Pumpkin Pancakes

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a stack of warm, comforting Pumpkin Pancakes. They capture the essence of fall in every bite, blending the sweetness of pancakes with the earthy warmth of pumpkin spice. My kids absolutely adore them, and it’s become a cherished weekend tradition in our home, a perfect way to start a chilly autumn morning.

Why these Pumpkin Pancakes are special

These Pumpkin Pancakes aren’t your average flapjacks. They’re incredibly fluffy thanks to a secret ingredient – a touch of baking soda and a perfect blend of spices. The recipe is super simple to follow, even for beginner cooks, and the result is pure pumpkin spice perfection! For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this banana pancake recipe that’s perfect for little ones.

Ingredients

This recipe yields about 12 delicious Pumpkin Pancakes. Remember to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for our pancakes. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but the pancakes may be slightly denser.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness. You can use brown sugar or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is essential for fluffy pancakes, so make sure it’s fresh!
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Our secret ingredient for extra fluffiness!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the pancakes with its classic fall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a touch of spice.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A hint of clove complements the other spices.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. This is the star of our Pumpkin Pancakes!
• 1 ¼ cups milk: Any milk will work, but whole milk adds richness. Buttermilk is also a great option for extra tang and fluffiness.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the pancakes moist and helps them cook evenly. Melted coconut oil or butter can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the pumpkin spice flavor.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start will make the process much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools

• Two large mixing bowls: One for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
• Whisk: For combining the ingredients.
• Griddle or large frying pan: For cooking the pancakes.
• Spatula: For flipping the pancakes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect pancakes.

Helpful Extras

• Blender: While not essential, a blender can help create a perfectly smooth batter, especially if your pumpkin puree is a bit lumpy.
• Squeeze bottle: This helps create uniformly sized and shaped pancakes. Plus, it’s fun for kids to help with!
• Electric mixer: If you have one, this can make mixing the batter even easier. But a whisk works just fine too! If you enjoy making your own breakfast treats, you might also like these delicious lemon ricotta pancakes.

Instructions

Now for the fun part – making the pancakes! Follow these simple steps:

Making the Batter

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is blended smoothly.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing will make the pancakes tough.
4. Let the batter rest: Allow the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes. This gives the gluten in the flour time to relax, resulting in lighter, fluffier pancakes.

Cooking the Pancakes

1. Heat the griddle or pan: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
2. Pour the batter: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Leave some space between the pancakes so they don’t run together. If you’re using a squeeze bottle, this is where it comes in handy! Looking for more easy breakfast options? Try these delicious egg bites.
3. Cook the pancakes: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Look for bubbles to form on the surface of the pancakes before flipping. Flip only once!
4. Serve immediately: Serve the pancakes immediately while they’re hot and fluffy. Stack them high and enjoy! For another fun breakfast treat, try making this tater tot breakfast casserole.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Pumpkin Pancakes are delicious on their own, but the right toppings and variations can take them to the next level! For some healthy topping inspiration, check out this article on healthy breakfast foods.

Delicious Toppings

• Classic Sweet: A drizzle of warm maple syrup is a must-have for many. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a truly decadent treat.
• Fruity Delight: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a compote of apples or cranberries add a burst of freshness and complement the pumpkin spice flavor beautifully. If you love fruit in your breakfast, consider making this cherry smoothie as a side.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Chocolate chips, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder will satisfy any chocolate craving.
• Spiced Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of pumpkin pie spice enhances the warm, autumnal flavors. For more information on the health benefits of pumpkin, see this article on pumpkin nutrition.

Creative Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes: Amp up the pumpkin spice flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a drizzle of coffee-flavored syrup.
• Savory Pumpkin Pancakes: Omit the sugar from the batter and add a pinch of savory herbs like rosemary or thyme. Top with crumbled feta cheese, a fried egg, or a dollop of sour cream for a savory breakfast treat. These are surprisingly delicious!

FAQ

Are pumpkin pancakes healthy?

Pumpkin Pancakes can certainly be part of a healthy diet! Pumpkin puree offers some vitamins and fiber. However, they also contain carbohydrates and sugar. Keep portion sizes reasonable and opt for healthier toppings like fruit or a small amount of pure maple syrup.

Can you add pumpkin to pancakes?

Absolutely! Adding pumpkin puree to pancake batter is a fantastic way to boost flavor and moisture, creating a delicious seasonal treat. This recipe is all about making the most of pumpkin in your pancakes.

What goes well with pumpkin pancakes?

Classic toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, and pecans are always a winner. For a true taste of fall, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh fruit is another delicious and healthy option.

What do pumpkin pancakes taste like?

Pumpkin Pancakes have a warm, inviting flavor that’s subtly sweet and perfectly spiced. The pumpkin adds a lovely moistness and a hint of earthiness, balanced by the sweetness of the batter and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Enjoy Your Pumpkin Pancakes!

So there you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes that will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall. They’re perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or any day you want a taste of autumn. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your pancake creations with me – I’d love to see your culinary masterpieces!

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