Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

The aroma of warm spices and sweet pumpkin pancakes wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning is simply irresistible. These fluffy, golden-orange pumpkin pancakes are the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors, combining the earthiness of pumpkin with cozy cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend breakfast or a festive brunch option, this seasonal favorite delivers both comfort and indulgence in every bite. You’ll learn how to create perfectly spiced pumpkin pancakes that are tender on the inside with slightly crisp edges that will make your family beg for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pumpkin pancakes stand out from regular pancakes in so many delightful ways. First, the texture is incredibly satisfying—slightly dense yet incredibly tender with a pillowy softness that soaks up maple syrup beautifully. The pumpkin puree adds natural moisture that prevents the pancakes from drying out, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every forkful.

The flavor profile is what truly makes these pumpkin pancakes shine. The natural sweetness of pumpkin pairs perfectly with warm fall spices, creating a breakfast that tastes like autumn on a plate. Unlike many pumpkin recipes that can be overly sweet, these pancakes strike the perfect balance, making them suitable for both sweet and savory toppings.

Perhaps best of all, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and simple to prepare. The batter comes together in one bowl with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry during the fall season. Even novice cooks can achieve picture-perfect pumpkin pancakes that will impress the whole family. They’re equally perfect for busy weekday mornings or lazy weekend brunches when you want something special without extensive effort.

Ingredients

For these delicious pumpkin pancakes, you’ll need:

• 1½ cups (187g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cloves)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (244g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole milk works best)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for cooking
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The star ingredient is pumpkin puree, which provides natural moisture and a vibrant orange color. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. The pumpkin pie spice blend can be adjusted to your taste preferences—feel free to add more cinnamon if you love its warm flavor in your fall pumpkin breakfast.

Pro Tips

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately First
The key to fluffy pumpkin pancakes is proper mixing technique. Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly in one bowl and all wet ingredients in another before combining them. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. When you finally mix wet and dry together, stir just until combined—lumps are actually good! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, rubbery pancakes instead of tender, fluffy ones.

Let the Batter Rest
After mixing your pumpkin pancake batter, let it rest for at least 5 minutes (up to 30 minutes is even better). This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate and the leavening agents to activate, resulting in significantly fluffier pancakes. During busy mornings, use this time to set the table, prepare toppings, or warm your maple syrup.

Perfect Your Cooking Temperature
The ideal temperature for cooking pumpkin pancakes is medium-low, not high. These pancakes contain sugar and pumpkin, both of which can burn more easily than regular pancake batter. Test your first pancake—it should take about 2-3 minutes per side, with bubbles forming on top before flipping. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat. For the most even cooking, use a cast iron skillet or griddle, which maintains consistent heat and creates that perfect golden exterior.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined. Make sure to break up any clumps of baking powder or spices so they distribute evenly throughout your pumpkin pancakes.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a uniform orange color with no streaks of egg visible.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixtures together until just combined. You should still see small lumps in the batter—this is perfect! The pumpkin pancake batter will be thicker than traditional pancake batter due to the pumpkin puree.

Step 4: Rest the Batter
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the leavening agents to start working, which will give you fluffier pancakes.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once hot, lightly brush with butter. Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, pour portions of batter onto the hot surface, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Finish
Carefully flip each pancake and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The pumpkin pancakes should spring back slightly when pressed in the center. Transfer to a warm plate and continue with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the pan as needed between batches.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes
Transform your standard pumpkin pancakes into an extra special treat by adding ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. The chocolate melts slightly during cooking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness that pair beautifully with the spiced pumpkin flavor. This variation is especially popular with children and makes for an indulgent weekend breakfast.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes
For those with gluten sensitivities, these pumpkin pancakes adapt beautifully to gluten-free preparation. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of milk, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid. The pumpkin puree helps maintain moisture, making these pancakes just as delicious as the original version.

Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
Create plant-based pumpkin pancakes by replacing eggs with a flax egg mixture (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, allowed to gel for 15 minutes). Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use melted coconut oil instead of butter. The result is a completely vegan breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice the fluffy texture or rich flavor of traditional pumpkin pancakes.

Storage and Serving

Pumpkin pancakes stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave individual pancakes for 20-30 seconds. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or oven without thawing.

For serving, classic maple syrup is the perfect companion to pumpkin pancakes, but there are several delicious alternatives. Try topping them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a coffee-shop style presentation. A schmear of cream cheese and a drizzle of honey creates a delightful contrast of tangy and sweet flavors. For a truly indulgent brunch, serve with sautéed apple slices tossed with brown sugar and cinnamon, which complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices that will throw off the balance of the pumpkin pancakes recipe. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for the best results.

Why are my pumpkin pancakes not fluffy?
The most common reason for flat pumpkin pancakes is overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and creates a dense texture. Remember to mix just until combined and embrace the lumps in your batter. Also, check that your leavening agents are fresh—baking powder and baking soda lose effectiveness over time.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin pancake batter the night before and refrigerate it. The pancakes might be slightly less fluffy than with fresh batter, but they’ll still be delicious. Give the batter a gentle stir before cooking.

How can I tell when it’s time to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface of the pumpkin pancakes and edges that appear set and slightly dry. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat. Peek underneath with a spatula—you should see a golden-brown color before flipping.

What’s the best pan to use for pumpkin pancakes?
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet or nonstick griddle works best for pumpkin pancakes. These surfaces provide even heat distribution and make flipping easier. If using cast iron, make sure it’s properly heated before adding the batter to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These pumpkin pancakes are comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of warm spices, tender texture, and fall flavors that make any morning feel special. They’re the kind of breakfast that transforms ordinary mornings into memorable family moments, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of autumn. Whether you’re serving them on a crisp weekend morning or prepping them ahead for busy weekdays, these pumpkin pancakes deliver both nostalgia and nourishment in every bite. Make them once, and they’re sure to become your new seasonal tradition.

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