Fall is a season of warmth, comfort, and delicious flavors. And what better way to start a fall morning than with a stack of fluffy pumpkin pancakes? Thanks to the magic of canned pumpkin, this pancake recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for those crisp autumn days.
Let's begin by gathering the ingredients. You'll need all - purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves. These spices will give your pancakes that classic fall aroma. For the wet ingredients, you'll require canned pumpkin puree, milk, an egg, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla extract. And of course, don't forget the pumpkin seeds for that special finishing touch.
First, in a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed. This step is crucial as it ensures that every bite of your pancake will have a harmonious blend of flavors.
In a separate medium - sized bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Pour in the canned pumpkin puree, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. The pumpkin puree not only adds a beautiful orange color to the pancakes but also makes them moist and flavorful.
Now, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or a rubber spatula to gently combine them. Be careful not to over - mix; a few lumps in the batter are okay. Over - mixing can result in tough pancakes. Once the batter is just combined, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flour to absorb the moisture and makes the pancakes even fluffier.
Preheat a griddle or a large non - stick skillet over medium - low heat. Brush it with a little bit of butter or oil to prevent the pancakes from sticking. When the griddle is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. You'll start to see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes after a couple of minutes. This is a sign that it's time to flip them.
Use a spatula to carefully flip the pancakes. Cook them on the other side for another 1 - 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The key to perfectly cooked pancakes is to keep the heat at a medium - low level. This ensures that the pancakes cook through without burning on the outside.
Once the pancakes are cooked, stack them on a plate. Now comes the fun part - the toppings! Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top of the pancakes. The crunchy texture of the pumpkin seeds contrasts beautifully with the softness of the pancakes. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
These pumpkin pancakes are not just a treat for your taste buds; they are also a great source of nutrients. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. So, you can enjoy your fall breakfast guilt - free.
Whether you're having a quiet morning at home or hosting a fall brunch with friends and family, these pumpkin pancakes are sure to be a hit. They capture the essence of fall in every bite and make for a memorable start to the day. So, the next time the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delicious pumpkin pancakes.
You can also experiment with different variations of this recipe. For example, you can add some chopped apples or raisins to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. Or, if you prefer a more savory twist, you can sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the pancakes before cooking them. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, this pumpkin pancake recipe is a must - try for fall. It's easy, delicious, and perfect for any fall morning. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get ready to enjoy a stack of warm, fluffy pumpkin pancakes. Your taste buds will thank you!