like warm vanilla pancakes soaked in a silky, very lightly sweet custard.
the pancakes keep their structure, so every bite has that classic fluffy pancake feel, but the custard adds a dreamy softness that melts in your mouth.
it’s cozy but not heavy, a little bit sweet but not sugary at all, and perfectly balanced with breakfast toppings like yogurt, berries, & a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
the texture lands somewhere between pancakes, baked oatmeal, and french toast casserole.
it’s soft, fluffy, tender, sliceable, and absolutely delicious straight from the oven or reheated throughout the week.
based on my viral pancake recipe
if you’ve made my viral healthy gluten-free greek yogurt pancakes before, you already know the magic: greek yogurt, eggs, and gluten-free 1:1 flour combine to create the thickest, fluffiest pancakes without weird ingredients.
we simply double the batter so we have enough pancakes to line the casserole dish, and they bake beautifully once soaked in the custard.
fans of the original pancake recipe will love this version because it keeps everything you adore, which is the flavor, the fluff, the wholesome ingredients, just in a cozier form.

the macros (8 servings)
even with the custard and a little maple syrup, the macros are incredible for a breakfast that tastes this indulgent:
- 338 calories
- 32g carbs
- 12g fat
- 20.3g protein
20 grams of protein per slice is unheard of for a pancake casserole, but between the eggs, cottage cheese, greek yogurt, and protein powder, it becomes the most satisfying breakfast situation ever.
perfect for postpartum, busy weekdays, family breakfasts, or meal prep.
substitution options
this recipe is very flexible, which makes it even easier to customize:
- dairy-free: use dairy-free greek-style yogurt for both the pancakes and custard, and swap cottage cheese for a thick dairy-free yogurt or soft tofu. use your favorite plant-based milk and protein powder. the pancakes just won’t have nearly as much protein.
- flour: stick to gluten-free 1:1 flour with xanthan gum for the best texture.
- sweetener: maple syrup is totally optional — you can use honey or leave it out.
- protein powder: any vanilla protein works, just keep it to 1 scoop so the custard stays silky.
you can even add blueberries, chocolate chips, or a cinnamon sugar swirl to the pancake layer to change the vibe.
how easy it is to make
this entire recipe sounds fancy but is actually so simple:
- make a batch of pancakes (the same batter you already love).
- cut each pancake in half.
- layer them into a greased 9×13 dish.
- blend the protein custard.
- pour it all over the pancakes and let it soak.
- bake until golden and custardy.
that’s it. it feels special but it takes almost no effort, and it’s way faster than flipping pancakes for the whole family.

storage
another reason i love this casserole: it stores perfectly.
- fridge: up to 4–5 days
- freezer: up to 2 months
- reheat: microwave or air fryer until warm and fluffy
it honestly tastes even better the next day as the custard fully melds with the pancake layers.
if you love Viral Pancake Casserole With Protein Custard (Gluten-Free + 20g Protein), then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!
Deliciously Healthy and Gluten-Free Oat Flour Cinnamon Rolls
Healthy and Easy Homemade Gluten Free Bread
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Unbelievable Healthy and Gluten-Free Invisible Apple Bread
Obsession-Worthy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread
Gluten-Free Giant Banana Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Cookies
Superfood Purple Sweet Potato Longevity Muffins (Gluten-Free!)
Unbelievably Healthy Pumpkin Protein Bread (14g Protein!)
Incredible Healthy and Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Streusel Muffins
Healthy Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Gluten-Free Blender Banana Bread with Cottage Cheese and Chocolate Chips
Gluten-Free Blood Sugar Balancing Protein Biscuits

are you going to make my Viral Pancake Casserole With Protein Custard (Gluten-Free + 20g Protein)?!
if you make one of my recipes, i would LOVE to see your creation! be sure to leave a review in the comments section, it is so appreciated and helps my small business.
also, you can follow upbeetandkaleingit on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more vegan recipes!
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it brings me so much happiness to see your beautiful recreations on Instagram :). tag me so that i can see and repost your food on my stories!
Viral Pancake Casserole With Protein Custard (Gluten-Free + 20g Protein)
Recipe by MaryCourse: Breakfast8
servings30
minutes38
minutes338
kcalAPPROXIMATE MACROS per large slice
338 calories
32g carbs
12g fat
20.3g protein
Ingredients
for the pancakes (double batch)
2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (with xanthan gum)
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
4 large eggs
2 cups plain greek yogurt (regular or dairy-free)
1/2 cup milk of choice
4 tbsp melted butter, coconut oil, or neutral oil
1 tbsp vanilla paste
2 tbsp maple syrup
for the protein custard
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup plain greek yogurt
3/4 cup milk of choice
3 large eggs
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (30g)
1 tbsp vanilla paste or extract
2 tbsp maple syrup
pinch cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- make the pancakes
in a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. in another bowl, mix the eggs, greek yogurt, milk, melted butter/oil, vanilla paste, and maple syrup until smooth. - pour the dry ingredients into the wet and gently mix until just combined. the batter should be thick.
let the batter rest for a few minutes. heat a lightly greased skillet over medium-low. - scoop about 1/4 cup batter per pancake, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until fluffy.
repeat until you have about 12 medium pancakes. let cool slightly, then cut each pancake in half (half-moons). - assemble the casserole
preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish well. arrange the pancake halves in rows inside the dish, either standing upright or slightly overlapping. - make the custard
add the cottage cheese, greek yogurt, milk, eggs, protein powder, vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon (if using) to a blender. blend until completely smooth and silky. slowly pour the custard evenly over the layered pancakes. lightly press the top layer down so everything absorbs the custard. let the casserole sit 10 minutes to soak. - bake
bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the custard is set but still soft and custardy in the center. cool 15 minutes before slicing. - serve
recommended to enjoy drizzled with maple syrup or honey since this bake is not very sweet!


