When autumn arrives, and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a cozy breakfast of Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix. These pancakes are light, fluffy, and full of warm fall flavors, combining pumpkin puree with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? They’re made even easier using pancake mix as a base, saving you time while still delivering delicious, homemade results.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just craving something special on a chilly morning, these Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix are the perfect way to welcome fall into your kitchen.
Why Pancake Mix Is the Perfect Base for Pumpkin Pancakes
Pancake mix is a convenient kitchen staple that many of us already have on hand. It eliminates the need to measure out flour, baking powder, and salt, making it the perfect shortcut for creating homemade pancakes with minimal effort. By simply adding a few extra ingredients—like pumpkin puree and spices—you can easily transform a basic mix into an autumnal breakfast that rivals any made-from-scratch recipe.
For another quick breakfast option that’s equally delicious and time-saving, check out AllRecipes’ Guide to Quick Breakfasts, which offers plenty of ideas for fast and satisfying meals.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix
To make these Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. Pancake Mix
Any store-bought pancake mix will do, whether it’s classic buttermilk, whole grain, or even a gluten-free variety. The pancake mix serves as the base, ensuring you get light, fluffy pancakes every time.
2. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable autumn flavor. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sugar and spices. You can use canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice
This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is the secret to capturing the warmth of fall in every bite. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing equal parts of these spices.
4. Milk
Using milk instead of water adds richness and makes your pancakes extra fluffy. Any type of milk will work, including dairy-free options like almond, soy, or oat milk.
5. Eggs
Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the pancakes structure. If you’re making a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with a flax or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
6. Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar (Optional)
While this is optional, adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to the batter enhances the sweetness of the pancakes and complements the pumpkin spice flavor.
For more information on choosing the best ingredients for your fall pancakes, take a look at Serious Eats’ Guide to Pancake Perfection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To begin, gather all your ingredients for the Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix:
- 2 cups of pancake mix
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup of milk (add more as needed for consistency)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk. If you’re adding maple syrup or brown sugar, include it at this stage to enhance the sweetness of your Pumpkin Pancakes.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy but pourable.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Pumpkin Pancakes
Adding toppings is one of the best parts of serving Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix. Here are a few delicious topping ideas:
1. Maple Syrup
Nothing beats the classic combination of pancakes and maple syrup. Warm, pure maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to these spiced pancakes.
2. Whipped Cream
For a more indulgent breakfast, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your Pumpkin Pancakes. You can even sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream for extra flavor.
3. Caramel Sauce
Take your pancakes to the next level by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce. This rich topping enhances the sweetness and creates a dessert-like experience. Check out this easy Caramel Sauce Recipe from Delish.
4. Fresh Fruit
Balance the richness of the pancakes with fresh fruit. Sliced bananas, apples, or berries work wonderfully and add a fresh, natural sweetness.
5. Nuts and Seeds
For a bit of crunch, sprinkle your pancakes with chopped pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
Creative Variations of Pumpkin Pancakes
While this recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix is delicious as is, there are several ways to customize and elevate it. Try these creative variations:
1. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes
For a sweet twist, fold in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before cooking. The melted chocolate adds richness and contrasts the warm spices.
2. Nutty Pumpkin Pancakes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the soft, fluffy pancakes.
3. Oatmeal Pumpkin Pancakes
For a heartier breakfast, stir in ½ cup of rolled oats to the batter. The oats add texture and make the pancakes more filling.
4. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the pancake mix with a gluten-free option. Many brands offer gluten-free mixes that work just as well as traditional ones.
5. Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
To make vegan Pumpkin Pancakes, use a dairy-free pancake mix, plant-based milk, and flax or chia eggs as a substitute for regular eggs. For more vegan breakfast ideas, check out Minimalist Baker’s Vegan Breakfast Recipes.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Pumpkin Pancakes every time:
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing pancake batter can lead to tough, dense pancakes. Stir the ingredients together just until combined—some lumps are okay.
2. Cook on Medium Heat
Cooking pancakes on medium heat ensures that they cook evenly without burning on the outside. If the heat is too high, the pancakes may brown too quickly and remain undercooked inside.
3. Keep Pancakes Warm
If you’re making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve. This way, everyone can enjoy hot pancakes at the same time.
4. Adjust Batter Consistency
If the batter is too thick, add more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more pancake mix.
For more pancake-making tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s Pancake Guide.
Storage and Freezing Tips
If you have leftovers or want to make these pancakes ahead of time, they store and freeze well:
1. Refrigerating Pancakes
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster.
2. Freezing Pancakes
To freeze, arrange the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. The pancakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the toaster or microwave straight from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Breakfast
Pumpkin Pancakes can be the star of your breakfast table, but here are a few ideas for side dishes and drinks to serve alongside them:
1. Crispy Bacon or Sausage
The savory flavor of bacon or sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced pancakes.
2. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
A glass of fresh orange juice adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm flavors of the pancakes.
3. Coffee with Pumpkin Spice Creamer
For a complete fall-inspired breakfast, serve your pancakes with a cup of coffee flavored with pumpkin spice creamer. The warm spices in both the coffee and pancakes will make for a cozy meal.
4. Greek Yogurt
Serve the pancakes with a side of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein. You can sweeten the yogurt with honey or maple syrup for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Pancakes
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (2 pancakes):
- Calories: 200-250 (depending on ingredients)
- Fat: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
- Sugar: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar, skip the butter, or serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
Why You Should Try Pumpkin Pancakes This Fall
These Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix are a quick and easy way to bring the flavors of fall into your breakfast routine. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or meal-prepping for the week ahead, these pancakes are sure to become a seasonal favorite. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast that celebrates the best flavors of autumn.
For more fall breakfast inspiration, don’t miss Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Fall Breakfast Recipes for ideas that will warm you up on chilly mornings.