Cozy Autumn Brunch: Pumpkin Pancakes

Soft and fluffy pumpkin pancakes bursting with fall flavor is a recipe everyone should know.  Go ahead.  You deserve a weekend brunch where these pancakes are the star!

This is for everyone who loves crisp autumn days, the spicy sweetness of pumpkin pie, and fond memories of Thanksgiving at Grandma's house.  Brunches are meant to be leisurely, social gatherings where you eat a late breakfast or early lunch.  In autumn, the weather dictates that brunches are meant to be cozy.  

Growing up in the 80's brunches were all the thing.  We would get all dressed up on Sunday and head off to a fancy hotel or a favorite restaurant that served a huge brunch buffet. I even remember them being so fancy that ice sculptures were the center of attention.  And the food?  Oh yes, everything you could think of was on the menu.  What a way to cast away the worries and cobwebs from the week!

We have brunch at home just about every Sunday.  We love to sleep in late and then get up and have a big leisurely breakfast before we start the day.  It's the time for us to pull out some special touches that are not afforded during the week.  It's the time for frying up bacon, juice, coffee, tea, waffles, eggs, pancakes, fruit and jams.   Yes please!

Pancakes are a favorite around our house and when you throw in a flavor like pumpkin, they are even more special.  Pancakes shouldn't be complicated.  What they ought to be is soft and extra fluffy.  These pumpkin pancakes are full of fall flavor, and soooo light and fluffy without being too sweet.

A Great day is one starting with pancakes!

What goes in pumpkin pancakes

Here's what you'll need:

• flour
• brown sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• pumpkin pie spice
• pureed pumpkin
• milk
• egg
• oil

How to make fluffy pancakes

• FRESH baking powder.  Make sure yours's isn't old or it won't give you that high rise.
• Mix the dry ingredient first and combine them, 
• Mix the wet ingredient in another bowl then add them to the dry ones.  STIR JUST UNTIL COMBINED.  Don't overmix or the pancakes will come out tough.
• When cooking, watch for the bubbles.  That's the sign it's time to flip.

Pancake Toppings

• Butter
• Hot maple syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate chips (how cute would it be to make a pumpkin face!)
• Chopped nuts
• Nutella
• Cinnamon & Sugar
• Whipped Cream and cranberries or blueberries

Just about anything that mixes with pumpkin would be perfect on your pancakes.  Dream big!

Enjoy your autumn brunch and makes these pancakes the center of attention!

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pancakes

yield:  12 pancakes

2 cups flour

2 Tablespoons brown sugar, packed

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned) (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 Tablespoons oil

Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.  Stir to combine.  Set aside.

To a separate bowl add pumpkin, egg, and oil.  Stir to combine.  Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and combine just until moistened.  Pour batter using a 1/4 cup measurement on to a well greased or buttered skillet or griddle.  Cook over medium heat until bubbles appear, flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.