If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing breakfast that feels a little indulgent but is actually pretty healthy, I’ve got a treat for you. My Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe is one of those dishes that just lights up chilly mornings with its warm spices and fluffy texture. I absolutely love how these pancakes turn out—thick, tender, and packed with pumpkin goodness, oats for a hearty bite, and just the right touch of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to fall (or anytime!) breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Nutrition: Oats and pumpkin team up to make these pancakes filling and full of fiber, so you stay satisfied longer.
- Simple & Quick: With just a blender and a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
- Flavorful and Seasonal: The pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree add that cozy autumn vibe you can enjoy any time.
- Flexible and Crowd-Pleasing: You can customize it easily with nuts, dried fruit, or your favorite syrup—my family gobbles them up every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe plays a special role. The oats add heartiness and texture, while the pumpkin puree keeps things moist and gives those lovely fall vibes. Plus, the pumpkin spice brings a touch of warmth that turns a simple pancake into a memorable treat. When shopping, I usually opt for rolled oats over instant for better texture and fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Rolled oats: These create a hearty, wholesome base and soak up moisture to keep the batter thick yet tender.
- Oat milk: Using oat milk keeps the recipe dairy-free and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the pancakes structure and helping them rise just right.
- Baking powder: The secret to fluffy pancakes — making sure they puff up nicely in the pan.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, bringing moisture, color, and a naturally sweet, earthy flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness; I love using maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Walnuts: For crunch and a nutty taste that balances the soft pancake texture.
- Pumpkin spice: This blend (usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) pumps up the autumn feel.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Dried cranberries: Optional, but I adore the tart pop of these against the sweet pumpkin and maple.
- Coconut oil or cooking spray: For greasing the pan so your pancakes flip perfectly without sticking.
Variations
One of the fun things about this Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes or dietary needs. I often switch things up depending on what I have on hand or how adventurous I’m feeling. You can make it your own, and honestly, it still turns out amazing.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped rolled oats for certified gluten-free oats with great results—just make sure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Nut-Free Variation: Skip the walnuts and add extra dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds for crunch instead; my niece is allergic, and she loves this version too.
- Extra Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a morning power-up.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little extra warmth, I add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a subtle spicy kick that surprises guests.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep & Blend Your Batter
Start by gathering all your ingredients. I find it easier to add the wet ingredients (oat milk, egg, pumpkin puree, honey) into the blender first — this helps everything mix up smoothly. Then toss in the rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and walnuts. Blend on high until the batter looks smooth and creamy but still thick. Don’t rush—take a moment to taste the batter. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey or maple syrup and blend again.
Step 2: Let the Batter Rest for Perfect Texture
Now, here’s a trick I learned—the batter should rest for about a minute before cooking. This lets the oats soak up some moisture and helps the batter thicken just right. If it feels too thick afterward, pour in a splash more oat milk or water to loosen it up. You’re aiming for a batter that’s dense but still pourable.
Step 3: Cook Pancakes on a Medium-Heat Pan
Heat your pan over medium heat and brush it lightly with coconut oil or spray it with cooking spray—trust me, this helps the pancakes release easily. For each pancake, ladle about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan. If you’re using dried cranberries, sprinkle some on top right away and gently press them into the batter. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, until you see bubbles forming and the edges look set, then carefully flip with a flexible spatula. Cook for another minute on the other side, then transfer to a warm plate. Remember to grease the pan again before each batch—it makes a huge difference in cleanup and pancake texture!
Step 4: Serve Up and Enjoy!
Stack your pancakes high, drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey, and add any toppings you love. My family usually piles on chopped nuts, a little Greek yogurt, and sometimes fresh fruit for some brightness. You’ll find this Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe is just as delightful straight from the pan or piled high with all the fixings.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Wet Ingredients First: Adding wet ingredients before dry in the blender helps create a smooth batter without lumps every single time.
- Let Batter Rest: The resting period thickens the batter as oats absorb liquid, which helps pancakes hold together and not be runny.
- Flip Gently: These pancakes are tender, so I use a thin, flexible spatula to flip and prevent tearing or sticking.
- Watch Your Heat: Cooking over medium (not high) heat ensures pancakes cook through evenly without burning.
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pancakes with a drizzle of real maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for extra crunch. Sometimes, I’ll dollop a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt or cream cheese frosting for a creamy contrast. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries adds a juicy freshness that balances the warm spices brilliantly.
Side Dishes
For a fuller breakfast, I often serve these pancakes with a side of scrambled eggs or turkey bacon to add some protein and savory flavor. A cup of chai tea or coffee with a splash of oat milk is my go-to beverage for pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions like Halloween or Thanksgiving morning, I stack the pancakes tall, drizzle them with cinnamon-spiced cream, and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and edible flowers for a festive burst of color. Kids love it when I cut them into pumpkin shapes using cookie cutters too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pancakes I let cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always place wax or parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze beautifully! After cooking, cool them, then lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually for an hour or two. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. This trick means you can enjoy quick breakfasts whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop frozen or refrigerated pancakes in the toaster or oven (around 300°F for 5–7 minutes) until warm inside and slightly crisp outside. This method keeps them tasting fresh, not soggy like microwaving.
FAQs
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Can I make this Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested) and use your favorite plant-based milk. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
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What can I use instead of pumpkin spice if I don’t have any?
You can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in equal parts to replicate pumpkin spice. Even just cinnamon alone works well to give that warm flavor.
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Is it okay to use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient. Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
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My pancakes turn out too dense. What am I doing wrong?
If your batter is too thick or you cook on too high heat, pancakes can be dense. Try adding a bit more oat milk to loosen the batter and lower the heat slightly—patience is key for fluffy results!
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Can I prepare the batter the night before?
You can, but I recommend making it fresh if possible. If prepping ahead, cover the batter tightly and give it a good stir in the morning before cooking; you might need to add a little more liquid if it thickened too much overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to start the day when I want something comforting yet nourishing. I love how the natural sweetness of pumpkin and oats meld with warm spices to create something both simple and special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s an easy recipe that feels a little magical. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it’ll become a beloved staple in your breakfast lineup!
Print
Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes that combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with hearty oats. These pancakes are perfect for a healthy and satisfying breakfast, featuring a naturally sweetened batter with pumpkin puree, oats, and a touch of honey, topped with dried cranberries and walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup oat milk
- 1 medium egg
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
Add-ins & Toppings
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Coconut oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients precisely. Chop the dried cranberries if desired to make them easier to incorporate into the pancakes.
- Blend the Batter: Add all ingredients except the dried cranberries into a blender, starting with the wet ingredients for better blending. Blend on high speed until you achieve a smooth, uniform batter.
- Adjust Sweetness and Batter Consistency: Taste the batter and add more honey or maple syrup if you desire a sweeter pancake. Let the batter rest for one minute to allow the oats to absorb moisture and thicken.
- Adjust Thickness: If the batter is too thick and dense, add small amounts of oat milk or water to loosen it to a dense but pourable consistency. Blend again briefly.
- Heat and Grease Pan: Warm a pancake pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with coconut oil or cooking spray using a brush to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the pan. Immediately sprinkle chopped dried cranberries on top and gently press them into the batter.
- First Side Cooking: Cook pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes or until the bottom is lightly browned and bubbles start to form on the surface.
- Flip Pancakes: Carefully flip each pancake using a flexible silicone spatula and cook for an additional 1 minute until the other side is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- Repeat and Serve: Remove cooked pancakes to a plate. Re-grease the pan as needed before cooking the next batch. Serve pancakes with your favorite toppings such as extra walnuts, syrup, or fresh fruit. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- These pancakes are a perfect seasonal breakfast filled with pumpkin flavor and hearty oats.
- Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and replace cooking oil with a neutral vegetable oil.
- Letting the batter rest helps improve texture as oats absorb moisture.
- Use a flexible silicone spatula for easy flipping without breaking pancakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 28 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg