A Spooktacular Halloween Breakfast pumpkin spice pancakes recipe
Table of Contents
Picture this: It’s Halloween morning, and your kids are buzzing with energy in anticipation of trick-or-treating later that day. The air is fresh, and the smell of pumpkin spice drifts through the kitchen. What better way to kick off the celebrations than with a delightful pumpkin-flavored breakfast? This Halloween breakfast not only fills their stomachs but also sets the perfect mood for a day of spooky adventures. From pancakes to muffins, pumpkin spice is a versatile flavor that surprises kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for a festive morning feast. In this article, we’ll explore how to make the best pumpkin spice breakfast that will have your little ghouls and goblins hopping for joy!
Recipe Card
Recipe Title: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Description: Fluffy pumpkin spice pancakes infused with warm flavors and served with maple syrup—a perfect Halloween breakfast treat for kids!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Roughly 250 per serving
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Blend Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve: Stack pancakes and drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy your spooky Halloween breakfast!
Notes
- For added fun, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter.
Nutrition Data (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This easy breakfast comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy Halloween mornings.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with the goodness of pumpkin, these pancakes are a delicious way to sneak in some veggies.
- Kid-Friendly: The warm, sweet flavors of pumpkin spice are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: Easily adjust this recipe to include your kids’ favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Festive Appeal: These pancakes add a merry touch to your Halloween breakfast, making it fun for the whole family.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree
The star of the dish, pumpkin puree adds flavor and moisture. You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own by roasting fresh pumpkins and blending the flesh.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
This spice blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can create your mix using these individual spices.
Milk
Any milk, from whole to almond milk, will work, making this recipe easily adaptable to dietary preferences.
Eggs
For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or applesauce.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Pancakes (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large mixing bowl to ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
Step 4: Cook Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook until both sides are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Stack the pancakes on a plate and drizzle with maple syrup. For an extra festive touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree yields the best flavor. If using canned, choose 100% pure pumpkin without additives.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat. You want them to cook through without burning.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: If making multiple batches, keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
- Nutty Pumpkin Pancakes: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
- Pumpkin Spice Waffles: Use the same batter to make waffles! Just adjust the cooking time according to your waffle maker.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To warm, place pancakes in a toaster or microwave. For a crisp exterior, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pumpkin spice pancakes with:
- Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries
- A side of yogurt or cottage cheese for added protein
- A warm drink like apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the full fall experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking.
Q: What’s the best way to tell when the pancakes are done?
A: Look for bubbles forming on the surface. Once they pop and the edges look set, it’s time to flip.
Related Recipes
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: A perfect on-the-go breakfast option bursting with fall flavors.
- Pumpkin Spice Smoothie: A quick, nutritious drink that captures the essence of pumpkin spice.
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: A delightful combination of pancakes and cinnamon rolls, perfect for any breakfast table.
Enjoy Your Halloween Breakfast Adventure!
Pumpkin spice pancakes are not just a seasonal treat; they bring joy and warmth to your Halloween breakfast table. With their fluffy texture and aromatic flavors, they are sure to delight and enchant your kids. So, this Halloween, embrace the spirit of the season and whip up a batch of these delicious pancakes. Your family will thank you for this tasty start to a day filled with spooky fun! Cheerful cooking!