These Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes are the epitome of cozy fall mornings—tender, thick, and bursting with warm spices and real pumpkin goodness. Each bite brings together sweet autumn flavors with a soft, airy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re tucking into a stack on a crisp weekend or whipping up a special brunch, these pancakes promise comfort with every forkful. Warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream takes them over the top, making this seasonal treat even more irresistible.

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to make Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes, just a handful of pantry staples and the secret ingredient—pumpkin purée! Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, warmth, and that famously tender, fluffy texture.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the pancakes, providing structure and a light crumb.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
Baking powder: This gives your pancakes their lift and that unbeatable fluffiness.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra tenderness and rise.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the spice flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The classic spice for warmth and aroma—don’t skimp!
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch gives depth and that unmistakable fall fragrance.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle, earthy heat that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Ground cloves: Intensifies the spice mix with bold, aromatic notes.
Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling): The star of the show for rich color, moisture, and cozy pumpkin flavor.
Buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice): The acid reacts with baking soda for super fluffy pancakes.
Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the pancakes’ softness.
Melted butter (plus more for the pan): For richness, tenderness, and that addictive golden exterior.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the pumpkin spice flavors.

How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and whisk together your flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Taking a moment to combine these dry ingredients evenly means every pancake will be perfectly flavored and spiced—no surprise bitter bites or clumps!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and cohesive. This wet mixture is where the magic begins—just inhaling the aroma of pumpkin and vanilla is a little taste of fall heaven.

Step 3: Bring it All Together (But Don’t Overmix!)

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ones and gently fold until just combined. The batter will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want for Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes. A few lumps are totally fine—overmixing is the enemy of fluffiness, so resist the urge for perfection here.

Step 4: Heat Your Skillet or Griddle

Warm up a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with some melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds an irresistible golden edge to every pancake. Preheating the pan properly is crucial for that even, airy rise.

Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes

Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed until bubbles begin forming on top and the edges look a bit set—about 2-3 minutes. Flip gently, then cook another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden and the centers are cooked through. If you’re making a big batch, tuck the finished pancakes in a warm oven to keep them fluffy and hot!

How to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Garnishes

Serving Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes is half the fun! You can’t go wrong with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a pat of salted butter slowly melting down the sides, or a generous cloud of whipped cream on top. For extra texture, sprinkle on toasted pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips. A little dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar is a pretty (and tasty!) finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes with classic breakfast sides like crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs if you want something hearty. For a lighter spread, offer a bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait—the creamy, cool contrast is delightful with the warm, spiced pancakes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try making mini stacks topped with caramelized apples or pears for a show-stopping brunch. For the holidays, create a pancake board with toppings and spreads so everyone can customize their Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes. Or, layer pancakes with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spices to make a sweet breakfast “cake” that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have a few pancakes left after breakfast, let them cool completely before wrapping gently in foil or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and stay moist and delicious, ready for a speedy bite whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

These Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes freeze like a dream. Stack them with a square of parchment or wax paper between each pancake, pop them into a freezer bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. They’re perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts on busy mornings—just pull out as many as you need.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-off-the-griddle perfection, reheat pancakes in a toaster, toaster oven, or briefly in a skillet over medium heat. The microwave works for a quick fix (about 15-20 seconds per pancake), but a little time in the toaster keeps them fluffy and lightly crisped around the edges.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works wonderfully in Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes. Just make sure your purée is well-drained and not too watery, or the batter could turn overly loose.

Can I make these pancakes gluten free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Expect the pancakes to be just as tender and delicious, though you might notice a slightly different texture depending on your chosen blend.

What’s the best milk alternative for dairy-free pancakes?

Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work well as swaps for the buttermilk—just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic that tangy lift. Be sure to use a plant-based butter or oil in place of the regular butter if needed.

How can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

For a fun twist, fold a generous handful of chocolate chips or chopped pecans into your finished batter before cooking. They add bursts of sweetness or crunch and make the Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes even more irresistible!

Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

Overmixing is often the culprit! Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined, even if you see some lumps. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh—these leaveners make all the difference when aiming for fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes always bring a bit of fall magic to the table, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself craving them all season long. Whether you’re serving a crowd or savoring a quiet breakfast, these pancakes are sure to be an instant favorite. Go ahead and give them a try—your next cozy morning awaits!