Craving a taste of fall? Then you’re in the right place! This recipe will show you how to make incredibly fluffy pumpkin pancakes that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!). These pancakes are packed with warm spices and real pumpkin flavor, making them the perfect way to start a crisp autumn day.
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
These pancakes are ridiculously good for so many reasons! First, the star of the show: they’re incredibly fluffy and light, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Second, making them at home is a great way to save money compared to ordering them at a brunch spot.
And let’s not forget the warm, inviting spices and pure pumpkin flavor that perfectly capture the essence of fall. It’s much better than a regular pancake; the pumpkin adds complex richness and elevates the flavor. Ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary? Try making them at home – you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this autumn dream to life:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the pancakes, providing structure.
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The secret to fluffy pancakes! Make sure it’s fresh.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, comforting spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the overall warm spice flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to add cozy spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Adds flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): The star of the show! Adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful orange hue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
Making these pancakes is incredibly easy! In just under 30 minutes, you can have a stack of golden, fluffy pancakes ready to devour. From simple ingredients to a dreamy flavor and light texture, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying experience. It produces a batch of beautifully risen, flavorful pancakes that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to pancake perfection!
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and sugar. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough pancakes.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
Step 5: Flip and Cook
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll see bubbles forming on the surface, which indicates it’s time to flip.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
What to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes With
These pumpkin pancakes are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to take your breakfast to the next level:
- Maple Syrup: The classic and undeniable favorite.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a burst of freshness.
- Spiced Apple Compote: A warm and comforting topping that complements the pumpkin flavor.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: The perfect warm beverage to accompany your breakfast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
Here are some handy tips for the best possible pancakes:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix until just combined, leaving a few small lumps.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Baking powder is crucial for fluffy pancakes. Make sure yours is fresh (check the expiration date) for optimal results.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your personal preferences.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Cook the pancakes in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure they cook evenly.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.
- Substitute Gluten-Free Flour: To make these pancakes gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Substitute Milk : If you’re vegan, substitute the milk with non-dairy milk (such oat milk, flax milk) and use other alternatives to replace eggs.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem!
- Storing: Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat the pancakes in a microwave, toaster, or oven.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds per pancake.
- Toaster: Toast the pancakes on a low setting until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pancakes on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen using the microwave, toaster, or oven method.
Final Thoughts
These fluffy pumpkin pancakes are more than just a breakfast; they’re a celebration of fall flavors and cozy mornings. The combination of warm spices, pumpkin puree, and light, airy texture makes them irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them on a leisurely weekend brunch or as a quick weekday treat, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get ready to enjoy a delightful stack of pumpkin goodness!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No. It has added sugar and spices you don’t want.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the batter fresh to ensure the pancakes are light and fluffy. The baking powder will lose its effectiveness if the batter sits for too long. But you can make the batter 30 mn before.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to these pancakes. Add them to the batter just before cooking.
Q: How do I know when the griddle is hot enough?
A: A good way to test the griddle’s temperature is to flick a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the griddle is ready.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweetness. Since pancakes are typically served with maple syrup (which contains a ton of sugar) you don’t need that much sugar and can consider reducing it further.
try also : Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake and find more in pinterest