I absolutely love starting my day with a stack of these Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe pancakes. They are perfectly fluffy and moist, infused with warm spices and the comforting flavor of pumpkin, making every bite feel like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. Topped with a pat of melting butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, this recipe never fails to make breakfast feel like a special occasion in my home.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe
One of the things that makes this Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe so special to me is the beautiful harmony of flavors. The sweet pumpkin puree pairs effortlessly with the aromatic pumpkin pie spice, filling the kitchen with an irresistible fall scent. These pancakes have just the right balance of warmth and sweetness, without being overpowering, which keeps me coming back for more each time.
Another reason I adore this recipe is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, so it’s easy to throw together even on busy mornings. Plus, the instructions are straightforward, making it a great choice whether I’m cooking for my family or for friends during a weekend brunch. It’s the kind of recipe I recommend to everyone who wants a cozy, delicious breakfast without a fuss. Perfect for chilly fall mornings or any time you want to invite a little seasonal magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe are wonderfully simple yet they each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor. Every component, from the pumpkin puree to the baking powder, contributes to a light, fluffy, and fragrant pancake that’s truly comforting and satisfying.
Pro Tip ✨
Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and lightness that make the pancakes fluffy and tender.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger brings that warming, cozy flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise perfectly and keeps them airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin puree: Brings moisture, color, and that unmistakable autumn flavor to the batter.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
- Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to fluffiness.
- Melted butter: Provides tenderness and a subtle buttery taste.
Directions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 2: Add the pumpkin puree, whole milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk everything gently until just combined—try not to overmix to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Heat a griddle to 350°F or a flat-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and pour it onto the hot griddle or skillet in a circular shape. Give the batter room to spread a bit.
Step 5: Cook the pancakes until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip carefully and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve immediately with a pat of butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for an extra indulgent touch. Enjoy them warm for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12 medium-sized pancakes, perfect for serving 3 to 4 people depending on appetite. Prep time is quick—just about 10 minutes to gather and mix everything. Cooking takes around 15 minutes, so your total time in the kitchen is about 25 minutes. There is no resting or cooling time required, which means you can make your cozy stack fresh and enjoy them hot off the griddle!
How to Serve This Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe
I love serving these pancakes hot, right as they come off the griddle. The warmth intensifies the wonderful pumpkin spice aroma and helps the butter melt perfectly on top. For an extra festive touch, I sometimes dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or top them with a spoonful of whipped cream to add a light, creamy contrast.
These pancakes pair wonderfully with classic maple syrup, but I also enjoy experimenting with toppings like chopped toasted pecans or warmed apple compote for a delicious fall-inspired twist. On the side, fresh fruit such as sliced pears or crisp apples adds brightness and balances the flavors beautifully.
For beverages, I often go with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea because their bold spices complement the pumpkin spice flavor so well. For brunch parties or special occasions, a warm spiced cider or even a light sparkling wine makes a lovely accompaniment. These pancakes work beautifully for any cozy breakfast, weekend brunch, or even a festive holiday morning treat.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. For a gluten-free version, I simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend—making sure it’s suitable for baking pancakes. Vegan adaptations can be done by swapping the egg for a flax or chia egg and using a plant-based milk and butter alternative.
If you want to switch up the flavor a bit, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking—this adds delightful texture and bursts of contrasting taste. You can also experiment by swapping the pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon alone or adding a pinch of ginger or nutmeg depending on your preference.
For a quicker cooking method, I sometimes make mini pancakes with a tablespoon-sized scoop of batter, which cook faster and are perfect for individual bites or kids’ breakfasts. Alternatively, cooking these pancakes on a griddle ensures even heat distribution and perfectly golden results every time.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes store wonderfully in the refrigerator when placed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to keep moisture out. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, which is great for making breakfast prep even easier during busy mornings.
Freezing
This Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe freezes beautifully as well. To freeze, arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their texture. Frozen pancakes are best eaten within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and quality.
Reheating
When reheating, I recommend using a toaster or oven for the best texture. A toaster crisps up the edges nicely without making the pancakes soggy, while an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes warms them through evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve fluffiness, but if that’s your only option, heat in short bursts to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I wouldn’t recommend it because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of flavors and texture in your pancakes. It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and the edges starting to look set. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip carefully and cook for another minute or two until golden brown.
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and keep it in the fridge, but I find that fresh cooking gives the best fluffiness. Leftover cooked pancakes store well and can be reheated as needed too.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
You can substitute any milk you have on hand, including skim, 2%, or plant-based milks like almond or oat. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift slightly depending on your choice.
Is there a way to reduce the calories in this recipe?
Yes! You could use a sugar substitute or reduce the brown sugar slightly, swap butter for a light oil or applesauce, and use low-fat milk. These small tweaks can lighten the pancakes while still keeping them delicious.
Conclusion
I’m always excited to share this Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe because it’s such a warm, comforting treat that brings a little joy to any morning. Whether you’re welcoming a crisp fall day or simply craving a cozy breakfast, these pancakes never disappoint. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are a delightful autumn breakfast treat, infused with warm spices and pumpkin puree for moist, fluffy pancakes. Perfectly complemented with butter and maple syrup, they bring cozy fall flavors to your morning table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and rising agents.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, whole milk, egg, and melted butter into the dry mixture. Whisk gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep pancakes tender.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a flat-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the heated surface, forming circular shapes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the warm pancakes and top with additional butter and maple syrup for a classic fall breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use canned or freshly made pumpkin puree, but avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains extra sugars and spices.
- Cook pancakes over medium to low heat to ensure they cook through without burning, considering the moisture from pumpkin puree.
- Maple syrup is the perfect topping, and a dollop of whipped cream adds extra sweetness and richness if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days for best quality.
- Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.