Pumpkin Pancakes

Published: February 9, 2025

Deliciously fluffy pumpkin pancakes topped with syrup and spices

Pumpkin Pancakes are a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, infusing the comforting flavors of autumn in every fluffy bite. Imagine stepping into your kitchen, inhaling the sweet, spicy aromas of pumpkin pie spices and warm, buttery pancakes sizzling on the griddle.

This cozy recipe is perfect for family gatherings, lazy weekend brunches, or even as a special weekday treat. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a breakfast that not only satisfies but also creates wonderful memories. This recipe is straightforward, offering a step-by-step approach to make your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Pancake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, making it an ideal choice for families. It’s quick to prepare, taking minimal time from mixing to serving, and the ingredients are readily available. The pancakes are not just easy to whip up; they are also comforting, offering a delightful bridge between the familiar taste of pancakes and the seasonal allure of pumpkin. Packed with warm spices and creating a lovely golden-brown exterior, these pancakes are sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour: This fluffy base provides the structure for our pancakes, keeping them light and airy.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to enhance the natural flavors of pumpkin and spices.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent helps the pancakes rise beautifully, creating a light, tender bite.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds an extra lift, ensuring the pancakes are perfectly fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This aromatic blend infuses the pancakes with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
1 cup pumpkin puree: Rich, creamy, and loaded with nutrients, this is the heart of our delicious pancakes.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
1 egg: Acts as a binder, contributing to the fluffy texture we desire.
2 tablespoons melted butter: This adds richness and flavor, ensuring our pancakes are indulgently delicious.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A secret ingredient for that sweet, aromatic undertone.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. The goal is to create a light and fluffy dry mixture that will support the moisture from the wet ingredients.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend together the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that all components are thoroughly incorporated for consistent flavor in each pancake.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly okay! This will keep your pancakes light and fluffy.
Heat Your Cooking Surface: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little melted butter. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while preventing sticking.
Cook the Pancakes: Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Watch as the batter sizzles and forms small bubbles on the surface—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Once you see bubbles forming and breaking on the surface, it’s time to flip the pancake. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Stack those pancakes high and serve warm with syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the cozy flavors and the comforting hospitality of homemade breakfast.

Tips & Tricks

Consistent Size: Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to pour the batter evenly onto the skillet for uniformly-sized pancakes.
Keep Warm: If making multiple batches, keep the pancakes warm in an oven set to low heat while you finish cooking the rest.
Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, walnuts, or Pecans to elevate your pancakes even further!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pumpkin pancakes shine when paired with maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a wholesome brunch, serve with turkey bacon or breakfast sausages. Add some fresh fruit like bananas or apples for a refreshing contrast. A side of yogurt can also balance the sweetness and provide some creaminess to your meal.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 pancakes), approximately:

Calories: 220
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g

These pancakes provide a delightful energy boost while keeping the nutritional balance in check, thanks to the wholesome pumpkin and the fiber it brings.

Storing Tips & Variations

Storing: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: These pancakes freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, layer between parchment paper, and place in a freezer bag for up to a month.

Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the toaster, or warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Variations: Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber, or use oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version. For a vegan twist, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a vegan butter substitute.

Conclusion

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Pumpkin Pancakes this season. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner, these pancakes are easy to prepare and oh-so-satisfying. Try this recipe, and let the warm spices and pumpkin create joyful memories in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your pancake-making journey with friends and family, and inspire them to embrace this delicious tradition!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure that it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply give it a quick stir before cooking.
What toppings work best with pumpkin pancakes?
Maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and fresh fruit like bananas or berries are all delicious options to enhance your pancakes.
Can I add protein powder to the pancake batter?
You can add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for an extra health boost, though you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly if it thickens too much.

Enjoy creating a delicious pancake breakfast that brings warmth and happiness to your table!

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