Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these convenient pumpkin pancakes from a mix. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these pancakes bring the warmth of spiced pumpkin goodness to your breakfast table. A perfect autumn treat for a quick and delightful morning meal.
Jump to Recipe
We're all about easy and convenient, especially when it comes to breakfast. You're going to love these almost homemade pancakes. Our family usually wakes up hungry so making breakfast quickly is pretty important around here.
We always have a complete pancake mix in our pantry because it's incredibly versatile. Use it to make waffles or pancakes of any flavor. This time of year, I crave all things pumpkin pie spice. Incorporating pumpkin into the mix to make delicious spiced pancakes is one of our favorite ways prepare breakfast. You're going to love this easy pumpkin pancake recipe.
Looking for more delicious and fluffy pancakes? Try these Oats Pancakes Without Egg and Fluffy Oat Milk Pancakes.
Reasons You'll Love Pumpkin Pancakes from a Mix
Time-Saving: With a mix, you can have delicious pumpkin pancakes on your breakfast table in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare them from scratch. Think about all the time you save from not having to measure out all of the ingredients. While there are a few simple ingredients to measure out, there's not nearly as many. This is perfect for busy mornings.
Seasonal Comfort: The warm and cozy flavors of pumpkin are perfect this fall season. I don't know about you but with the leaves changing and the weather getting cooler, pumpkin is the flavor I want. Your house will smell so good as you make these in the morning. It's the perfect fall treat!
Very Versatile: While these easy pumpkin pancakes are delicious on their own, there are so many ways to take them to the next level. Add some mix ins to the batter before pan frying or top them in different ways. You can personalize your breakfast and have fun doing so. We will get into more specific ideas later on.
Family-Friendly: If you're looking for a breakfast that passes the picky eater test, this is it. Kids love these pancakes, especially when they're served with a lot of maple syrup. At least that's how our little one likes it. If your family likes pumpkin and cinnamon they'll be sure to love these.
Beginner-Friendly: You don't need to be an expert in cooking to make these. Using your favorite pancake mix helps to make your pancakes more perfect and will make the recipe a little more fool proof. No need to stress about mixing dry ingredients and wet ingredients separate because everything can be made in one bowl. This recipe is beginner friendly and is a great recipe for those who are just getting started in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Complete pancake mix - The box mix you choose is the important ingredient to perfect pancakes. Complete pancake mix is different than other types of pancake mix because with the complete mix, you only have to add water. Other mixes may require eggs, oil, and water. Eggs and oil are not on this ingredient list so if you use another type of mix, you may get a completely different texture. Notice too that the complete mix also includes all the sweetness you need so you don't need to add any brown sugar.
Pumpkin puree - You can't make fluffy pumpkin pancakes without pumpkin puree. This helps the pancakes stay nice and moist. Make sure your pumpkin puree is not pumpkin pie mix which includes quite a few more ingredients.
Cinnamon - To enhance the flavor of the pumpkin.
Pumpkin pie spice - This spice blend is made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. This takes the pancakes to a whole new level.
Vanilla - To enhance the flavors of the other ingredients
Milk - Any milk can be used, I used almond milk and it turned out great!
How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes from a Mix
Step 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the complete pancake mix, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and milk. Stir until well combined. Do not over mix, mix until there are no more flour streaks and few lumps. Allow the batter to sit for a few minutes. This gives the ingredients time to hydrate and will make your pancakes more fluffy.
Step 2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or coat with a little butter.
Step 3. Measure 1/4 cup of pumpkin pancake batter and add to the center of the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the center starts to bubble and the edges start to set. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. The second side won't take nearly as long to cook to keep an eye on this. Repeat until all the pumpkin pancake batter has been used up.
Must Try Variations for The Best Pancakes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the pumpkin pancake batter for a delightful combination of rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Pancakes: Make a simple cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with a bit of brown sugar. Swirl spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture into the pancake batter on the griddle as the pancakes cook.
Pumpkin Nut Pancakes: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pancake batter for a nutty crunch. Top the pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup for a classic fall combination.
Pumpkin Banana Pancakes: If you haveripe bananas on hand that need to be used up, try adding them to this recipe. Instead of using 1 cup of pumpkin puree, use 1/2 cup banana and 1/2 cup pumpkin puree for a naturallysweet and moist pancake with a hint of banana flavor.
Pumpkin Apple Pancakes: Fold in diced or grated apples into the pancake batter for a burst of fruity freshness. Top with cinnamon-infused apple compote for extra flavor.
Pumpkin Oat Pancakes: Mix old-fashioned oats into the pancake batter for added texture and a heartier pancake. Serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes: Add protein powder to the pancake batter for a boost of protein. This is a great option for those looking to add more protein to their breakfast.
Pumpkin Cranberry Pancakes: Fold in dried cranberries or fresh cranberries into the pancake batter for a sweet and tart flavor combination. Top with a drizzle of orange-infused maple syrup.
Ways to Top Pumpkin Pancakes from a Mix
Maple Syrup: This is probably the most common way to top a pancake. It's classic and timeless. Pure maple syrup complements the pumpkin flavor and adds a natural sweetness to your pancakes.
Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, making your pumpkin pancakes feel like a decadent dessert.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over your pancakes for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You could even take it a step further and add candied nuts instead.
Fruit Compote: Create a simple fruit compote using berries, apples, or pears. Cook the fruit with a bit of sugar until softened, then spoon it over your pancakes. My favorite this time of year is cooked apples with cinnamon. This is a must try!
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your perfect pumpkin pancakes for a rich and indulgent treat.
Powdered Sugar: If you don't want excess sugar or syrup try dustingyour pumpkin pancakes with a light coating of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
Spiced Butter: Mix softened butter with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of honey. Spread the spiced butter on top of your warm delicious pancakes. Be sure to use unsalted butter.
Tips and Tricks for The Best Pumpkin Pancakes
Let the Batter Rest: It's important to allow the pancake batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking. This gives the ingredients time to hydrate and can result in fluffier pancakes.
Preheat the Griddle or Pan: Ensure your griddle or pan is well preheated before pouring the pancake batter. This helps achieve an even cook and prevents the pancakes from sticking.
Use a Ladle or Measuring Cup: For uniform pancake sizes, use a ladle or measuring cup to portion out the batter onto the griddle. This ensures consistent cooking times and helps maintain a uniform shape. I recommend using a 1/4 cup because it's not too small but not too big either.
Watch for Bubbles: Keep an eye out for bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes. Once you see bubbles, it's a sign that the pancakes are ready to be flipped.
Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to flip the pancakes gently. Be cautious not to press down on them too much, as this can compress the pancakes and make them less fluffy.
Keep Warm in the Oven: If you're cooking multiple batches, you can keep the finished pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (set to a low temperature) while you finish cooking the rest.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense pancakes. Stir the ingredients until just combined, and it's okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
Storing and Reheating
Storing and reheating these pumpkin pancakes is super easy. If you're into meal planning, you can even make a double batch and store until you're ready to eat. They make the perfect on the go breakfast in the morning if they're made ahead of time.
I recommend keeping the leftover pancakes in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the pancakes to cool before storing. You can either place them in a bag or airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent from sticking.
For longer term storage you can store the pancakes in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Once the pancakes are cooled, place in an airtight bag or container and separate layers with parchment paper. Store for up to 2-3 months.
An easy way to reheat the pumpkin pancakes is by using a microwave. Place a few pancakes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 20-30 second intervals.
Another way you can reheat the pancakes is using the toaster oven. Warm at 350 degrees for around 5 minutes. If you have an air fryer you can reheat the pancakes using that as well. Simply preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Arrange the pancakes in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes flipping half way through until warmed.
If you have frozen pumpkin pancakes, be sure to thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pure pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?
Yes, "pure pumpkin" and "pumpkin puree" generally refer to the same thing. Both terms are used to describe a product made from cooked, mashed, and strained pumpkin, with no additional ingredients. When looking for canned pumpkin at the store, you'll often find it labeled as "100% Pure Pumpkin" or "Pumpkin Puree." Always check the label to ensure that the product contains only pumpkin without any additives or preservatives if you want to use it in a recipe where you control the sweetness and spice levels.
What is a good substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you don't have pumpkin puree on hand or are looking for a substitute, there are a few alternatives that can work in this recipe.
Butternut Squash Puree: Butternut squash has a similar texture and flavor to pumpkin. Roast or steam butternut squash until tender, then puree it until smooth.
Sweet Potato Puree: Sweet potato puree is another excellent substitute. It has a slightly different flavor but a comparable texture. Roast or boil sweet potatoes and blend them until smooth.
Acorn Squash Puree: Acorn squash has a mild, sweet flavor and a texture similar to pumpkin. Roast or steam acorn squash and blend it into a puree.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can add moisture and a subtle sweetness to recipes. While it won't replicate the exact flavor of pumpkin, it can get the job done.
Mashed Banana: Mashed banana can add sweetness and moisture to recipes. It works particularly well in this recipe turning the pancakes into a banana pancake instead of a pumpkin pancake.
Is this recipe vegan?
This recipe is not vegan because most complete pancake mixes include milk and other animal products. I have not substituted the complete pancake mix with a vegan friendly mix. If you end up trying this, let me know how it turns out.
What is the best consistency for pancake batter?
The best consistency for pancake batter is a smooth and pourable yet slightly thick texture. The batter should hold its shape when poured onto the griddle, forming a round pancake. If the batter spreads too thinly and loses its shape, it's too thin. A well-mixed pancake batter will have small air bubbles throughout, indicating that the leavening agents are activated. This contributes to the pancakes' light and airy texture.
More Breakfast Ideas You Must Try
Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups complete pancake mix
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the complete pancake mix, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and milk. Stir until well combined. Do not over mix, mix until there are no more flour streaks and few lumps. Allow the batter to sit for a few minutes. This gives the ingredients time to hydrate and will make your pancakes more fluffy.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or coat with a little butter.
- Measure 1/4 cup of pumpkin pancake batter and add to the center of the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the center starts to bubble and the edges start to set. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. The second side won't take nearly as long to cook to keep an eye on this. Repeat until all the pumpkin pancake batter has been used up.
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