If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful breakfast that’s both straightforward and irresistibly delicious, you’ve got to try this Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (with Pancake Mix) Recipe. Combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the convenience of a ready-made pancake mix, these pancakes come together quickly without sacrificing any of that comforting fall charm. The pumpkin purée brings a velvety texture and vibrant color, while just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg creates that perfect seasonal aroma that fills your kitchen and your heart. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, this recipe will soon be your go-to for a taste of autumn in every fluffy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and each plays a special role in making these pancakes taste amazing. From the convenience of the pancake mix to the rich pumpkin and spices, they work together beautifully to create a delightfully fluffy and flavorful stack.
- 2 cups pancake mix: The quick base that holds everything together and gives you a light, fluffy texture every time.
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk): Adds moisture and richness to the batter, keeping pancakes tender and soft.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée: Brings velvety texture, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds a little extra protein to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Or your own cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend to capture that iconic fall flavor.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Ensures a golden, non-stick surface that enhances crisp edges.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (with Pancake Mix) Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Batter
Start by gathering all your ingredients and combining them in a large bowl. Add the pancake mix, milk, pumpkin purée, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Gently stir just until the ingredients are blended together—you want to avoid overmixing, which can make pancakes tough instead of tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to grease the surface lightly. This step is key to getting those golden, crispy edges that make pancakes irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour batter onto the hot skillet. Cook the pancakes until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges start to set, about 2 to 3 minutes. This signals that they’re ready to flip!
Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the pancakes carefully and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this part—the flip is what ensures a perfect pancake texture.
Step 5: Repeat Until All Batter is Used
Continue making pancakes with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed between batches for that consistent golden finish.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your pancakes are cooked, serve them right away while warm, ready for your favorite toppings and a big smile.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (with Pancake Mix) Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can make or break your pancake experience, and for these pumpkin pancakes, the possibilities are endless. Try a pat of melting butter with a drizzle of real maple syrup for classic comfort. For a more decadent spin, add toasted pecans, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Side Dishes
Complement your pumpkin pancakes with some simple sides like crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad. The savoriness of breakfast sausage pairs wonderfully, while fresh berries or apple slices add bright color and refreshing balance to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at brunch? Stack your pumpkin pancakes neatly, layering with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone between each layer for a dessert-like treat. Or, create cute mini stacks for kids, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a fun texture twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You’ll want to place parchment paper between pancakes to prevent sticking and keep them fresh.
Freezing
Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (with Pancake Mix) Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then stack with wax paper between each and seal in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months, making mornings way easier!
Reheating
To reheat your pancakes, pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick warm-up. For the toaster, use a low setting to avoid burning, and for the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture without drying out the pancakes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth before measuring out 1/2 cup for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin might be a bit less sweet and more watery, so you can adjust sugar or spice to taste.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pancake mix, and double-check that your pumpkin pie spice and other ingredients do not contain gluten. The recipe adapts well and keeps the same great flavor.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For best results, it’s recommended to make the batter fresh just before cooking. Pumpkin and baking mixes perform best right away, but if needed, store batter covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours and give it a gentle stir before cooking.
What’s the best milk to use?
Regular milk works perfectly, but almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives that keep the pancakes tender and flavorful. Use any milk you prefer.
How do I get the pancakes extra fluffy?
Be gentle when mixing to avoid overworking the batter. Also, make sure your skillet isn’t too hot; medium heat lets the pancakes cook through evenly and helps them puff up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (with Pancake Mix) Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little autumn magic to their breakfast table with zero fuss. It’s quick, reliable, and bursts with the warm flavors you crave. So grab your pancake mix and pumpkin, whip up a batch, and enjoy that cozy, smile-inducing moment with every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (with Pancake Mix) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Pumpkin Pancakes are a delicious fall-inspired breakfast featuring the rich flavor of pumpkin combined with warm spices. Made with simple ingredients including pancake mix and canned pumpkin purée, they come together quickly for a perfect morning treat. Soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet, these pancakes are perfect for cozy weekends or anytime you crave a seasonal twist on classic pancakes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, pumpkin purée, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook first side: Pour a 1/4 cup of batter onto the heated skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges start to look set, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip pancakes: Carefully flip each pancake using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown, approximately 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Continue cooking remaining batter: Repeat pouring, cooking, and flipping with the remaining batter. Re-grease the skillet as needed to avoid sticking.
- Serve warm: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, butter, or additional pumpkin spice.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain fluffy pancakes.
- You can substitute almond milk or any other plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Adjust cooking temperature if pancakes are browning too quickly or not cooking through.
- These pancakes freeze well—store them in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster or microwave.
