Pumpkin pancakes are a fall breakfast staple and an irresistible breakfast option for any pumpkin lover! There’s something magical about the combination of warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, with the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree. Our oldest daughter actually prefers these to regular pancakes year round. And the creamy cinnamon syrup that we drizzle on top is pure perfection. You can totally use any syrup you like like classic maple or my regular buttermilk caramel syrup, but the extra cinnamon spice is out-of-this world and worth the five minutes of extra effort. If you’re obsessed with all things pumpkin, you’ve also got to try my favorite pumpkin-packed recipes like Pumpkin French Toast with Whipped Pumpkin Butter, Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake, Baked Pumpkin Donuts, and Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Why We Love This Recipe
These pancakes have the perfect balance of pumpkin flavor and spices! They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for a crisp fall morning or brunch on a special occasion. You can customize them easily by throwing in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped pecans.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the pancake batter, creating a fluffy and soft texture. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier bite. Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and pumpkin. Brown sugar can also be used for a richer flavor. Baking Powder – Helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy. Baking Soda – Works with the buttermilk to give the pancakes extra lift and fluffiness. Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness. Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger – These classic pumpkin pie spices are essential for that cozy, fall flavor. Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the pancakes. Buttermilk – Helps create tender, moist pancakes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute with regular milk and a little lemon juice. Pumpkin Puree – The star of the show! Use either canned pumpkin puree or homemade for a fresh twist. Vegetable Oil – Keeps the pancakes moist without weighing them down.
For the Cinnamon Syrup
Salted Butter – Adds richness and flavor, making the syrup silky smooth. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the syrup and gives it that lovely thick consistency. Buttermilk – Brings a slight tang to balance the sweetness, making the syrup irresistible. Light Corn Syrup – Helps thicken the syrup and gives it that glossy, pourable texture. Ground Cinnamon – The star spice, bringing all those warm, cozy fall flavors to the syrup. Baking Soda – This creates a fun bubbling effect and makes the syrup light and airy. Vanilla Extract – Adds the final touch of warmth and depth to round out the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pancakes
To Make the Cinnamon Syrup
Tips for Success
Don’t overmix the batter – a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can make your pancakes tough rather than light and fluffy. Cook the pancakes over medium heat to ensure that they cook through without burning the outside. Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) to keep them warm while you finish the batch. Customize your pancakes by adding a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the batter for a fun twist!
Substitutions and Variations
You can swap All-Purpose Flour for half whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option, though it will create a denser texture. I haven’t tried completely replacing the all-purpose flour with only whole wheat flour. Coconut oil or melted butter works great in place of vegetable oil if you want to switch up the fats in the recipe. No buttermilk on hand? Make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Freshly made pumpkin puree works just as well as canned, but the canned version is quicker and easier for busy mornings.
More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin Ice Cream Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Easy Pumpkin Turkey Chili Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
A drizzle of maple syrup is a classic, or you can go the extra mile by making homemade Cider Syrup, Buttermilk Syrup, or try the Creamy Cinnamon Syrup recipe detailed below! Add a side of Oven Baked Bacon, Candied Bacon, or Air Fryer Sausage Links for that sweet and savory balance we all love! And, of course, a cup of cold milk or a decadent Pumpkin Pie Milkshake are some perfect companions to these fall-inspired pancakes!
