Autumn leaves are falling, a crispness fills the air, and the aroma of pumpkin spice is in the breeze – it's the perfect time for cozy comfort food! And what better way to celebrate the season than with a stack of fluffy, delicious pumpkin pancakes? This recipe, lovingly dubbed "Luke's Pumpkin Pancakes," is a family favorite, guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. It's quick, easy, and perfect for a weekend brunch or a special weeknight treat. Get ready to experience the ultimate homemade cooking delight!
Ingredients:
For the Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Cinnamon Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Making the Pumpkin Pancakes:
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and maple syrup (if using).
- Gently combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
- Flip and cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a generous dollop of cinnamon butter.
Making the Cinnamon Butter:
- Cream the butter: In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the cinnamon: Stir in the ground cinnamon until well combined.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pancakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter pancakes, add more maple syrup to the batter or drizzle extra maple syrup over the finished pancakes.
- Get creative with toppings: These pancakes are delicious with a variety of toppings, including whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate pumpkin pancake.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter and milk.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
These Luke's Pumpkin Pancakes are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They’re a quick dinner idea, healthy meal, and a delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of autumn with every bite!