Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes (Printer-Friendly Version)

Light pumpkin pancakes with warm spices, browned butter, and maple syrup for a cozy fall breakfast.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Wet Ingredients

10 - 3/4 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
14 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 - 1/2 teaspoon maple extract

→ For Serving

16 - 1 cup whipped cream
17 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until uniformly combined and free of lumps.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin purée, eggs, buttermilk, browned butter, vanilla extract, and maple extract until smooth and cohesive.
03 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; some lumps remaining is optimal to ensure tender pancakes.
04 - Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the flour and activate leavening agents, promoting fluffiness.
05 - Preheat a lightly greased nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the surface, spacing them apart. Cook until bubbles form and edges set, about 2 to 3 minutes; flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to prevent over-browning.
06 - Stack pancakes on warm plates, top generously with whipped cream and drizzle warm maple syrup over the stack for a rich finish.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Allow eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing to achieve smoother batter and fluffier pancakes.
02 - Browned butter adds a nutty aroma and enhances pancake depth; cool slightly before incorporation.
03 - Avoid overmixing to prevent dense texture; gentle folding preserves tenderness.
04 - For consistent sizing and even cooking, use a 1/4-cup measuring scoop.
05 - Warm maple syrup before serving for better flavor integration and to keep pancakes warm.