Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes using Pancake Mix

Indulge in fluffy pumpkin pancakes using pancake mix. Loaded with pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla, these healthy pumpkin pancakes are perfect for a quick breakfast this fall.

If making regular pancakes from scratch seems intimidating or maybe you just need something quick and easy, these pumpkin pancakes using pancake mix is the perfect recipe for you. By using a pancake mix and adding in a few simple ingredients, it’ll transform traditional pancakes into perfectly spiced pancakes packed with all of the flavors for a perfect Fall breakfast.

Using pancake mix makes them quick and easy to make. The pancakes come out so fluffy and flavorful you’d swear they were made from scratch. Simply follow the package instructions on the box for any milk (or water), oil and eggs needed. The recipe also uses pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. They’re topped with a little vegan butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, keeping them free from artificial flavors or refined sugars.

If you love these healthy pumpkin pancakes you may also like my gingerbread pancakes or chocolate chip pancakes. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a fall breakfast
• Light and fluffy pancakes
• Quick and easier to make than from scratch
• Can be used as a meal prep
• Pancake mix that’s Plant Based, Gluten-Free, Grain Free and Corn Free.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl - a large bowl to mix the ingredients in
• Large Spoon - combine the ingredients together
• Griddle - or a cooking pan for making the pancakes
• Spatula - to flip the pancakes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pancake Mix - Use your favorite pancake mix for this recipe. The pancake mix should be the type that calls for just adding egg, oil and water or non-dairy milk.  I tested the recipe with Simple Mills Pancake Mix and followed the directions per the instructions on the box.
• Pumpkin Puree - be sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix.
• Spices - Pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon add warming flavors to help enhance the taste of the pumpkin flavor in these pancakes.
• Vanilla Extract -  use pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla, for the best taste.
• Oil - use a neutral oil or vegan butter to grease the griddle or non-stick pan before cooking the pancakes.

How to Make the Pumpkin Pancakes

• Follow the pancake mix directions. Combine the ingredients in a large bowl according to the instructions on the pancake box.

• Add the additional ingredients. Add in the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Mix together just until combined. Don't overmix the batter.  Once it's mixed, allow it to rest for a few minutes.
• Heat a griddle. Or you can use a large non-stick pan. Heat to medium heat to medium-low heat. Spray with a cooking spray, oil or coat with vegan butter.
• Add the pancake batter. Pour the pancake batter into the pan, about 2 -3 tablespoons of the batter, or according to the pancake mix box instructions. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Flip the pancake when the edges start to look cooked and the center starts to bubble. When you see the bubbles in the pancake, they’re golden brown and it's time to flip it.

• Flip and finish cooking.  When the pancake cooks on both sides, remove it from the heat and place it on a plate to cool. Repeat the steps until you finish the pancake mix.
• Serve. Top these delicious pancakes with a little bit of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup or your favorite pancake toppings for extra flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage - Place any leftover pancakes in an airtight container, with parchment paper in between each pancake. You can also individually wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a ziploc bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing - The pancakes are best when enjoyed fresh. You can wrap them in plastic wrap once they’ve cooled and store them in an airtight container or ziploc bag and freeze for at least 2 months. Let them defrost to room temperature before heating.
• Reheat - place the pancakes on a microwave safe dish, and heat at 15 - 20 second increment until heated through.

Which Pancake Mix is the Best?

I used Simple Mills Pancake and Waffle Mix however there’s many other healthy options available, here are a few:

• Birch Benders Pancake and Waffle Mix 
• Kodiak Cakes Power Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Bob's Red Mill Protein Pancake and Waffle Mix

Making Waffles with Pancake Mix

To make pumpkin waffles with pancake mix simply follow the waffle directions on the box instead of the pancake instructions, then mix in the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice and vanilla extract. Cook according to the waffle instructions on the pancake mix box.

Substitutions and Variations

• Canned Pumpkin - Only use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie mix or fresh pumpkin will not work for this recipe.
• Mixing - Be careful to not overmix the batter, it will result in dense pancakes.
• Chocolate Chips - feel free to add in chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise in each bite.
• Nuts - Pecans are a great addition to this recipe. I suggest roughly chopping them before adding them to the batter or sprinkle them on top after cooking.
• Toppings - butter, maple syrup, almond butter or other nut butters or whipped cream are all great options. 

Is It a Thyroid-Friendly Recipe? Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and fiber. Pumpkin is a great source of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which your body converts to Vitamin A, as well as Vitamin C. 

Most Asked Questions

• How do I store the leftovers?
  • IF you have any leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container, with parchment paper in between each pancake. You can also individually wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a ziploc bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 - 4 days.

• Can you freeze the pumpkin pancakes?
  • The pancakes are best when enjoyed fresh however you can wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or ziploc bag and freeze for at least 2 months.  

• How long does pancake mix last?
  • Unopened packages of pancake mix will generally have a shelf life of about 12 months. Once the package is opened the pancake mix should be used within 6 months if stored properly in the pantry in an airtight container. 

• Are waffle and pancake mix the same?
  • If you use a box mix that specifies “pancake and waffle mix”, you can use the same mix to make both. Note the amount of egg, oil and water or milk will differ between making the pancakes and waffles.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Pumpkin Banana Pancakes

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars

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