Pancake bakes are one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast and I find that it’s something I really don’t get bored of, especially when I continue to make new variations. This cranberry orange pancake bake is a must try if you are looking for a new breakfast, snack, or dessert recipe that has an amazing punch of flavor. Packed with notes of orange paired with the sweetness of dried cranberries, this cranberry orange pancake bake is a must try!
Why I love pancake bakes
Two things I think are pretty clear about me is that I love food, and I love anything that is convenient. Those two factors were simply my motives behind creating the original Easy Pancake Bake. I decided to make this pancake bake out of pure laziness one day (I wanted pancakes but didn’t want to stand at the stove flipping them) and it has now become a staple for me. If you are someone who loves having a sweet option on hand, I highly recommend trying any of my pancake bakes.
I use Kodiak pancake mix because it is high protein. I enjoy being full and satisfied for a while after eating, so this extra protein, and the amazing macros, are why I always use this for my pancake bakes. They also have different kinds such as dark chocolate and birthday cake flavors.
I have a bunch of variations, but you can even try to add whatever you like to my Easy Pancake Bake to make it your own. Fruit, nuts, and chocolate are amazing in these, but you can even go the savory route. Here are some other pancake bakes I have made and loved:
Savory Bacon and Cheddar Pancake Bake
Lemon Almond Poppy Seed Pancake Bake
What flavors are in this pancake bake?
The best part of the base of this pancake bake is that there are so many flavor variations you can make with it. These pancake bakes have become a part of my breakfast rotation and I just continue to change the flavors and toppings to keep me excited about eating them!
Orange and cranberry is a classic pairing that I have always loved, so when I was thinking of what new pancake bake I was going to make, this one was a no brainer. The citrusy flavors from the orange pair so well with the sweetness of the dried cranberries in this pancake bake, and the cinnamon is a great addition as well. This pancake bake is not overly sweet, but just the perfect amount from the orange and cranberries. I love eating these for breakfast, but they are also amazing to meal prep for a grab and go snack or dessert. The sprinkle of powdered sugar is optional, but adds a really nice touch to the flavors.
How to serve and reheat the cranberry orange pancake bake
I like to serve the pancake bake a few ways: one of the easiest ways is with some chicken sausage links and fresh fruit. These are my favorite breakfast chicken sausages. You can also add some eggs on the side for some extra protein.
Another great way to serve this bake is with nut butter and some sliced bananas or other fresh fruit, almost like a dessert. Whipped cream works beautifully here too, or some pancake syrup. When I am in the mood for something sweet and decadent in the morning, this is one of my go-to recipes.
For meal prep, I store the individual portions of the pancake bake in glass storage containers in the fridge. To eat, I just have to pop the entire container into the microwave or toaster oven for a minute or so to reheat. These pancake bakes also freeze well; just pop individual portions into freezer bags and toss them in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer.
If you aren’t heading into the office or bringing this meal on the go, you can also store the pancake bake in the baking dish you baked it in. Just make sure you cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge; this does not do well on the counter.
What will I need to make this cranberry orange pancake bake?
Here is what you will need to make this recipe:
- pancake mix of your choice
- I use this high protein pancake mix from Kodiak cakes, and I highly recommend it
- baking powder
- cinnamon
- orange extract
- You can use the juice from the orange too; just about half of an orange will do.
- orange zest
- egg
- almond milk
- you can also use cashew milk or skim milk
- dried cranberries
- cooking spray
- coconut cooking spray is great for this
- powdered sugar
- this is completely optional but adds a nice touch
How to make this cranberry orange pancake bake
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. Spray a baking dish or pie plate well with cooking spray to ensure that nothing sticks. Combine the pancake mix, baking powder, cinnamon, orange extract, orange zest, egg, almond milk, and half of the dried cranberries together in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until there are no clumps and pour into the sprayed baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining half of the dried cranberries on top of the pancake mixture and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cut into 4 even servings and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Cranberry Orange Pancake Bake
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking dish or pie dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup pancake mix, used: Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 orange, zested
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond milk, cashew milk or skim milk
- 1/2 oz dried cranberries
- optional: dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Liberally spray a pie plate or baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine all ingredients (use 1/2 of the cranberries), whisking to eliminate clumps, and pour into the baking dish (reserve the remaining 1/2 cranberries for the top).
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining dried cranberries.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cut into four servings.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- 4 WW points (all plans)
Katy says
Any suggestions if we don’t have orange extract? I have all the other ingredients. 🙂
Steph says
Juice from the orange! About 1/2
Katy says
Thank you!
Erica says
I ended up not having orange extract and my kids ate the oranges I was going to use – so I used almond extract and dried cherries – love that this recipe can easily adapt! Making your blueberry one next! Thank you for all the great recipes – new WW member and follower!
Liz says
I used frozen cranberries and lowered the milk and it was so good! probably my favorite bake!
Karen says
Another delicious pancake bake!!
Steph says
This one is delicious!! So good, so easy! Perfect for meal prep!
Steph says
Delicious!! I love the variations to the pancake bake. This is one of my favorites.
Vickie Olson says
Love this pancake bake…. Just a hint of orange and those cranberries… Oh so yummy!
Carol K says
So delicious! I also used the juice from the orange and made a little glaze with the juice and powdered sugar cause I like a little sweetness. But fantastic as written
Miriam says
Just made this for meal prep and Of course I have to taste it. Sooo good! I need to go get some more oranges to make another one
Michelle says
Delicious! I love orange cranberry combo & this doesn’t disappoint!. Super easy too
Janelle says
Looooove this combo of cranberry and orange! This is such a delicious breakfast. It hits the sweet spot.
Amy says
This pancake is so delicious and easy to make. Thanks Steph for another great recipe.