Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are a cozy breakfast treat that brings fall flavors right to your morning table. These fluffy pancakes are infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, along with the rich, smooth taste of pumpkin. Just the smell of these cooking makes me feel like the whole kitchen is wrapped in a comfy blanket of autumn.
I love making these pancakes when the weather starts to cool down because they feel like a little celebration of the season. A simple tip I have is to toss in some chopped pecans or a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist. Also, don’t forget the maple syrup—that classic pairing makes every bite a little extra special!
Serving these pancakes warm with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar is my go-to way to enjoy them. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend morning or when you want to bring a bit of cozy magic to your breakfast. I find that once you try these, pumpkin spice pancakes quickly become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again all season long.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Using canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and consistent, but fresh pumpkin puree from roasted pumpkin works great too. Just make sure it’s smooth and well-drained to avoid extra moisture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend gives the pancakes their classic fall flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves individually. Adjust to your taste.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use any milk you prefer—almond, oat, or soy milk all work fine and keep the pancakes fluffy.
Brown Sugar: It adds a nice caramel flavor and moisture. If you want to reduce sugar, try maple syrup or honey as alternatives.
How Do I Get Fluffy Pancakes Without Overmixing?
The key is to combine the wet and dry ingredients gently and just until mixed. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make pancakes tough.
- Whisk your dry ingredients separately first so spices and leavening agents are well-distributed.
- Add wet ingredients slowly and stir carefully with a spatula.
- Stop mixing as soon as you see no big streaks of flour; a few lumps are okay.
- Let the batter rest 5 minutes before cooking—this helps the leavening work and gives a better texture.
By following these simple steps, your pancakes will be tender and fluffy, with lovely pockets of pumpkin spice flavor throughout.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – cooks pancakes evenly and makes flipping easy without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet helps keep things organized.
- Whisk – perfect for blending batter smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and ingredients just right.
- Spatula – a thin, flexible one helps flip pancakes gently without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chocolate chips for a sweeter version that kids and chocolate lovers will enjoy.
- Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.
- Swap pumpkin puree for mashed banana for a different fruity twist with natural sweetness.
- Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the batter for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the spices.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Pancakes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or any preferred variety)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Chopped pecans
- Additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter and around 15 minutes to cook all the pancakes. In total, expect around 25 minutes for a tasty fall breakfast ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
2. Mix The Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps—overmixing can make pancakes tough.
4. Cook The Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve Warm and Delicious:
Transfer pancakes to a plate and keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest. Stack them high, then top with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for that cozy fall touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for These Pancakes?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or at room temperature before using. Give it a good stir to ensure it’s smooth and drain any excess liquid if necessary.
How Should I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
Can I Make These Pancakes Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Just keep an eye on the batter consistency, adding a little extra milk if needed for the right thickness.
Can I Add Mix-Ins like Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Definitely! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts into the batter just before cooking for extra flavor and texture. It’s a delicious way to customize your pancakes!
