The Ultimate Fall Breakfast: Pumpkin Pancakes

Get into the fall spirit with these mouthwatering pumpkin pancakes! They are the perfect blend of warm spices and pumpkin goodness that will make your autumn mornings all cozy and delicious. Whether you're a pumpkin lover or just looking to enjoy the ultimate fall breakfast, this pumpkin pancake recipe is a must-try. 

This recipe has been updated since it was originally posted in October 2015.

Jump to:

• The Perfect Blend of Warm Spices
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Tips for Fluffy Pancakes
• Storing and Freezing
• The Ultimate Fall Breakfast: Pumpkin Pancakes
• More Pumpkin Recipes:

Well Hello Fall!!!🍂 And all things pumpkin.🧡

As much as I love fall and all that it entails… long drives for leaf peeping, frequent visits to cider mills for hot cider and warm donuts, hay rides, corn mazes, and treks to the pumpkin patch… it is all short-lived.

Enter Pumpkin Pancakes.

These yummy discs of goodness are our traditional kickoff to the fall cooking season in our home. These pancakes are delicious and nutritious - low in fat and high in flavor.

They are the epitome of this harvest time of year and are full of pumpkin and seasonal spices.

The Perfect Blend of Warm Spices

Cinnamon, is a must with its rich and woody profile, it also adds a nice touch of spicy warmth that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

The nutmeg showcases a nutty and earthy taste and mingles with the pumpkin and other spices nicely.

And then there's the ginger, which adds a warming and fiery flavor that adds a comforting kick. Ginger tastes spicy because of its chemical composition, specifically the compound gingerol, which creates its hot sensation.

Now, let's move on to the essential ingredients that make these pumpkin spice pancakes so irresistible.,

Ingredients

To make this delightful fall-inspired pumpkin pancake recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients.

• First and foremost, you'll need all-purpose flour to form the base of your pancake batter. It provides the perfect texture and consistency for fluffy pancakes.
• Next, you'll need baking powder to help your pancakes rise and become light and airy
• Of course, we can't forget about the star of the show – pumpkin puree. This essential ingredient not only adds a rich and creamy texture to the pancakes but also infuses them with the distinct sweet and vegetal flavor of pumpkin.
• This recipe of course includes a blend of aromatic spices. The ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger work together to create that special pumpkin spice flavor we all crave during the fall season.
• To sweeten things up, we use brown sugar. It's a mixture of sugar and molasses and takes these pumpkin pancakes to a whole natha level. Brown sugar has a deep, caramel, or toffee-like flavor due to the added molasses. This will balance out the spices and add a touch of sweetness to your pancakes.
• And for that extra bit of richness, we can't forget to include some vanilla extract.
• Lastly, to bring all these ingredients together and create tender pancakes, we will need eggs and milk. These ingredients will add moisture and contribute to the overall structure of your pancakes.

Top Tip: Over-mixing pancake batter develops the gluten that will make the pancakes rubbery and tough. For light, fluffy pancakes, you want to mix just until the batter comes together—it's okay if there are still some lumps of flour.

Let's get ready to bring these breakfast-flavor frisbees to life. Time to go over the instructions for this cozy pumpkin pancake recipe.

Instructions

• Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl.
• Then stir together the eggs, oil, milk, and pumpkin puree in another bowl.
• Next, fold the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and allow it to stand for five minutes.
• For each pancake, spritz the area where the pancake will be cooked with a high-heat cooking spray. Then scoop ⅓ cup of batter onto a medium hot griddle or nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray.
• Turn the pancakes over when bubbles appear and the edges are cooked, after about 2 minutes. Then cook them for 1 ½ minutes on the second side.
• Avoid over-mixing, as we want our pancakes to be light and fluffy, not dense and heavy. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they'll disappear as the pancakes cook on the griddle.

Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions or you're looking to put your own twist on this pumpkin pancake recipe - I've got you covered.

• Milk - Instead of cow's milk, I like to use almond milk because that's what we usually have in our fridge. There are so many versions of milk available today including plant-based alternatives like coconut or oat milk. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
• Sugar - These flavor frisbees get their sweetness from the brown sugar. If you're watching your sugar intake or prefer a less sweet pancake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also try out natural sweeteners like honey or pure maple syrup.
• Flour - If you're following a gluten-free diet, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a simple solution. There are many options available on the market today, such as almond flour, rice flour, or a blend of tapioca and potato starch. 

Now let's talk about some additional tips and tricks to make your pumpkin pancakes even more irresistible.

Tips for Fluffy Pancakes

To achieve light, fluffy, and utterly delicious pumpkin pancakes, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference.

• Avoid overmixing - Over-mixing pancake batter develops the gluten that will make the pancakes rubbery and tough. For light, fluffy pancakes, you want to mix just until the batter comes together—it's okay if there are still some lumps of flour they will eventually dissolve during cooking, resulting in soft and fluffy pancakes.
• Cooking temperature - Maintaining the right temperature is key. Start by preheating your griddle or skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. Then try to maintain the heat during the entire cooking process. You might find you need to turn the heat up or down now and then to prevent the pancakes from burning and to keep the pancakes from sticking. To test if the pan is ready, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface – if they sizzle and evaporate, it's time to start cooking.
• Let the batter rest - Allow the batter to rest for about 5 minutes before using it. This will allow the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in lighter and more tender pancakes.
• Avoid flattening - When you pour the batter onto the griddle, resist the urge to press it down with the spatula. This will flatten the pancakes and prevent them from rising and being fluffy. Instead, let them cook undisturbed until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
• Flipping - Use a wide spatula, and get it under most of the pancake. Then confidently but gently in a swift, fluid motion flip the pancake. Your pancake should land evenly on the other side, preserving its fluffiness. Allow them to cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Storing and Freezing

These pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

They are also freezer-friendly. After they are completely cooled, wrap each pancake in plastic wrap then place them in an airtight freezer container or freezer storage bag. This keeps them well separated and makes it easier to take them out one at a time and reheat. They will last in the freezer for up 20 3 months.

When ready to enjoy rempove the frozen pancakes from the freezer and allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours.

To reheat the pancakes, remove the saran wrap from them and reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Or preheat your oven to 375 degrees, place the pancakes on a baking sheet, loosely cover them with tin foil, and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Now you have all the inoformation you need to create these perfectly fluffy pumpkin pancakes!

This pumpkin pancake recipe offers the perfect blend of warm spices and delectable pumpkin goodness!

So grab your spatula and and whip up a batch for your next weekend breakfast or brunch, or save some in the freezer, and enjoy them all week long.

Happy Fall, yall!🍂

More Pumpkin Recipes:

• The Best Instant Pot Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brownies Pumpkin Chocolate Ganache Cake
• Homemade Pumpkin Puree 

If you give it a try, let us know! Comment below, and share your pics on Instagram, with the hashtag #tasteandsee!