While most pumpkin pancake recipes lean into sweetness, I like to blend in a hint of salt and smoked butter. It amplifies that cozy, earthy flavor, making every bite feel richer and more layered. This recipe is about finding balance—sweet enough to glow but complex enough to linger.
For years, I’ve fought with pancake batter that’s too thick or too thin, often ending in a sticky mess or flat discs. This version is forgiving, forgiving enough that I can focus on the aroma—the cinnamon, nutmeg, and roasted pumpkin combine into a seasonal symphony. It’s a small act of rebellion against the fleeting nature of fall, holding onto its flavors longer.
Making pumpkin spice pancakes feels like reclaiming childhood mornings, but with my own messy, tracked-in-from-the-cold touch. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels celebratory and deliberately slow, perfect for weekends or when you need a moment to breathe. Everyone needs a good pancake in their back pocket as the leaves start to turn.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Smoked Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and melted smoked butter until smooth and slightly bubbly.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix, as this helps keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Preheat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter the surface if needed.
- Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the pancakes carefully with a spatula, cooking for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a warm plate and repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve the warm pancakes drizzled with melted smoked butter, allowing the smoky aroma to enhance each bite.
There’s something about the simple joy of breakfast that tweaks the day’s mood. These pancakes, with their cozy spices and tender crumb, do just that—comfort wrapped in a warm, pumpkin-kissed package. Sometimes, the quiet act of flipping batter into a hot pan feels like a small victory, especially on chilly mornings.
Springing from a seasonal craving into a weekend ritual, these pancakes are a reminder to slow down and savor. A drizzle of honey, a smear of softened butter, or even a splash of maple syrup, and they’re transformed. It’s the kind of pause that makes family mornings special, even if just for a little while.