Pumpkin Pancakes
Updated Sep 12, 2026
Pumpkin pancakes made with real pumpkin and fall spice that stay light and fluffy instead of dense. An easy weekend breakfast that isn't overly sweet.
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Whenever I see pumpkin pancakes on a fall menu, I’m tempted to order them because they just sound so good. Unfortunately, sounding good and tasting good are two different things, because more often than not I’d get served pumpkin pancakes that were too sweet, gummy, and dense for me. So these pumpkin spice pancakes are the version I actually wanted all those times. They taste like real pumpkin with plenty of fall spice, without being overly sweet, and they stay light and fluffy instead of turning dense like restaurant pancakes sometimes do.
Recipe testing notes
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe multiple times before sharing it! These notes give you a peek into my process of developing and testing.
The amount of pumpkin is what keeps these pancakes from going gummy and dense, which was the exact thing I didn’t like about the restaurant ones. Pumpkin is heavy and holds a lot of water, so when I used too much, the middles wouldn’t cook through. Just a third of a cup turned out to be the sweet spot, enough to really taste it without weighing them down.
Don’t overmix the batter. Same as any classic pancake recipe, a few lumps are fine, and if you whisk it smooth, they come out tough instead of fluffy.
Cook them a little lower and slower than you’d think. The batter’s thicker than a plain pancake, and there’s some sugar in there, so on high heat the outside browns before the inside is done. Medium-low heat gives the pancakes time to cook through, and I wait for the bubbles to form and the edges to set before I flip.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
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Pumpkin Pancakes Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure, canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra sugar and spices. You can also make your own homemade pumpkin puree! Just make sure to strain off any water.
- Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. You can also use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off so you don’t pack in too much. And make sure to use fresh, aluminum-free baking powder, because regular may give your pumpkin pancakes a metallic taste.
- Wet Ingredients: Eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. I prefer almond milk, but whole milk, oat, or soy milk will work, too. Use room-temperature eggs and milk to keep the butter from hardening into little clumps. And let the melted butter cool slightly before using it.
How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes
These step-by-step photos walk you through how to make Pumpkin Pancakes. For the full ingredient list and detailed instructions, head to the recipe card below, or skip straight to the → Homemade Pumpkin Pancakes recipe below
1. Gather the wet ingredients
Add the milk, pumpkin puree, egg, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl.
2. Whisk until blended
The mixture should look evenly orange, with no streaks of egg or clumps of pumpkin remaining.
3. Add the dry ingredients
Combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl, then pour them into the wet mixture.
4. Gently stir the batter
Stir until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated. Stop once the flour is incorporated. A few small lumps are fine; there’s no need to keep stirring until the batter is smooth.
5. Cook the first side
Heat a nonstick griddle or pan. Pour the batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until small bubbles start to form on the top and the edges firm up.
6. Flip and finish cooking
Slide a spatula underneath each pancake and turn it over. Cook until the bottom is golden and the center is cooked through.
Full From Scratch Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup all–purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder aluminium-free
- 1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice blend homemade blend
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon butter melted plus more for cooking
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice blend, and salt. Stir until blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, pumpkin purée, egg, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely blended.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated.
- Heat a nonstick griddle or pan over medium-low heat. Melt butter on the surface, if desired. Pour ⅓ cup of the batter into the hot griddle. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until small bubbles start to form on the top and the edges firm up. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the pancake is cooked through. Makes 8 pancakes.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate chips: Fold ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips into the finished batter, or sprinkle them onto individual pancakes right after pouring. That way, you can leave some plain.
- Chopped pecans: Fold ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans into the batter. Keep the pieces small so they spread evenly through the pancakes.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t over-mix your pancake batter. You can stop mixing your ingredients once all of the flour has disappeared! It’s fine if there are still lumps in the batter, but over-mixing can lead to flat and dense pancakes.
- Keep the heat at medium-low. The pumpkin makes the batter moist, so the centers need time to cook before the outsides get too dark. Lower the heat if later batches brown faster than the first.
- Don’t press after flipping. Let the pancakes finish cooking without pushing down on them with the spatula, which can flatten them.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with your favorite toppings. My kids and I love to top our pancakes with more maple syrup, butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. But you can also top them with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even yogurt.
- Pair with savory breakfast foods. These are a great sweet pairing with my hashbrown egg nests or cottage cheese scrambled eggs.
Troubleshooting
The pan is probably too hot. Reduce the heat and give the pancakes a little longer to cook. Keep each portion to ⅓ cup, since larger pancakes take longer to cook through.
The flour may have been packed into the measuring cup, or your pumpkin puree may be especially thick. The batter should be thick but still pourable. If it falls off the spoon in a solid clump, gently stir in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it pours.
Overmixing can make pancakes chewy. Once the wet and dry ingredients come together, stir just until there are no dry patches of flour. Don’t try to beat out every lump.
Comments
Just the right amount of pumpkin and the right amount of spice. super easy to cook on the griddle with some left over for the freezer
So nice to hear the proportions were spot on! Thanks, Christine!
I doubled the recipe and they were wet and came out flat. Followed recipe exactly. They are delicious, but didn’t look appealing.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. Is it possible your baking powder was opened over 6 months ago? It should have made your pancakes rise so I wonder if it was expired.
No, it was not expired. I bought the baking powder two weeks ago. Taste was good, just batter was wet so the pancakes were flat.
And you used pure, canned pumpkin purée? Not pumpkin pie filling? If so, I think you may have overmixed the batter. Overmixing can make the pancakes dense and flat.
Correct. I followed the recipe exactly. I used Libby’s pumpkin puree.
I think your batter may have been overmixed then. Next time, try mixing the batter until ingredients are just combined and see if that makes a difference!
These were a little wet and I had to add some extra flour. They were okay!
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that! Did you follow the recipe exactly?
This is our new go-to fall pancake recipe!
Yay! Love that!! So glad it was a hit at your house!
These are absolutely delicious. My idea of the perfect pancake.
Wow, thank you so much! I’m so happy you like them!!
Look forward to some great recipes!
Hope you enjoy them!
So good! Made with fairlife 2%. I’ve been making these all fall. They fit my macros so well AND taste great! Thank you thank you
These pancakes have become a fall tradition for my family! I make them every year we live them so much. Super moist, and the pumpkin spice doesn’t overwhelm at all. One of my breakfast go-tos.
So glad to hear that everyone loves them! Thank you for making them!
Soo GOOD. Soo EASY. I used GF cup for cup flour. SO GOOD. Even my 3 year old selective food eater devoured these. It will be on rotation in our house.
Thank you, thank you! That’s amazing!!
This pecan pie was fabulous! The date’s pared so well with the pecans. Very rich but so satisfying. I’ll definitely be making this tasty healthier version again.
Thank you! I love the way you described it. Yay!!
I’m still in a pumpkin spice mood, so I made this pancakes and are SO GOOD! Perfect for a fall Sunday brunch 🧡
It’s definitely still pumpkin spice season! I am so glad to hear that. Yay!!
Great pancake idea! Super delicious! Hubby and kids loved them. No one knew I swapped “pumpkin” for “sweet potatoes!” Ran out of pumpkin in the pantry!
Will keep this recipe on the fall rotation! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. So easy to make!!
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was a hit. Hope you continue to enjoy it!
Very delicious recipe! I made this for my husbands birthday the other day to try something new and we both enjoyed it! Great flavors for fall and very easy to assemble. Thank you!!
Very delicious recipe! I made this for my husbands birthday the other day to try something new and we both enjoyed it! Great flavors for fall and very easy to assemble. Thank you!
Thank you so much! Happy birthday to him! Glad you enjoyed the flavors of this recipe.
I made this with a gluten free pie crust I made and it worked perfectly! Smells amazing while baking too.
That’s great to hear! Thank you!!
Yumna is always my go to for fail-safe recipes. My first time making pecan pie and it came out wonderfully! Thank you!
Thank you so much! That’s perfect. You’re welcome!
Lovely recipe perfect for the winter monthe
Thank you so much!
I made this yesterday they turned out amazing I drizzle homemade dates caramel sauce with chopped pecans on top
That’s perfect! I love the sound of that!
You’re amazing.
Like your recipes and everything is easy.
Aww, thank you! Thank you so much!
This will be my first attempt at making a Pecan Pie. My son in NY loves Pecan Pie, so he will be my recipient.❤️
I love following your posts, and seeing all your recipes.
Best,
Diane
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Hope you both enjoy!!
My first time making pecan pie! Yumna, you made it so easy! And I’m glad you have such a good substitute for the corn syrup. Delicious and the kids loved it! *Chef’s kiss*
Aww, I’m so glad you found this easy to make! Yay!!
Just made these for dinner, I’m in love. Really awesome pancake recipe, came out perfect with a fluffy inside and crispy edges on the outside. Served with some sautéed banana slices and blueberries on top.
That is such a huge compliment! Thank you so much!! Solid choices for toppings.
These were so easy and delicious! Great pumpkin flavor and the perfect level of spice. I randomly made them for lunch, and they really hit the spot!
Thank you so much! Pancakes for lunch is definitely a good idea!
Delicious pumpkin pancakes! Simple recipe perfect for any morning!
Thank you so much! Yay!!
I made these with some leftover pumpkin I had. They were easy to make and very delicious. My husband and I really enjoyed them. Perfect for fall!!!
I am so happy to hear you both enjoyed!
Oh my word these are so delicious! So light and fluffy. Love the aroma that filled the air from the pumpkin spice. Everyone ate 3-4 and wanted more. We will make this an annual tradition the weekend of Halloween.
Thank you so much, Sarah! I love that this is going to become part of your annual tradition!
Oh my word these are so delicious! So light and fluffy. Love the aroma that filled the air from the pumpkin spice. Everyone ate 3-4 and wanted more. We will make this an annual tradition!
Thank you so much! That is exactly what I was going for – yay!!
Just tried these pumpkin pancakes and they are SOOO good !! Very moist and tasty. We loved it !
As I live in France and we can’t find canned pumpkin puree (or hardly and at a prohibitive price), I did my own homemade pumpkin puree, making sure to have no water in it. It was a bit longer but it was worth it.
Thank you so much! That’s perfect. Homemade pumpkin puree sounds amazing!
I just made these pancakes over the weekend with some leftover pumpkin I had and they were so tasty! So easy and perfect for a fall day!
That makes me so happy to hear! Yay!
I didn’t make mine on a griddle but they still turned out great! Delicious and fluffy, kids loved them too. Nice change for the season ;).
That’s perfect! Thank you so much!
Nothing like pumpkin pancakes on a October morn! These were delicious. And hit the spot!
I couldn’t agree any less! Thank you!!
This was a super easy recipe to follow, thanks!
That’s exactly what I was going for! Thank you!
Deliciously yummy and easy breakfast option on this cool fall day!
Thank you so much! Hope it made for the perfect start to a fall day!
Made these this weekend for the family and they were a hit with everyone!! My son in law loves pumpkin pie and these were a delicious nod to that without being too sweet. We also tried adding a bit of cream cheese on top and it was delicious. Easy and delicious recipe for a fall breakfast. They disappeared so fast I didn’t get any pictures 🤪
I made this recipe this morning! I had gone to a pumpkin path the day prior and had some cinnamon maple syrup that paired perfectly. Soooo delicious. Yielded 8 pancakes and my husband was a huge fan too. Super fluffy and not overwhelmingly pumpkin.
That must’ve been so fun! I love the sound of a cinnamon maple syrup. Glad you both enjoyed!
Came out picture perfect! Glad to also have pumpkin spice on hand for anytime the season calls for it 🙂
Thank you! I love that!
Yummy ! Easy to make
I am very impressed with this recipe! I haven’t made pumpkin pancakes before for some reason. They were so simple and a perfect fall weekend staple 😋 even the toddlers loved them and were able to help. Will be making them again and again. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear. Hope you all continue to enjoy!
These were absolutely amazing. So fluffy. My entire family loved them. I did end up cooking them on an electric skillet because I made a big patch to freeze and they still were perfection.
Thank you so much! Yay!! That’s a great idea – I love doing that!
I made these this morning and added mini chocolate chips to them and they were delicious. Perfect Fall breakfast
That sounds perfect! I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
This recipe is delicious 😋 thanks for sharing
Thank you so much!
I just made these pancakes and they’re absolutely delicious! They are so fluffy! Thanks for sharing. So good! 😀
Karen
Thank you so much, Karen! I’m glad it turned out fluffy. Always happy to have shared!
Wow!
I’ve been interested in making some treats for the fall since the season’s began so when I saw this recipe, I had to try it! I have to say- these pancakes are super! I did add a little extra syrup maple (on account of my sweet tooth), but overall the flavor is exactly what I expect a pumpkin pancake to taste like.
Excited for more recipes!
Yours,
Rosa
I’m so glad you tried these! Thank you so much. That’s perfect!! Hope you enjoy the other recipes too.
These turned out so well! The batter is the perfect consistency. I used GF all purpose flour and they were still light and fluffy!
I’m so glad to hear it! Yay!!
This recipe was easy to put together! I didn’t have maple syrup but added alittle more cinnamon and regular sugar. It was light and super tasty.
I’m glad you found it that way! Yum!!
These pumpkin pancakes make the perfect fall breakfast!
Thank you so much!
Yum. I subbed out some of the all purpose with oat flour for a heartier breakfast and it was delicious. Really makes it feel like fall is here.
Yay! I’m glad it worked out that way!
This is a good pancake recipe. It’s easy and perfect for fall!
Thank you! That is exactly what I was hoping for!
How delicious! We used cinnamon extract in place of the vanilla and my two year old was delighted to help me mix the batter. We all loved them! We are going to make this again next weekend!!
Thank you! That sounds delicious, too. Hope you continue to love these pancakes!
I am not a great cook, however I try my best and I loved the Pumpkin Pancakes! they are my new cakes for breakfast. Thank you
I’m so glad you found these easy to make! Hope you continue to enjoy!
I tried making these pancakes after finding a can of pumpkin purée in the pantry. I cannot say how impressed I am. They’re absolutely delicious. My husband and kids love it too. I’ve made it three times this past week already. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
That is amazing! Thank you. It’s amazing to hear that you’re all enjoying this recipe!
Quick and easy!! Great fall breakfast!
Thank you so much!
Great for a Sunday morning Fall breakfast!! Perfect amounts fluffy and sweet. Made with a side of bacon. Yum. Will definitely be making again!
It would definitely hit the spot! Hope you continue to enjoy!
These were so light and fluffy my 2 year old loved them! The flavor was just right and not too overpowering in the pumpkin department. Thank you!
That is so perfect! Yay!! You’re so welcome.
I didn’t think I was a big fan of pumpkin, but these pancakes are a game changer! SO good!!! 🤌🏼
So glad you tried these and enjoyed! Yay, I love that!
Bringing on the fall vibes with the pumpkin pancakes! They were delicious and very easy to make.
You got it! I love that!!
These were so delicious and easy to make!!
That is exactly what I was going for! Yay!!
Simply delicious!!
Thank you so much!
So delicious 😋!!!! It’s one of my favorite for pancakes 🎃😍
That’s amazing to hear! Yay!!!
Made the Pumpkin pancakes for breakfast this morning and had fun with them, cut them out with a Pumpkin Cookie Cutter, they tasted so good!
That is such a fun idea! I love it!!
These pancakes were a big hit with the family. They requested them to be put on the meal rotation. They are fluffy and the taste is out of this world. I will be making these again.
Yay!! That is such a compliment.
Great recipe
Thank you so much!
These were a huge hit in my house. 3 generations enjoyed these! Went over especially well for my 2 yr old.
I’m so glad to hear it! Yay!!
OMG so good and so simple. Perfect recipe. Perfect amount of sweetness and not over spiced.
Thank you so much! That is such a compliment!
Packed with the flavors of fall! Perfectly light and fluffy with crispy edges. I could eat them without additional butter or syrup.
Exactly what I was going for! Thank you so much!
Wonderful pumpkin spice taste and smell! I substituted the GF blend for the AP flour and the pancakes were delicious. I portioned the remaining pumpkin puree in 1/3 cup amounts and put in freezer until I am ready to make another patch of pumpkin pancakes.
That’s perfect! I’m so glad it worked that way too. Hope you continue to enjoy!
Perfect weekend pancakes! Delicious and amazing.
Thank you so much!
These pancakes are a great way to work pumpkin into our diet, for health reason AND were a welcome change for Fall, So Good!!!
They really are! Thank you so much!
Amazing, delicious and moist pancakes.
The best to be eaten when it is made.
I had some leftover pancakes … fresh is 1000 X times better then reheated, so my suggestion… make it and eat it…
Thank you so much! I always prefer fresh pancakes, too!
Made these pancakes this morning for meal prep. These have quickly become my go to fall breakfast! Excited to see how they reheat throughout the week.
I am so glad to hear that. Hope you continue to enjoy it throughout the week!
Made these pancakes with my 4 year old son this morning. They turned out fluffy and flavorful just as described. I usually opt for waffles as opposed to pancakes cuz I have no luck in making pancakes but this recipe was easy to follow yet packed with wholesome ingredients. Kid approved too! This will definitely be a recipe staple in our house during the fall. Thank you Yumna!
I’m so glad you both made and enjoyed these pancakes together! Yay!! You’re so welcome.
I love pancakes… and let me tell you this recipe is amazing!
Light and fluffy and packed goth flavors, definitely worth a try!
Thank you so, so much! That’s perfect!
This was so easy to make and my family loved it. This is now In out families rotation.
That makes me so happy to hear! Yay!!
Quite literally one of the best pancakes I’ve ever made and toddler approved. I just adjusted it by removing any sweeteners as I prefer a sugar free Pancake. So thankful for Yumna and this website!
That is such an amazing compliment! Glad you’re both enjoying this recipe!!
Made these pancakes this morning, and as usual absolutely loved the recipe. I love all of Yumna’s recipes. I live at altitude, so baking can be a little tough. These pancakes came out light and fluffy. No adjustments needed. I’ll add this recipe to our Fall menu 🙂
I’m so glad you loved the recipe! Thank you so, so much. Hope you continue to enjoy it this fall!
My kids loved these and I loved making them. Happy fall 🥰
That is amazing! Happy fall to you and your family, too!
They were so delicious just like all of your recipes!!! Loved them. They are definitely my favorite new fall breakfast. Thank you for this amazing recipe. Looking forward to more fall desserts/breakfasts 😋
Thank you so much! Hope you continue to enjoy it this season or at any time of the year!
Super delicious for the whole family! I made them for my sons first birthday and he absolutely loved them, as did everyone else. The perfect breakfast for a fall morning.
Thank you so much! It definitely tastes extra good on a fall morning. Happy belated Birthday to your son!!
These pumpkin pancakes are amazing! Great with brown sugar, maple bacon on the side! Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you so much! Sounds like the perfect meal. You’re so welcome!!
Made your pumpkin pancakes for breakfast this morning and loved them! Fluffy and delicious with just the right amount of spice.❤️
I’m so happy to hear that! Yay!!
Amazing! My kids loved it, they were just fluffy enough.
That’s amazing to hear! Yay!!
Second time making this recipe already because it’s just way too good!! The pancakes were so nice and fluffy, everything about it was just perfect. I used almond milk and sugar-free syrup. My family and I are obsessed with this recipe. I’ve been following this account for a long time now and every recipe I have tried has always been a hit, thank you for all the great content!!!
That makes me so happy to hear! Hope you continue to enjoy this recipe and the other ones on my website!
I loved how simple it is… It’s all things I normally have on hand! Feel Good Foodie has been a source of healthy and approachable recipes for me for a long time now 🙂 Don’t change!
Thank you! That is exactly what I was going for. You got it!!
Pumpkin pancakes for dessert this evening! My kids loved them they tasted like a delicious fall warm delight. The recipe is perfect I followed it to the T. We paired it up with vanilla ice cream and topped with cinnamon and o so amazing and fluffy! Thank you for this life long recipe.
I love that! Thank you so much. Those toppings sound perfect!
My fave breakfast + my fave thing about fall! PUMPKIN PANCAKES! Love them ♥️
I love it! That’s the fall attitude! Thank you so much.
Delicious fluffy pancakes with the perfect amount of pumpkin spice! My family loved it!
Thank you so much! Yay!!
Came out great! Hearty and fluffy, very flavorful with the spice. Only mods were using a full 1/2 cup of pumpkin and using sugar free maple syrup to cut down the sugar.
So glad to hear it! Thank you 🙂
When you only use part of the can of pumpkin, what do you do with the rest?
I recommend these recipes because they are very forgiving in the amounts needed. You can add a little more or less and they’ll still turn out great!
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/no-bake-pumpkin-spice-bliss-balls/
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/vegan-pumpkin-pasta-crispy-sage/
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/homemade-pumpkin-spice-latte/
These pancakes were wonderful! We love everything pumpkin spice and these pancakes had that perfect pumpkin spice flavor. My 12-year-old loved them. I used unbleached all purpose flour, regular milk, and omitted the maple syrup and they were delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
Yay, so glad to hear it! Thank you!
I made these this morning for breakfast. Wow!! They are super good! I made them exactly as written except used honey instead of maple syrup and canola oil instead of melted butter because that’s what I had on hand. I did add 2T. ground flax to the dry ingredients (I add flax to most everything bread). They were light, pumpkiny, and delicious. Just the right touch of spice, too. I used my homemade pumpkin pie spice to make these. Will definitely be making these again as long as my supply of frozen puree lasts in my freezer! I sprinkled mine with walnuts and chocolate chips right after pouring them in the skillet.
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed them! I love that you added the flaxseed to dry ingredients…extra fiber! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Can this also be used as waffle batter too?
Yup! Just add 2 tablespoons of oil to it and then you can use it as waffle batter.
Just made this! It was super delicious!!! I didn’t have maple syrup so just put some honey on top and was just lovely!
Yay! So glad to hear it! 🙂
Love everything with pumpkin! I know these are going to be a hit with my family 🙂