If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug in pancake form, this Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the perfect blend of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices, these pancakes are irresistibly soft, airy, and beautifully spiced. They bring autumn’s best flavors straight to your plate, creating a breakfast experience that’s wonderfully comforting yet delightfully light. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a festive morning, these pancakes will quickly become your go-to recipe when you want something indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor, texture, and that signature golden hue you expect from an amazing pumpkin pancake. Each component plays a starring role in making the batter just right—fluffy, moist, and packed with seasonal goodness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The rising agent that guarantees fluffy pancakes with perfect lift.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Infuses a rich, molasses-like depth; you can double this for sweeter pancakes.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to evoke that classic pumpkin flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Enhances warmth and aroma in every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates and balances all the flavors in the batter.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Moistens the batter and helps create a smooth consistency.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT 1 CAN): The hero ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and that signature pumpkin color.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness and lift.
- 2 tablespoons oil (plus extra for cooking): Adds moisture and keeps pancakes tender on the griddle.
How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients in a large bowl. This means flour, baking powder, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these well ensures every pancake will have an even distribution of warmth and sweetness, laying a flavorful foundation for your Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or a medium measuring jug, thoroughly whisk the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil until smooth. This smooth wet mixture is what will keep your pancakes moist and tender while delivering that rich pumpkin flavor you’re dreaming of.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently mix using a wooden spoon or spatula—resist the urge to use a whisk! The key here is to mix JUST until you see no more dry flour. Overmixing will develop the gluten too much and make your pancakes dense and rubbery, which is the opposite of the fluffy texture we want in a Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe.
Step 4: Heat and Cook
Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil or cooking spray. Using about 1/4 cup batter per pancake, pour onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles appear on top, about 3 minutes, then flip carefully and cook the other side until it’s a gorgeous golden brown, approximately 2 more minutes. This timing ensures a crisp exterior with a soft, fluffy inside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your pancakes immediately while warm, drizzled with maple syrup, sprinkled with chopped pecans, or topped with whipped cream. The Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe really shines with simple toppings that enhance rather than overpower the gentle sweetness and spice.
How to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Classic maple syrup never goes out of style, but you can also elevate your pancakes with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. If you want a creamy touch, whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add delightful contrast to the warm pumpkin notes.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast spread. Fresh fruit like berries or orange slices adds brightness and balances the richness, turning your Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe into a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, stack the pancakes high and thread a cinnamon stick through the stack or adorn the plate with edible flowers. You can also drizzle pumpkin spice syrup or caramel sauce for an extra-special treat that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pancakes left, stack them with parchment paper in between and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days, and you’ll still enjoy their lovely flavor and texture when reheated.
Freezing
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe pancakes freeze beautifully. Place single pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to grab a quick breakfast treat anytime without losing that freshly made taste.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave. The toaster gives you a crispy edge similar to fresh cooking, while the microwave is great for a quick warm-up. Either way, your pancakes will come back fluffily delicious.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
While canned pumpkin puree can be used, fresh pumpkin puree is preferred for this recipe because it brings a brighter flavor and better texture to your pancakes. If you must use canned, choose pure pumpkin, not pie filling, and adjust moisture levels as needed.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can create your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This makes the spice blend fresh and customizable for your taste, keeping your pancakes flavorful and aromatic.
How do I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful some blends absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust the milk slightly to get the right batter consistency.
Can I make the batter the night before?
It’s best to make and cook the pancakes fresh for optimal fluffiness. However, you can mix the dry ingredients the night before and just whisk in the wet ingredients in the morning for a quick start.
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Most often, overmixing the batter causes dense pancakes. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients just until combined and avoiding whisking helps keep the batter light and airy for the fluffiest finish in your Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe enough for anyone looking to capture the spirit of fall on a plate. It’s a simple recipe with approachable ingredients that delivers big on flavor, texture, and soul-warming happiness. Once you try these pancakes, you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and again whenever you want a breakfast that feels like home.
Print
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes are a delightful autumn treat, packed with warm spices and real pumpkin puree. Light, airy, and lightly sweetened, they are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Made with a combination of all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon, these pancakes deliver a comforting fall flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, they’re great served with maple syrup and chopped nuts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh, NOT canned)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil (plus extra for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stir only about 10-15 times until no dry flour remains to avoid dense, gummy pancakes.
- Heat and Cook: Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with oil or use cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the top, approximately 3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve pancakes immediately with maple syrup, chopped pecans, or your favorite toppings. For later use, pancakes can be frozen following your preferred freezer instructions.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree, not canned, for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter; minimal stirring helps keep pancakes fluffy.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity for desired sweetness; doubling it makes sweeter pancakes.
- Cook pancakes over medium-high heat to ensure crispy edges and a soft interior.
- These pancakes freeze well—cool completely before freezing, and reheat gently.
