Autumn mornings just got a whole lot cozier with these Fluffy Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes! Bursting with warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, each bite wraps you in fall’s favorite flavors. The gentle tang of buttermilk meets the creamy richness of pumpkin puree to create a tender, moist pancake that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your spatula into pancake batter for the first time, this beginner-friendly recipe guides you step by step to fluffy perfection.
I love whipping up a batch of these pancakes on crisp weekends, filling the kitchen with the comforting scent of spices swirling through the air. They come together in under 30 minutes—10 minutes of prep, a quick 5–10 minute rest for extra fluffiness, and about 15 minutes of happy cooking on the griddle. Topped with a warm drizzle of maple syrup or a cloud of whipped cream, they’re perfect for breakfast or brunch and even make a delightful mid-afternoon snack. Grab your favorite mug of coffee or a cuddly blanket, and let’s dive into this cozy pumpkin pancake adventure!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FLUFFY SPICED PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating those irresistibly fluffy, warmly spiced pancakes. From the pantry staples that build structure and sweetness to the fragrant spices that summon autumn vibes, each component works together in delicious harmony.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structure and body that hold your pancakes together while still allowing them to fluff up perfectly.
- Sugar
Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps with golden browning on the skillet.
- Baking powder
Gives lift and lightness, ensuring your pancakes puff up into airy clouds.
- Baking soda
Works alongside the baking powder to brighten the batter and create those delightful little air pockets.
- Salt
Balances and enhances all the flavors, making those sweet and spicy notes truly shine.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses each bite with warm, comforting aroma and classic autumn character.
- Ground ginger
Introduces a subtle zing that complements the sweetness of pumpkin beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg
Lends a gentle earthiness and depth to the spice blend.
- Ground cloves
Adds a hint of bold, aromatic intensity that rounds out the pumpkin spice profile.
- Buttermilk
Brings tender moisture, a slight tang, and reacts with the baking soda for extra rise.
- Pumpkin puree
Delivers creamy texture, autumn flavor, and a gorgeous hue to the batter.
- Large egg
Binds ingredients together while adding richness and stability to the pancakes.
- Melted butter
Enriches the batter with buttery flavor and helps achieve golden, crisp edges.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the sweetness and ties the spices and pumpkin notes into a harmonious melody.
- Cooking spray or extra butter for the skillet
Prevents sticking and adds an extra touch of buttery flavor as pancakes cook.
HOW TO MAKE FLUFFY SPICED PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Ready to whisk and sizzle your way to cozy autumn bliss? This straightforward recipe breaks down every step—from mixing the spiced dry ingredients to cooking up fluffy golden pancakes—so you can focus on enjoying the process and those first hot bites.
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and lift.
2. In a separate medium bowl, mix the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. The goal is a silky, uniform wet mixture that will blend easily into the dry ingredients.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and help keep your pancakes light.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or butter. The surface is ready when a few drops of water sizzle and evaporate on contact.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Spread the batter slightly with the back of a spoon to form a neat circle about 3–4 inches wide.
6. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until the edges start to look set and small bubbles form on the surface. These bubbles indicate it’s time to flip.
7. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat if pancakes are browning too quickly or too slowly.
8. Remove pancakes from the skillet and keep warm on a plate covered with foil. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more cooking spray or butter to the skillet as needed.
9. Serve warm, topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite pancake toppings for the ultimate autumn indulgence.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FLUFFY SPICED PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Turning these pumpkin pancakes into a memorable meal is all about the paired flavors, textures, and little finishing touches. Whether you’re hosting a leisurely weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy breakfast in bed, these serving suggestions will take each stack from delicious to unforgettable.
- Maple Syrup and Whipped Cream
Drizzle pure maple syrup generously over a stack, then crown it with a swirl of freshly whipped cream. The sweet syrup soaks into every fluffy layer, while the airy cream adds a cool, creamy contrast.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Butter
Combine softened butter with a pinch of ground cinnamon and a dash of sugar. Dollop this compound butter on top of your pancakes and watch it melt into a spiced, gooey delight.
- Toasted Nut Crunch
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for a crunchy texture contrast. The warm nuts echo the spice blend and bring a lovely earthy note to each bite.
- Caramelized Apple Medley
Sauté sliced apples in a pan with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon until tender and golden. Pile these caramelized apples on your pancakes for a juicy, fruit-forward twist.
HOW TO STORE FLUFFY SPICED PUMPKIN PANCAKES
After enjoying a delicious stack, you might have leftovers waiting for another cozy moment. Proper storage methods ensure your pumpkin pancakes stay tender, flavorful, and ready to reheat in a snap whenever you’re craving a quick breakfast or snack.
- Refrigerator (Short-Term Storage)
Layer cooled pancakes between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and preventing moisture buildup.
- Freezer (Long-Term Storage)
Flash-freeze individual pancakes on a baking sheet for about an hour. Transfer the frozen disks into a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without losing fluffiness.
- Gentle Reheat (Microwave)
Place a stack of pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 15–20 second intervals until warmed through, keeping them moist and tender.
- Crispy Reheat (Toaster or Oven)
For a slightly crisp edge, pop chilled or frozen pancakes into a toaster or toaster oven at low to medium heat, or bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This method revives that fresh-off-the-griddle texture.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for joining me on this delightful pumpkin pancake journey! From the warm notes of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the creamy embrace of pumpkin puree and buttermilk, these Fluffy Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes are sure to become a seasonal favorite. We covered everything from the key pantry staples that give you structure, sweetness, and spice, to the step-by-step method that guarantees perfectly fluffy stacks every time. You’ve also learned how to elevate your breakfast table with thoughtful serving ideas—whether it’s a drizzle of maple syrup and whipped cream, a jazzy compound butter, a crunchy nut topping, or a luscious caramelized apple medley. And don’t forget the smart storage tips: refrigerating in airtight containers, flash-freezing for long-term freezer stashes, and reheating tricks that keep your pancakes tasting just like they came off the griddle.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it for those crisp autumn mornings when you want to whip up something cozy, quick, and absolutely delicious. You’ll find a handy FAQ below if you have any questions or need troubleshooting tips. I’d love to hear how your pancakes turn out—leave a comment, ask any questions, or share your own creative twists and feedback. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more spiced pumpkin mornings together!
Fluffy Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes
Description
These delightful pancakes brim with the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, perfectly complemented by the creamy pumpkin puree for a comforting breakfast experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, mix the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
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Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or butter.
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Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Spread the batter slightly with the back of a spoon to form a circle.
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Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to look set and small bubbles form on the surface.
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Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove pancakes from the skillet and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more cooking spray or butter to the skillet as needed.
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Serve warm, topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite pancake toppings.
Note
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
- Leftover pancakes can be frozen and reheated for a quick breakfast option.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for a larger gathering or meal prep.
- Try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
