I absolutely love sharing this Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. These pancakes have that perfect fall vibe with pumpkin and cozy spices, but what makes them truly special is how effortlessly they come together without eggs or dairy. If you’ve ever struggled to find a recipe that’s allergy-friendly but still delicious, these pancakes will be your new go-to.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how light and fluffy the pancakes turned out despite skipping the usual eggs and butter. You’ll find that the combination of applesauce and plant milk keeps the batter perfectly moist, and the whole wheat flour adds a wonderful nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a holiday brunch, or a quick breakfast you want to feel good about, this Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe hits all the right notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Allergy-Friendly: No eggs or dairy, so everyone can enjoy these fluffy pumpkin pancakes.
  • Whole Wheat Goodness: Packed with fiber and nutrients, the whole wheat flour adds wholesome flavor and texture.
  • Simple & Quick: Comes together in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings without sacrificing taste.
  • Seasonal Warmth: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices makes it a cozy choice for fall and winter breakfasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe is chosen for taste, nutrition, and allergy-friendliness. Using pumpkin puree lends moisture and that autumn vibe, while whole wheat flour brings hearty texture and fiber that’s really satisfying.

  • Pumpkin Puree: Opt for pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep flavors authentic and control sweetness.
  • Plant Milk: I usually use almond or oat milk — both add creaminess without dairy.
  • Water: Keeps the batter just thin enough for lovely pancakes without heaviness.
  • Applesauce: Acts as an egg substitute and adds natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Agave or Maple Syrup: Choose your favorite liquid sweetener for that gentle sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla transforms the flavor, making these pancakes feel like a special treat.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Gives a rich, nutty flavor and boosts fiber for a wholesome breakfast.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for making these pancakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
  • Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Nutmeg: This warm spice blend brings seasonal warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe because it’s such a forgiving base. You can easily customize spices or swap in your favorite plant-based milk to match your pantry and taste.

  • Spice it Up or Down: I sometimes add extra cinnamon when I want that cozy cinnamon bun feel, or keep it simple with just cinnamon and nutmeg for a milder taste.
  • Flour Alternatives: If you want a lighter pancake, try half whole wheat, half all-purpose flour—but whole wheat gives the best texture and nutrition.
  • Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup for a richer sweetness instead of agave, which is lighter and milder.
  • Nutty Boost: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans directly into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Start by whisking together the pumpkin puree, plant milk, water, applesauce, agave or maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. I like to give it a good stir until everything looks smooth and creamy — this step ensures the applesauce is evenly distributed to act as your egg replacement.

Step 2: Sift and Stir in Dry Ingredients

Then, sift in the whole wheat flour, baking powder, sea salt, and all those lovely spices right over the wet mix. Using a fork or a large spoon, stir gently until you get a creamy batter with no big lumps. Don’t overmix here; a few tiny lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the pancakes tender.

Step 3: Heat and Prepare Your Pan

Spray a non-stick skillet or griddle with cooking oil and heat it over medium-high for about 2 minutes before cooking. This preheating step is key so the pancakes start cooking right away without sticking. I always test one small pancake first to check the heat—too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through; too low, and they won’t brown nicely.

Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes

Use a ladle or 1/3 cup measuring cup to pour batter onto the hot griddle. Watch for bubbles to appear on the surface—around 2-3 minutes—before flipping carefully with a spatula. Cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat if necessary to avoid burning or undercooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Stack your pancakes high and load them up with your favorite toppings. I always go for chopped pecans, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a dollop of vegan whipped cream for that perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. These toppings really bring out the pumpkin and spice flavors, and my family goes crazy for them.

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Pro Tips for Making Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the pancakes fluffy and tender, so resist the urge to fuss too much.
  • Preheat Your Pan Well: A properly heated griddle helps avoid sticking and gives you that perfect golden crust every time.
  • Use a Ladle for Consistent Sizes: Pouring about 1/3 cup per pancake makes cooking time predictable and stacks look pretty.
  • Watch Your Cooking Time: If you flip too early or late, pancakes can either be gummy or dry—bubbles on top are your best cue to flip.

How to Serve Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe

There is a stack of five thick, round orange-brown pancakes on a white plate. The pancakes have a slightly bumpy texture with syrup drizzled on the sides making them shiny. On top of the stack is a large dollop of white whipped cream sprinkled with a few small pieces of brown pecans. Around the base of the stack on the plate are a few whole pecans. In the background, there is another stack of similar pancakes that is slightly out of focus. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I adore topping these pancakes with crunchy pecans — they add a lovely texture and nutty note. Vegan whipped cream gives a dreamy softness and richness, balancing the spices and pumpkin. And of course, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is a must for me; it adds natural sweetness and shines with that earthy pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

For a heartier breakfast, I pair these pancakes with crispy turkey bacon or some sautéed seasonal veggies. A fresh fruit salad or simple orange slices brighten the plate and bring a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special mornings, I sometimes sprinkle the stack with cinnamon sugar and add a few fresh berries on top for a pop of color. Another fun idea I tried was layering the pancakes with vegan cream cheese spread and a dash of pumpkin spice between each layer, turning it into a pumpkin pancake tower that’s both impressive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover pumpkin pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find they keep their flavor well but can dry out a bit, so reheating properly is key to keeping them moist.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully! I like to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can defrost only what you need. They last up to 2 months frozen without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes — this crisps up the edges and warms the pancakes perfectly. You can also reheat on a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of plant milk to keep them moist and soft.

FAQs

  1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

    Yes, you can! Using all-purpose flour will make the pancakes lighter and less dense, but you’ll lose some of the nuttiness and fiber benefits that whole wheat provides. I actually love the combination of nutrients and flavor from whole wheat in this recipe.

  2. What’s the best plant milk to use?

    Almond and oat milk both work great for this recipe due to their mild flavor and creamy texture. Coconut milk can be used too but will add a more distinct coconut taste. Feel free to use whatever plant milk you have on hand!

  3. How do I know when to flip the pancakes?

    Look for bubbles forming on the top surface of the pancake and slightly dry edges before flipping. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat. Flipping too early can cause the pancakes to be gummy inside.

  4. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

    For gluten-free pancakes, you can try a gluten-free whole grain flour blend, but you may need to adjust liquid quantities slightly. I haven’t perfected a gluten-free version of this recipe yet, but using GF flour with the same egg-free method should work with some experimentation.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely recommend giving this Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe a try — it’s one of those kitchen wins that feels like magic because it’s simple, wholesome, and so comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, these pancakes have become a favorite fall staple in my home. Grab your pumpkin, heat your griddle, and enjoy a stack that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

Print
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Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes (Egg & Dairy-Free) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pancakes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes are a flavorful, egg and dairy-free breakfast option featuring warm spices and wholesome ingredients. Made with pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, and plant-based milk, they offer a moist texture and comforting fall-inspired flavors. Perfectly topped with vegan whipped cream, pecans, and pure maple syrup, they make a delicious and nutritious start to your day.


Ingredients

Pancake Batter

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup plant milk (e.g., almond, soy, oat)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp applesauce
  • 2 tbsp agave or maple syrup
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1.5 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Toppings

  • Chopped pecans
  • Vegan whipped cream
  • Pure maple syrup


Instructions

  1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, plant milk, water, applesauce, agave syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the whole wheat flour, baking powder, sea salt, cardamom, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a fork or large spoon until the batter is creamy and evenly blended.
  3. Preheat Skillet: Spray a non-stick skillet or griddle with cooking oil. Heat it over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes to ensure it’s properly warm for cooking the pancakes.
  4. Cook Pancakes: Using a ladle or 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the heated skillet to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat this process for all the batter.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Place the cooked pancakes on a plate and top with your favorite toppings such as chopped pecans, vegan whipped cream, and pure maple syrup. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Ensure the skillet is properly heated to prevent pancakes from sticking.
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor intensity.
  • Applesauce replaces eggs to help bind the batter in this vegan-friendly recipe.
  • You can substitute plant milk with any dairy-free alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk.
  • Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of agave or maple syrup in the batter.
  • For fluffier pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter once dry ingredients are added.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pancakes
  • Calories: 82 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 107 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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