There’s no better way to welcome a crisp autumn morning than with a warm, fragrant stack of homemade pumpkin pancakes. This easy pumpkin pancake recipe is the only one you’ll ever need. It delivers unbelievably fluffy, moist, and perfectly spiced pancakes that taste just like fall on a plate. Forget the boxed mix; these are made from scratch with simple ingredients and are completely foolproof.
We’ve tested this recipe tirelessly to ensure it produces the best texture and flavor. The secret lies in the right balance of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a technique that guarantees a light, airy crumb every single time. Get ready to make your new favorite fall breakfast tradition!
Why This is the Best Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
In a world of countless pancake recipes, this one truly stands out. Here’s what makes it so special:
Perfectly Fluffy & Moist: We use a specific ratio of leavening agents and pumpkin puree to create pancakes that are incredibly light and airy, never dense or gummy.
Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here! You likely have everything you need, including canned pumpkin puree, to whip these up right now.
Incredible Flavor: A cozy blend of pumpkin pie spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—infuses every bite with the quintessential taste of autumn.
Quick & Easy: The batter comes together in under 10 minutes, making this a perfect recipe for lazy weekend mornings or even a special weekday treat.
Essential Ingredients
The magic starts with a few simple pantry staples. For this recipe, precision matters, so I recommend measuring your flour correctly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Simple, quality ingredients are the secret to the best pumpkin pancakes.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our fluffy pancakes.
Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced.
Milk: Any kind works! Whole milk adds richness, but almond or oat milk are great dairy-free options.
Egg: One large egg helps bind the batter and adds to the fluffy texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
Melted Butter: For richness and flavor in the batter, plus more for the griddle.
Leavening Agents: A combination of baking powder and baking soda gives these pancakes their signature lift.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The perfect shortcut to warm, cozy flavor. If you don’t have it, I’ll show you how to make your own mix below!
Vanilla Extract & Salt: These are essential flavor enhancers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these pumpkin spice pancakes is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfect batch.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Creating a well in the center helps incorporate the wet ingredients evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine—this is the key to tender pancakes! Do not overmix.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to start working, which results in a fluffier pancake.
Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set.
Flip and Finish: Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve Warm: Serve your delicious pumpkin pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Pancakes
Want to take your pancake game from good to great? These pro tips will guarantee success.
Do Not Overmix: This is the most important rule in pancake making! Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to tough, rubbery pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Lumps are your friend!
Let the Batter Rest: A short 5-10 minute rest makes a huge difference. It gives the leavening agents a head start and results in a much fluffier texture.
Preheat Your Griddle: Ensure your griddle or pan is properly heated to medium before adding the batter. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, they won’t get that beautiful golden color or fluffy rise.
Use Real Pumpkin Puree: Double-check your can! Pumpkin pie filling is not the same and will make your pancakes overly sweet and improperly spiced.
Fun Variations & Mix-Ins
While this pumpkin pancake recipe is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Try adding about 1/2 cup of these to the batter:
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips make for a decadent treat.
Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Warming Spices: Add an extra pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cardamom for more complex flavor. For a different twist, try our delicious apple cinnamon pancakes (coming soon).
The right toppings can elevate your pancakes from a simple breakfast to a memorable meal. Here are some of our favorites:
The perfect fall breakfast, ready to enjoy.
Classic: A pat of butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Decadent: A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and some candied pecans.
Creamy: A spoonful of cream cheese frosting or a swirl of plain yogurt.
Fruity: Sautéed apples or a handful of fresh berries.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
One of the best things about pancakes is that they are perfect for making ahead!
To Store: Let leftover pancakes cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Once firm, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, placing a small piece of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: You can reheat pancakes in the toaster, toaster oven, or microwave until warm. This makes for an incredibly fast and delicious breakfast on busy mornings.
Troubleshooting Common Pancake Problems
Pancakes can sometimes be tricky. Here’s a quick guide to fixing common issues.
Problem
Likely Cause
Solution
Gummy or Dense Pancakes
Overmixing the batter.
Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are okay!
Flat Pancakes
Baking powder is old, or the batter didn’t rest.
Check the expiration date on your leavening agents and always let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes.
Unevenly Cooked Pancakes
The griddle temperature is uneven or too high.
Cook over steady, medium heat. Let your pan preheat fully before adding batter.
The Best Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
FL Recipes
Pumpkin Pancake Recipe: The Fluffiest Fall Breakfast
This easy pumpkin pancake recipe delivers incredibly fluffy, moist, and perfectly spiced pancakes. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, it's the perfect fall breakfast.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for fluffy pancakes.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve immediately with butter, maple syrup, and your other favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 155kcalProtein: 4gFat: 5gFiber: 2g
Notes
Do Not Overmix: To ensure your pancakes are fluffy and not tough, mix the batter only until the flour is just incorporated. Lumps are good! Storage: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute: If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, use 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. However, fresh puree often has a higher water content than canned. You may need to blot it with paper towels to remove some excess moisture to prevent the batter from becoming too thin.
The key to fluffy pancakes is to not overmix the batter. Whisk only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and are a sign of a tender pancake ahead!
Cool pancakes completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between each one. Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave until warm and soft.
For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. For vegan, use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat), a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and vegan butter.
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily make your own! For this recipe, use a mix of 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring other breakfast favorites! From savory to sweet, there’s a pancake for everyone.
We hope you love this fluffy pumpkin pancake recipe as much as we do! It’s a true celebration of fall flavors and the perfect way to make any morning feel special. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And don’t forget to save it to your favorite breakfast board on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
