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Recipe

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Soft pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon, ginger and maple syrup start Halloween on a cozy note. Simple mixing and a moderate griddle keep them tender inside.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup (180 g) plain pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) melted unsalted butter, cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons neutral oil, for the pan
  • 1/4 cup (80 g) maple syrup, to serve

Instructions

  1. Whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in a wide bowl, breaking up any sugar lumps.
  2. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla until smooth. Make sure the butter is warm, not hot, before adding it to the egg.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Fold just until no dry flour remains; small lumps are fine. Rest for 5 minutes while the pan heats.
  4. Warm a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Brush with a little of the oil. A small drop of batter should sizzle gently, not scorch immediately.
  5. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake, leaving room between portions. Spread slightly with the back of the scoop to about 4 inches across.
  6. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the edges look set and bubbles appear. Flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes, lowering the heat if the surfaces brown too quickly.
  7. Split open the first pancake to check that the center is fluffy and cooked rather than wet. Cook the remaining batter in batches, adding oil as needed; expect about 12 pancakes.
  8. Serve three pancakes per person with a tablespoon of maple syrup. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days; reheat until hot throughout.

Pumpkin puree adds warm color and moisture to these American-style breakfast pancakes. They are festive enough for Halloween morning without requiring icing, food coloring or elaborate shapes. A little maple syrup finishes the stack.

Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Because pumpkin makes the batter thicker, spread each portion gently and cook over moderate heat so the center has time to set before the outside gets too dark.

Keeping pancakes tender

Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixed batter can produce rubbery pancakes; very high heat can leave a raw center beneath a dark crust.

Freezer breakfast

Cool the pancakes promptly, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer container with parchment between layers. Use within 2 months.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, if it is thick rather than watery. Drain excess liquid first; the batter should be thick but spreadable.

Are these paleo pancakes?

No. This recipe contains wheat flour and dairy. The representative photograph shows a different version of pumpkin pancakes.

Nutrition notes

Nutrition values are approximate editorial estimates per serving, not laboratory measurements or a verified nutritional analysis. Actual values vary with brands, portion size and substitutions. These original recipe drafts have not been kitchen-tested; cooking times are guides.

Estimate includes all cooking oil and 1 tablespoon maple syrup per serving; yield may vary with scoop size.

Allergen information: Wheat/gluten; Milk; Egg. Check all ingredient labels and individual dietary needs.

Per serving

Nutrition facts

Serving size: About three pancakes with one tablespoon maple syrup (estimated nutrition)

Calories
390
Total fat
13 g
Saturated fat
6 g
Cholesterol
70 mg
Sodium
470 mg
Total carbohydrate
61 g
Dietary fiber
4 g
Total sugars
26 g
Protein
9 g

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