Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

Sweet fall recipes should not be limited to just dessert! If these Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes are any indication, such a limitation would be a great tragedy. Soft, pillowy and full of spice, each of these pancakes melts on the tongue like a fluffy little cloud. The recipe below contains the necessary ingredients for vegan cinnamon butter which is absolutely NOT optional. Make, garnish and enjoy!

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Ingredients in Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): All-purpose flour is finely ground wheat flour that serves as the primary dry ingredient in pancake batter. Flour provides structure to the pancakes, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (3 tablespoons): Light brown sugar is granulated sugar mixed with a small amount of molasses, giving it a mild caramel flavor and a slightly moist texture. It also complements the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Baking powder is a leavening agent that contains a combination of acid and base, which produces carbon dioxide gas when mixed with liquids, helping the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): A small amount of salt in pancake batter enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the earthiness of the pumpkin.
• Spices: Cinnamon adds a cozy and aromatic flavor that complements the pumpkin, creating that classic fall taste. Ginger provides a mild, warming spice to the pancakes, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors. Nutmeg adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile, bringing out the pumpkin's natural sweetness. Cloves provide a hint of spiciness and earthiness that complements the pumpkin's sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree (¾ cup): Pumpkin puree is made from cooked and mashed pumpkin flesh. It has a naturally sweet and earthy flavor. It is the star of the recipe, adding its distinct flavor and moisture to the pancakes while also making them beautifully orange.
• Nondairy Milk (1 ¼ cups): Nondairy milk provides the necessary liquid content for the batter and helps create a moist, tender texture in the pancakes.
• Vegan Butter, Melted (2 tablespoons): Vegan butter is a dairy-free alternative to traditional butter made from plant-based oils. It adds richness and a buttery flavor to the pancakes while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Bourbon-Infused Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Bourbon-infused vanilla extract is a flavoring made from vanilla beans soaked in bourbon, resulting in a rich and slightly smoky flavor. This special vanilla extract enhances the overall complexity of flavors in the pancakes, providing a unique and aromatic twist.

Steps for Making Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes (with pictures)

1. Prepare Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add in the pumpkin puree. Pour in the nondairy milk, melted butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until just-combined.
2. Rest Batter and Heat Skillet: Once batter is prepared, set it aside for about 10 minutes to rest. During this time, heat a large skillet over medium on the stove for the same duration.*
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Butter: Add vegan butter, powdered sugar and cinnamon to a large bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer until all dry ingredients are wet and a creamy butter comes together.
4. Cook Pancakes: Lightly grease your skillet and drop ½ cup of pancake batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles start to form around the perimeter of the pancake before flipping over to cook on the other side. In a properly pre-heated skillet pancakes should cook for around 2 minutes on the first side and 1 additional minute on the other but PAY ATTENTION as this varies.
5. Serve: To serve, divide your pancakes into stacks and dress with your choice topping. These include but are not limited to maple syrup, pecans and other nuts, and fresh cinnamon butter.

Tricks for Light, Fluffy Pancakes

Achieving fluffy pancakes is a goal for many home cooks, and there are several key tips and tricks to help you make them light, airy, and delicious:

1. Use Fresh Baking Powder: Baking powder is essential for creating the fluffiness in pancakes. Ensure that your baking powder is fresh and not expired, as it loses its potency over time.
2. Don't Over-mix the Batter: Over-mixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. It's okay if there are a few lumps; they will disappear during cooking.
3. Let the Batter Rest: Allow the pancake batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This gives the baking powder time to activate, resulting in better rise and fluffiness.
4. Don't Press Down: Avoid pressing down on the pancakes with a spatula while they're cooking. This can deflate the air pockets and make them denser.
5. Use the Right Heat: Preheat your griddle or pan to medium heat. Too high of a heat can cause the pancakes to cook too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
6. Properly Grease the Cooking Surface: Ensure your griddle or pan is well-greased, but not overly so. Use a small amount of oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
7. Properly Measuring Ingredients: Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour can result in heavy pancakes. Consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
8. Cook Until Bubbles Form: Wait for bubbles to form on the surface of the pancake before flipping. These bubbles indicate that the bottom is cooked, and flipping too early can lead to deflated pancakes.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to making wonderfully fluffy pancakes.

How to Keep your Pancakes from Falling Apart

Pancakes hold together and don't fall apart primarily due to the interaction of several key ingredients and cooking techniques. Here's why pancakes typically maintain their structure:

1. Gluten Formation: Gluten is a protein that forms when liquid is mixed with flour. It provides structure and elasticity to the pancake batter. While you don't want excessive gluten formation, a moderate amount helps hold the batter together.
2. Baking Powder and Leavening Agents: Baking powder or baking soda (combined with an acidic ingredient) is essential for creating air bubbles in the batter. These bubbles expand when exposed to heat, making the pancakes rise and become fluffy. This structure contributes to their ability to hold together.
3. Proper Mixing: Overmixing pancake batter can develop too much gluten, which can lead to toughness. Mixing until just combined and allowing some lumps in the batter helps maintain a tender texture while holding the batter together.
4. Cooking Temperature: Cooking pancakes over medium heat allows them to cook evenly and set properly. Cooking at too high a heat can lead to the outside cooking too quickly while the inside remains undercooked, potentially causing them to fall apart when flipped.
5. Flip Carefully: When it's time to flip the pancakes, use a spatula and a gentle, controlled motion. Avoid slamming the spatula into the pancakes, which can disturb their structure.
6. Proper Greasing: Ensuring your cooking surface (pan or griddle) is adequately greased with oil or butter helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to flip the pancakes without breaking them.
7. Thick Batter: Adjust the thickness of your pancake batter to your liking. Thicker batter will result in thicker pancakes that are less likely to fall apart.
8. Patience: Allow the pancakes to cook until bubbles form on the surface. These bubbles indicate that the bottom is adequately cooked, and it's time to flip.

Frequently Asked Questions when Making Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin puree. To do this, roast or steam fresh pumpkin until it's soft, then blend it into a smooth puree. Make sure the puree is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the pancake batter.

Are there any vegan butter alternatives for melting in the recipe?

Yes, you can use various vegan butter alternatives, such as coconut oil or vegetable oil, for melting in the recipe. Melted coconut oil can add a pleasant coconut flavor to your pancakes, while vegetable oil is a neutral option.

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time and reheat them?

Yes, you can make vegan pumpkin pancakes ahead of time and reheat them. Store the cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in a toaster, microwave, or oven until warm.

Can I make these pancakes without a griddle?

Yes, you can make vegan pumpkin pancakes without a griddle. A non-stick skillet or frying pan works well for cooking pancakes. Just make sure to grease the pan adequately and adjust the heat as needed to prevent sticking or burning.

FAQ's Continued

Can I omit the spices in the recipe if I prefer plain pumpkin pancakes?

Yes, you can omit the spices if you prefer plain pumpkin pancakes. The spices add warmth and flavor, but you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Without the spices, you'll have a milder, more straightforward pumpkin flavor.

Can I make these pancakes oil-free?

Yes, you can make oil-free vegan pumpkin pancakes. Simply omit the melted vegan butter or oil from the recipe. The pancakes may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

Are there any alternatives to bourbon-infused vanilla extract?

If you don't have bourbon-infused vanilla extract or prefer not to use it, you can use regular vanilla extract or even other flavored extracts like almond or maple for a unique twist.

Can I make this batter in advance and store it for later use?

It's generally best to make pancake batter fresh for the fluffiest results. However, if you need to prepare the batter ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as it may thicken slightly during refrigeration.

How to Serve and Store Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

Serving vegan pumpkin pancakes is the best! Here are several creative and delicious ways to enjoy them:

1. Classic Style: Serve a stack of vegan pumpkin pancakes on a plate. Top them with a pat of vegan butter or margarine.
2. Fruit-Infused: Add fresh fruit for a burst of flavor and color. Sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work well.
3. Nutty and Crunchy: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the pancakes. You could also drizzle with a nut butter like almond or peanut butter.
4. Spiced and Seasonal: Enhance the fall flavors by dusting the pancakes with an extra pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. A dollop of vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cloves can make them even more festive.
5. Yogurt Parfait Style: Serve your pancakes with a side of dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt.
6. Savory Spin: If you prefer a savory twist, serve the pancakes with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. A savory vegan cashew cream or vegan cream cheese can also be a delicious topping.
7. Pancake Sandwiches: Make a pancake sandwich by spreading nut butter or vegan cream cheese between two pancakes. Add sliced bananas, berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat.
8. Warm and Comforting: Serve with a warm, comforting beverage like vegan hot chocolate, chai tea, or a spiced latte for a cozy breakfast experience.

Remember to garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of syrup, or any other finishing touches to make your vegan pumpkin pancakes visually appealing and even more delicious. Enjoy your meal!

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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More Vegan Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes

• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Vegan Pumpkin Scones
• Vegan Pumpkin Muffins w/Cream Cheese Filling
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread