Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Vanilla Cream Syrup

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Picture a crisp Texas morning, the kind where the air smells like dried leaves and woodsmoke. You’re sipping a hot cup of coffee, and the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice pancakes is wafting through the kitchen. That’s what I think of every time I make these Pumpkin Spice Pancakes—it's my ultimate fall breakfast, and it has become a cherished family tradition. 

As someone who lives for all things pumpkin, these pancakes deliver that perfect blend of fluffy, flavorful goodness. And the best part? They’re simple to make with ingredients you likely already have stashed in your pantry.

Pumpkin spice is more than just a trendy fall flavor—it’s a reminder that the cooler months are coming and the holidays aren’t far behind. These pancakes are packed with the warm spices of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, creating the perfect breakfast for those cozy mornings. And when you drizzle them with a buttery vanilla cream syrup, it’s like autumn on a plate!

Let me walk you through how to make these delicious pancakes and share some tricks to ensure they turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these pumpkin-packed pancakes. Each ingredient plays its own special role, so let’s break it down:

• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and that distinct pumpkin flavor. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
• Buttermilk: Keeps the pancakes tender with a slight tang.
• Flour: Forms the base of the pancakes, giving structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star of the flavor show—this blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings out that classic fall warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon: An extra dash enhances the spiced flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the pancakes rise, giving them that soft, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and bind the ingredients.
• Melted Butter or Coconut Oil: Adds richness and a bit of crispy edge to the pancakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a sweet, warm undertone to the batter.

Equipment Needed

• Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together your dry ingredients.
• Separate Bowl: For the wet ingredients—don’t skip this step!
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth batter without overmixing.
• Griddle or Non-stick Skillet: Ensures even cooking for those golden brown pancakes.
• Pancake Batter Dispenser or Large Spoon: For easy, mess-free pouring. I love this pancake batter dispenser! It works great for pancakes, waffles, crepes, and filling cupcake liners or muffin tins.
• Pancake Spatula: Essential for flipping your pancakes like a pro.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

1. Whisk Your Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk it all together until well-blended. This step ensures the pancakes cook evenly and have a uniform flavor.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. It’s okay if the mixture is slightly lumpy—don’t worry, those lumps add character!
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, but be careful—overmixing will make your pancakes tough. A few lumps are totally fine!
4. Preheat the Griddle: Heat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
5. Cook the Pancakes: Drop about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface, and let it cook until bubbles start to form on the edges. Flip and cook for another minute or two, until the pancakes are golden brown.
6. Serve Warm: Stack those fluffy pancakes high and drizzle with warmed vanilla cream syrup (or maple syrup if you're feeling classic!).

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Chef Secrets to Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes

• Don’t Overmix: This is crucial! Overmixing the batter activates the gluten, which will lead to dense, chewy pancakes. Stir just until the ingredients come together. It's ok if there are some lumps.
• Rest the Batter: If you’ve got the time, let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax and helps the pancakes rise beautifully.
• Test with a Small Pancake: Cook a small “test pancake” first to check your heat level. You want the pancakes to cook through evenly without burning on the outside.
• Even Cooking: Using a griddle gives more consistent heat distribution than a pan, but either works as long as you watch the temperature!

Serving Suggestions

These Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are a dream on their own, but there are so many ways to elevate them:

• Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish.
• Chocolate Chips: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, toss some chocolate chips into the batter for a pumpkin-chocolate flavor combo.
• Maple Syrup: For a classic touch, a drizzle of pure maple syrup is always a winner.
• Side of Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon balances out the sweetness of the pancakes perfectly.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Definitely! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin, but keep in mind that fresh pumpkin can be a bit more watery than canned. You may need to adjust the liquid in your batter.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

To freeze, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

Storing and Reheating Tips

For reheating, you can pop leftover pancakes into the microwave for about 30 seconds, or reheat them in a toaster to maintain their crispiness. 

If you’re making the Vanilla Cream Syrup ahead of time, be sure to store it in the fridge. It will thicken up as it cools, but a quick zap in the microwave will bring it back to life.

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Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the tips and tricks, go ahead and make these Pumpkin Spice Pancakes your own! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular Saturday morning, these pancakes will bring all the fall vibes to your breakfast table. Enjoy!

More Pumpkin Recipes

• Amish Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins
• Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Vanilla Bean Glaze
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filing
• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake