“Gourd” morning! This pumpkin-packed breakfast is a tasty way to start your day! These fluffy pumpkin pancakes taste like fall in every bite. Canned pumpkin, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup give them a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 pancakes (serves 2-4)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (plus extra for the griddle)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- nut butter or jelly
- slice of green apple
Allergy notes: Contains wheat, dairy, and eggs.
Substitutions:
- Dairy-free? Use oat milk or almond milk.
- Egg-free? Substitute 1 mashed banana or 1/4 cup applesauce.
- Gluten-free? Use your preferred gluten-free pancake flour blend.
- No canned pumpkin? Fresh cooked and mashed sweet potato works as a substitute.
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Griddle or large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Jack-o’-Lantern cookie cutter (optional)
Steps
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and oil. Stir until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to the bowl. Stir just until combined. A few small lumps are fine. Don’t overmix or the pancakes will be tough.
- Heat the griddle. Lightly oil a griddle or large skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Cook the pancakes. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip and finish. Flip each pancake and cook until the other side is golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Make the jack-o’-lantern. Spread a layer of nut butter, syrup, or jelly on one pancake. Use a cookie cutter or knife to create a jack-o’-lantern face in the second pancake. Place the finished face on top of the first pancake. For the stem, add a slice of green apple, as shown.
Grownup help needed: Using the griddle/stove and flipping pancakes.
