Most pumpkin spice recipes focus on the warm aroma or the golden color, but I love to think beyond that. This recipe is an ode to the imperfect, the chaotic moments in my kitchen where creativity sparks amidst spice jars and batter splatters. It’s about turning the simple joy of pancakes into a small, nostalgic rebellion against the ordinary.
I recently discovered that a pinch of cardamom and a splash of maple syrup elevate these pancakes into something special—unexpected yet comforting. The scent alone, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and roasted pumpkin, transforms breakfast into a cozy ritual. It’s a way to appreciate fall, not just with a fork, but with all your senses.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- Because pumpkin spice reminds me of childhood mornings and whispery kitchen chatter.
- Joy comes in imperfect batter, crunchy edges, and a drizzle of golden maple.
- There’s pride in blending seasonal flavors into something familiar and effortless.
- Relief in knowing I can turn pantry staples into a heartwarming breakfast.
- It embraces chaos — the spilled flour, the splattering batter — and turns it into comfort.
AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)
- FORGOT to preheat the griddle? Batter stuck—fix with a quick scrub and a warm surface.
- DUMPED too much spice? Rinse with more batter or a splash of milk—smooth sailing resumes.
- OVER‑TORCHED pancakes? Lower heat immediately, add a splash of water to calm the pan, and breathe.
- SPILLED batter on the stove? Clean with a damp cloth quickly to prevent burning—smells won’t help!
QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY
- When batter is too thick, splash in a bit more milk until it’s pourable and shiny.
- Spray the hot griddle with oil for a non-stick surface even during the thickest batter.
- If pancakes spread unevenly, use a spoon to reshape the edges during cooking.
- Shield overcooking by lowering the heat—your kitchen will smell sweet, not burnt.
- When in doubt, add a pinch more pumpkin purée for fragrance and moisture.
Making pumpkin spice pancakes this season brings a slow, soulful moment to busy mornings. It’s a chance to embrace the tiny chaos of cooking while relishing the cozy spices that echo the turn of fall’s crisp air.
These pancakes aren’t just food; they’re a fleeting pause, a reminder that small moments—like flipping a perfect pancake—are worth savoring when the seasons shift.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, pumpkin purée, egg, maple syrup, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Once hot, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake, spreading slightly to shape them as they spread naturally.
- Cook the pancakes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. The bottom should be golden brown.
- Flip the pancakes carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter, adding oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the pancakes warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup, and enjoy their aromatic, tender interior with crispy edges.
Notes
There’s something quietly satisfying in turning simple ingredients into a warm, flavorful treat. This recipe fits perfectly into the changing seasons when comfort food feels most needed and appreciated. A stack of these pancakes can make a regular morning feel like a special occasion, even amidst chaos.
As the aroma drifts through the house, I often pause and breathe in the moment. That’s the real magic of seasonal cooking — it connects us with stories, memories, and the quiet joy of a breakfast made with care.
