If you’re ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall in every bite, this Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe is just what you need. Fluffy, spiced to perfection, and infused with real pumpkin purée, these pancakes are a seasonal delight that transforms an ordinary breakfast into a heartwarming experience. Whether you’re serving a crowd or craving a comforting solo treat, this recipe balances sweet and spice in a way that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect pumpkin pancake. From the warm spices to the pumpkin purée and fluffy flour base, every component works together to create texture, flavor, and that inviting autumnal color.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams): The foundation for your fluffy pancakes, providing structure and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (27 grams): Adds just the right touch of sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder (6 grams): Helps your pancakes rise that perfect fluffy height.
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda (5 grams): Works with the acidity in pumpkin to create that light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (5 grams): Brings warmth and cozy spice that screams fall.
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that brightens the spice blend.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Deep, earthy notes that round out the spice palette beautifully.
- 1½ cups milk (341 grams, room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist for tender pancakes.
- ¾ cup pumpkin purée (170 grams): Real pumpkin lends moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor—note, not pumpkin pie filling!
- 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams, melted): Adds fat for tenderness and flavor, plus a bit extra for cooking.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams): Introduces a sweet aroma and smooth complexity.
How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Before diving into the batter, warm up your griddle, cast iron pan, or nonstick skillet over medium heat. It’s important for even cooking and getting that perfect golden crust on your pancakes.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures your spices and leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the batter, giving consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin purée, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The milk and pumpkin keep the batter moist, while eggs and butter add richness. Mixing these together separately guarantees a smooth blend before joining with the dry mix.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t fret about a few lumps; overmixing can make pancakes tough. This gentle folding keeps the batter light and airy, ready to cook up fluffy stacks.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Add a bit of butter to your hot pan, just enough to coat the bottom. Scoop about â…“ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until the edges look set and bubbles appear on the surface, then flip gently and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Repeat and Enjoy
Keep cooking the remaining batter the same way, adding more butter as needed. Soon enough, you’ll have a beautiful stack of warm, fluffy pumpkin pancakes ready to serve.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
These pancakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. Classic maple syrup works wonders, but for an extra layer of indulgence, try whipped cream dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh berries or a dollop of cream cheese spread can also add delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
Complement your Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a balanced meal. A fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens can refresh the palate, making the meal both hearty and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try layering your pumpkin pancakes with alternating layers of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of spiced honey. Or stack pancakes and insert a few thinly sliced apple rounds between layers for extra texture and flavor. Presentation is part of the joy, so have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra pumpkin pancakes, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from sticking, separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked pancakes. Flash freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to 2 months and save you time on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen pancakes by warming them in a toaster or oven to regain that fresh-from-the-griddle crispness. Microwaving is quick but can sometimes make pancakes a bit soggy, so opt for dry heat if you can.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling because the filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture of your pancakes.
How do I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Simply substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The recipe will still turn out deliciously moist and flavorful.
Can I make the batter the night before?
You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. It’s best to combine wet and dry ingredients just before cooking for fluffiest pancakes, but if needed, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it, just expect slightly less rise.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries! You can reduce the spices to just cinnamon and nutmeg, or even just cinnamon alone. These warm flavors are key to the pumpkin pancake’s charm but feel free to adjust to your pantry.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be pourable but not runny—similar to a traditional pancake batter with some thickness from the pumpkin. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe is truly a fall breakfast champion that brings warmth, spice, and pumpkin’s subtle sweetness to your table. It’s simple enough for everyday mornings yet special enough to impress guests for weekend brunch. I encourage you to grab your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be making cozy memories with each delicious bite.
