Name: Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 ½ teaspoon ground allspice; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 4 tablespoons salted butter, plus more for serving; Maple syrup, warmed, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

There is something truly magical about waking up to a stack of fluffy, warmly spiced Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe that perfectly balances creamy pumpkin puree with a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe brings together familiar autumn flavors in a way that feels comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s for a crisp weekend morning or to impress friends with a cozy brunch, these pancakes deliver a perfect harmony of moist texture and vibrant color that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round pancake is sizzling on a black pan with bubbles of oil and foam around it. The pancake is light golden brown with a smooth texture and small holes scattered across the surface. The edges are slightly puffed and soft-looking, and the center has a few darker spots, showing it is cooked evenly. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the richness of butter to the fragrant blend of spices, these simple staples come together to make an unforgettable breakfast treat.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the batter, helping the pancakes stay tender without being heavy.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, providing moisture, beautiful color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the pancakes structure and lift.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices and pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the pancakes their body and chew.
Baking powder: Creates lightness by helping the pancakes rise.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to create an extra fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
Sea salt: Amplifies the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground allspice: Brings a warm, slightly peppery depth that complements cinnamon and ginger perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: The classic spice that gives pumpkin pancakes their cozy aroma.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle kick and brightness to the flavor profile.
Salted butter (for cooking and serving): Ensures a golden crisp surface and adds luxurious flavor.
Maple syrup, warmed: The ideal sweet topping that melts into every fluffy layer.

How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together whole milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This ensures the wet base is perfectly combined before introducing the dry ingredients, which affects the batter’s consistency and the pancakes’ tenderness.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. Sifting not only removes lumps but also evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, which guarantees your pancakes will rise evenly with each bite packed full of flavor.

Step 3: Gently Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the pancakes light and fluffy; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overworking the batter can lead to tough pancakes, so handle with care!

Step 4: Heat the Skillet and Cook

Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of salted butter to coat the cooking surface. Scoop out about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on top and the edges set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Keep Warm While Making Remaining Pancakes

Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to retain heat while you cook the rest. Adding fresh butter on the skillet before each batch enhances the flavor and helps achieve that perfect crisp edge.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

The image shows 13 bowls and containers laid out on a white marbled surface, each holding a different baking ingredient. In the center, there is a large white bowl filled with a heap of white flour. To the right, a dark bowl is filled with bright orange mashed sweet potatoes. Around the center bowl, there are smaller bowls containing white granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and molasses. Two brown eggs sit on the surface near a small white bowl with vanilla extract. A small wooden plate holds four cubes of yellow butter, next to a glass jar of milk. At the top left, a large white bowl with melted yellow butter completes the setup. Everything is carefully arranged and clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe by topping them with a pat of rich butter that melts into every crevice, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup for sweetness, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts to add delightful crunch. For an extra touch of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar is a dream come true.

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with salty richness. A side of fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, adds bright contrast and a refreshing bite to round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the pancakes with layers of cream cheese or mascarpone spread for a luscious surprise between each fluffy layer. You can also create mini pumpkin pancake stacks as bite-sized appetizers for brunch gatherings or offer individual pancake cones filled with spiced whipped cream and drizzled syrup for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover pancakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from sticking, you can layer parchment paper between pancakes, which makes reheating and serving them a breeze.

Freezing

Pumpkin pancakes freeze beautifully! Lay cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then stack them with parchment paper in between and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, offering a convenient grab-and-go breakfast anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, pop pancakes in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and pleasantly crisp on the edges. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve their fluffy texture and avoid sogginess—but it works well if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is actually ideal because it has a smooth consistency and consistent flavor. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What can I substitute for whole milk in this recipe?

You can use any milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk, which will slightly alter the texture but still produce delicious results. Just choose an unsweetened version to balance the flavors correctly.

How do I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to replicate the texture. The pancakes may be a bit more delicate but still delightfully tasty!

Why are my pumpkin pancakes turning out dense?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the baking powder/baking soda is not fresh. Mix the batter just until combined and ensure your leavening agents are active for light and fluffy pancakes.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts is a fantastic way to customize your Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe. Gently fold them into the batter after mixing the wet and dry ingredients for little bursts of extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one breakfast recipe to keep on hand when the weather cools down, it’s this Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe. The combination of spices, pumpkin’s natural richness, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture will make these pancakes your next favorite comfort food. So grab your ingredients, get mixing, and treat yourself to a plateful of cozy happiness you’ll want to enjoy again and again.