These Pumpkin Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat! They are soft, fluffy, bursting with sweet pumpkin flavor, and wonderfully spiced. What’s more, they are quick and easy to prepare.
Pumpkin Pancakes
This recipe will be your top choice for pumpkin pancakes! These pancakes offer a fantastic flavor profile, boasting the ideal combination of light and fluffy yet thick, with a perfectly moist crumb.
Pumpkin pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, adding a touch of autumnal charm and a burst of flavor to your morning meal. These pancakes are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring the family together for a cozy and heartwarming breakfast experience. But the magic doesn’t end there.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, giving the pancakes structure while maintaining a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together as leavening agents, creating air pockets that allow the pancakes to rise and become soft and tender.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: These warming spices bring out the rich, autumnal flavor of the pumpkin, adding depth and aromatic warmth.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and slight caramel flavor, complementing the spices and pumpkin.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture and natural sweetness while infusing the pancakes with a creamy pumpkin flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy richness and helps to tenderize the pancakes, making them soft and fluffy.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and a slight crispness to the pancakes, while the extra cold butter on the griddle enhances the golden-brown exterior.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together, providing structure and adding moisture for a tender pancake.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a cozy warmth.
Serving Suggests
- Maple Syrup: This is a classic pairing with pancakes of any kind, and it complements the sweetness of the pumpkin pancakes perfectly. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess to your pancakes. You can even flavor the whipped cream with a touch of vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit is a refreshing and healthy addition. Consider serving slices of ripe bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or a mixed fruit salad on the side. The fruity sweetness balances the richness of the pancakes.
- Chopped Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle them generously over your pumpkin pancakes for added texture and taste.
- Greek Yogurt: A scoop of creamy Greek yogurt is a protein-rich choice that pairs well with the pancakes. You can sweeten the yogurt with honey or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: If you prefer a savory element with your sweet pancakes, crispy bacon or breakfast sausages are excellent choices. The saltiness and savory flavors contrast beautifully with the pumpkin pancakes.
- Caramel Sauce: For an indulgent twist, consider drizzling warm caramel sauce over your pumpkin pancakes. It adds a rich, sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Cream Cheese Spread: Whip up a flavored cream cheese spread by combining softened cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla extract. This creamy spread can be a delightful addition to your pancakes.
- Warm Apple Compote: Make a quick apple compote by sautéing sliced apples with a touch of butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Spoon this warm compote over your pancakes.
- Scrambled Eggs: If you’re looking to create a more substantial breakfast, serve your pumpkin pancakes with a side of scrambled eggs. The combination of sweet pancakes and savory eggs is satisfying and balanced.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair your pumpkin pancakes with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complete the breakfast experience.
FAQs
Can the batter be made in advance?
No, it’s best to use pancake batter right away. Preparing it in advance may result in pancakes that don’t rise as well.
Can these pancakes be frozen?
Yes, if you have leftover pancakes, you can freeze them. Allow them to cool first, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Additional Tips:
- Use fresh or canned pumpkin for the best flavor.
- Avoid using canned pumpkin pie mix, as it contains added water, sweeteners, and spices that are not needed for this recipe.
- Use real buttermilk for the best results. Substituting with a milk and lemon or vinegar mixture won’t work as well in this recipe.
- Be careful not to over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can lead to pancakes that are not as fluffy. It’s okay if the batter has some lumps.
- Butter the griddle just before adding the batter to prevent the butter from burning.
- To keep pancakes warm while cooking more batches, place them in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven on a wire rack or a cookie sheet. This will help maintain their warmth without overcooking them.
More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Try!
Pumpkin Pancakes
Whenever you're in the mood for a cozy fall breakfast, these Pumpkin Pancakes are fluffy, spiced, and full of warm pumpkin flavor, perfect for starting your day with seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups 248g all-purpose flour (measured by scooping and leveling)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup 55g light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup 245g pumpkin puree
- 1 and 1/2 cups 350ml buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons 42g melted butter, plus additional cold butter for the griddle
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat a non-stick electric griddle to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Create a well in the center of the mixture and set it aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the well in the dry mixture and whisk the two together just until combined. Allow the batter to rest for 3 minutes.
- Butter the griddle, then pour about 1/3 cup of batter at a time onto the griddle. Slightly spread the pancakes outward with the bottom of the measuring cup.
- Cook the pancakes until they are golden brown on the bottom, then flip them and cook the opposite side until it's also golden.
- Repeat the process until all of the batter has been used.
- Serve the pancakes warm with butter and maple syrup.
Notes
- The batter should be slightly lumpy; avoid over-mixing to ensure fluffy pancakes.
- You can keep the pancakes warm in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
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Pumpkin Pancakes