Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, autumn-inspired breakfast that’s bursting with flavor and totally plant-based, you’ve got to try this Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe. Trust me, these pancakes are fluffy, lightly spiced, and have just the right hint of pumpkin to make your morning feel like fall on a plate. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch, once you taste these, they’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Moisture: Pumpkin puree and soy milk create a tender, moist texture without needing eggs or dairy.
- Warm Fall Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg bring cozy spices that complement the pumpkin beautifully.
- Simple Pantry Staples: Uses easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Flexible and Customizable: Can easily swap ingredients for gluten-free flours or different plant milks without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe pulls together a handful of straightforward ingredients that really complement each other to give you those fluffy, flavorful pancakes you want. I always recommend fresh pumpkin puree or good quality canned pumpkin for the best taste and texture.
- Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and that distinct pumpkin flavor while keeping pancakes soft and tender.
- Soy Milk & Water: Soy milk adds creaminess and protein, while water helps adjust batter thickness perfectly.
- Oil or Applesauce: Neutral oil keeps pancakes moist; applesauce is a great low-fat swap and adds natural sweetness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Gives natural sweetness with a rich flavor note that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; you can swap in whole wheat or gluten-free flour if you prefer.
- Baking Powder: Creates lift and fluffiness, making these pancakes light and airy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices and flavor notes.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Classic pumpkin pie spices that bring cozy warmth to every bite.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how adaptable this Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe is! Sometimes I swap out the spices depending on what I have or add-ins I want. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the joy in cooking, right?
- Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in vegan chocolate chips for a decadent, gooey twist—my kids adore this variation.
- Nutty Boost: Add chopped pecans or walnuts right into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; I’ve found Bob’s Red Mill works great without sacrificing texture.
- Sweetener Adjustments: Maple syrup is my favorite, but you could use coconut sugar or even brown sugar if you like a deeper caramel flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
I start by mixing the pumpkin puree, soy milk, water, oil (or applesauce), maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Making sure the wet ingredients blend well helps your batter have that beautiful consistency without lumps.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, I add the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Give it a gentle stir with a large spoon or spatula. You don’t want to over-mix here—a few small lumps are perfectly fine and keep your pancakes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Cook on a Hot Griddle
Heat your griddle or a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat, greasing lightly with oil or cooking spray if needed. Drop about 1/3 cup of batter at a time onto the hot surface. Watch closely and cook until bubbles form on the surface, usually about 2-3 minutes, then flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Patience here pays off with perfectly cooked pancakes.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
These vegan pumpkin pancakes are delicious fresh off the griddle. I love topping them with vegan butter, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a spoonful of vegan caramel sauce takes them over the top!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep pancakes light and not chewy.
- Use Medium-High Heat: Too low and pancakes get tough; too hot and they burn. Find a happy medium.
- Test Your Pan First: Drop a tiny spoonful of batter and check how quickly it bubbles and browns to perfect your cooking temp.
- Resist Pressing Pancakes: Avoid squishing pancakes with your spatula to keep them fluffy and thick.
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
On my breakfast table, these pancakes shine best with a pat of vegan butter slowly melting on top and a generous pour of warm maple syrup. I’m also a big fan of adding a handful of toasted pecans for some crunch and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness and that cozy aroma.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve these pancakes with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries to bring a fresh pop of color and a hint of sweetness. A cup of strong black coffee or a warm chai latte complements the spices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like stacking the pancakes high and layering with vegan cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of pumpkin spice caramel sauce. Garnish with edible flowers or crushed nuts for that wow factor when guests sit down at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I like to layer parchment paper between pancakes if stacking to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months—perfect to have on hand for busy mornings.
Reheating
I reheat frozen pancakes by popping them in the toaster or warming in a skillet over low heat to get them crisp around the edges again. Avoid the microwave, which can make them rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Measure for Measure. The texture will still be fluffy and delicious.
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What’s the best plant-based milk to use?
Soy milk works wonderfully here because it gives a nice creamy texture and protein, but you can use oat, almond, hemp, cashew, or even coconut milk based on your preference or what you have in the fridge.
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Can I make these pancakes oil-free?
Yes! Replacing oil with unsweetened applesauce works well to keep the pancakes moist without added fat. The texture might be slightly different but still tasty.
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How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Use a good quality nonstick pan or lightly grease your griddle with oil or cooking spray before heating. Make sure the pan is hot but not smoking before adding the batter for best results.
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Why do my vegan pancakes sometimes turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter can develop gluten and make pancakes dense. Also, be sure to use fresh baking powder to help them rise properly!
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe has been a fall favorite in my kitchen for years, and I love sharing it with friends because it’s comforting, easy, and just delicious. It’s one of those recipes that brings a little warmth and sweetness to any morning, and you can feel good knowing it’s completely plant-based. So grab your maple syrup and get flipping – I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite just as much as I do.
Print
Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes are fluffy, spiced, and perfect for a cozy fall breakfast. Made without eggs or dairy, they combine pumpkin puree and warm spices into a delicious stack that’s easy to make and customizable with your favorite vegan toppings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons neutral flavored oil or applesauce
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, soy milk, water, oil or applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a large spoon until just combined, leaving a few small lumps to avoid over-mixing.
- Heat griddle: Warm a large griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Grease the surface lightly with oil or spray, unless using a good nonstick pan.
- Cook pancakes: Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the pancakes hot with vegan whipped cream, pure maple syrup, vegan butter, chopped pecans, vegan caramel, or stir in chocolate chips to make pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes. Enjoy your warm, spiced breakfast!
Notes
- For a whole grain version, substitute whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour for the all-purpose flour.
- To make gluten-free pancakes, use a quality gluten-free flour blend such as Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure.
- Any non-dairy milk like oat, almond, hemp, cashew, or coconut milk can be used instead of soy milk.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with sugar if preferred for sweetening.
- Leftover pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
