Gilmore Girls Pumpkin Pancakes

Inspired by the cozy vibes of Gilmore Girls, these Pumpkin Pancakes are the perfect fall breakfast treat. Fluffy, spiced, and packed with the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these pancakes are a delicious way to start the day, just like something Lorelai and Rory would enjoy at Luke’s Diner. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream or maple syrup, these pancakes are comforting, indulgent, and perfect for a crisp autumn morning or a holiday breakfast.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about these pumpkin pancakes is how light and airy they are, yet full of rich pumpkin flavor. The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves complement the sweetness of the pumpkin perfectly. They’re simple to make but feel like a special treat, making them perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or when you’re looking to impress guests. Plus, they give you all the fall feels, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee!

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)

For the Topping (optional):

• Maple syrup

• Whipped cream

• Chopped nuts (optional, like pecans or walnuts)

• A sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar

Directions

1. Make the Pancake Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves (if using), and salt.

   • In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.

   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.

   • If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

2. Cook the Pancakes:

   • Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

   • For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles begin to form on the surface of the pancake, and the edges start to look set.

   • Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.

3. Serve:

   • Stack the pancakes on a plate and top with your favorite toppings. A drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar make the perfect finishing touch. For an extra crunch, add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Serve:

These Pumpkin Pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch and are great served with a side of scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit. They also make a wonderful fall dessert, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 pancakes, depending on the size. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is around 15-20 minutes.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

• Adding chocolate chips or chopped pecans directly into the batter for an extra flavor boost.

• Drizzling caramel sauce over the pancakes for a decadent twist.

• Using pumpkin spice instead of the individual spices for convenience.

Storage / Reheating

Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pancakes in advance and store them in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or toaster for a quick breakfast.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just be sure to cook and puree it until smooth. It might have a slightly different texture, but it will still work great in this recipe!

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. To reheat, toast them in a toaster or heat them in the microwave.

Conclusion

These Gilmore Girls-inspired Pumpkin Pancakes are a delicious, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall. With the perfect blend of pumpkin and spices, they’re sure to become a favorite breakfast in your home. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly morning or serving them for a special occasion, these pancakes will fill your home with cozy aromas and bring a touch of autumn to your table!