Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Treat yourself to a cozy autumn breakfast with these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Soft, fluffy, and tender, these pumpkin pancakes are infused with warm spices and feature a delightful caramelized cinnamon swirl in the middle when cooked. Each bite offers the perfect balance of pumpkin flavor and sweet cinnamon, making these pancakes a comforting and irresistible treat for fall mornings.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon
Pumpkin pie spice, optional
Buttermilk (or milk and apple cider vinegar, see measurements on recipe card below)
Pumpkin puree
Eggs
Salted butter
Vanilla extract
Granulated sugar
Maple syrup, for serving
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:
Perfect Fall Flavor: These pancakes capture the essence of fall with their warm pumpkin spice flavor and sweet cinnamon swirl, making them an ideal seasonal breakfast treat.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: Made with tender pumpkin puree, these pancakes are incredibly soft and fluffy, giving you a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Caramelized Cinnamon Swirl: The caramelized cinnamon swirl in the middle adds a rich, sweet burst of flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin, elevating these pancakes to a new level of deliciousness.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Combining the best elements of pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls, these pancakes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy mornings.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance and flavor, these pancakes are easy to make and come together quickly, making them perfect for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends.
Versatile Topping Options: While they’re delicious with just butter and maple syrup, you can also customize them with a cream cheese glaze, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture and flavor.
Kid-Friendly: These pancakes are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great option for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a weekend treat, these pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes add a festive touch to any meal.
Rich in Seasonal Ingredients: Made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices, these pancakes not only taste amazing but also bring the nourishing benefits of seasonal ingredients to your breakfast table.
Satisfying and Filling: Packed with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, these pancakes are hearty enough to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the morning.
Tips for Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor and texture, use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree adds moisture and richness to the pancakes.
Don’t Over-mix the Batter: To keep the pancakes soft and fluffy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can result in dense, tough pancakes.
Create a Thick Batter: A thicker batter helps the pancakes hold their shape and keeps the cinnamon swirl in place. If your batter seems too thin, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
Perfect the Cinnamon Swirl: Mix together melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and some of the pancake batter for the swirl. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to create a clean swirl on top of the pancake batter once it’s on the griddle.
Preheat the Griddle Properly: Heat your griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. This ensures the pancakes cook evenly and the cinnamon swirl caramelizes without burning.
Cook Slowly for Caramelization: Allow the pancakes to cook slowly on the first side to give the cinnamon swirl time to caramelize. Once bubbles form on the surface, flip the pancakes carefully.
Avoid Pressing the Pancakes: When flipping, avoid pressing down on the pancakes with your spatula. Pressing them can cause the cinnamon swirl to spread out and lose its definition.
Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet until ready to serve.
Customize the Cinnamon Swirl: For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even a splash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the pancakes hot off the griddle with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Experiment with Toppings: While butter and maple syrup are classic, you can also top these pancakes with whipped cream, a cream cheese glaze, or toasted pecans for added decadence.
Make Ahead and Freeze: If you have leftovers, these pancakes freeze well. Layer them between parchment paper and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg in the pancake batter to suit your taste.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, use fresh baking powder and baking soda. Old leavening agents can cause the pancakes to be dense rather than light and fluffy.
How to Store Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:
Refrigeration:
Duration: Up to 3 days
Method: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Separate each pancake with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat before serving.
Freezing:
Duration: Up to 2 months
Method: To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to eat, reheat in the toaster, oven, or microwave directly from frozen.
Reheating:
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the pancakes on a baking sheet, and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a few pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds per pancake.
Toaster: For a quick option, pop the pancakes into the toaster on a low setting until warmed and slightly crispy on the edges.
Storing the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:
Method: If you have leftover cinnamon swirl mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before using to soften the butter.
Serving After Storage:
Method: After reheating, top the pancakes with fresh butter and warm maple syrup to enhance their flavor and texture. You can also add additional toppings like whipped cream or chopped nuts for extra indulgence.
Avoid Sogginess:
Tip: To keep the pancakes from becoming soggy when stored, make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat using a method that maintains their fluffiness and caramelized swirl.
FAQs:
Q: How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl caramelizes without burning?
A: To prevent the cinnamon swirl from burning, cook the pancakes over medium-low heat after flipping. This allows the swirl to caramelize slowly while the pancake cooks through. If the heat is too high, the sugar in the swirl can burn before the pancake is fully cooked.
Q: What’s the best way to create the cinnamon swirl?
A: The easiest way to create the swirl is to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe the cinnamon mixture onto the pancake batter in a spiral pattern once the batter is on the griddle. This method gives you control and ensures a neat swirl.
Q: Why are my pancakes dense and not fluffy?
A: Dense pancakes are often the result of overmixing the batter or using expired leavening agents like baking powder. To keep your pancakes fluffy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined and use fresh baking powder and baking soda.
Q: How can I make the pancakes more pumpkin-flavored?
A: For a stronger pumpkin flavor, you can increase the amount of pumpkin puree slightly. Just be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the texture of the pancakes. You can also add extra pumpkin pie spice or a touch more cinnamon for a deeper flavor.
Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to mix the cinnamon swirl fresh before cooking the pancakes.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag for the cinnamon swirl?
A: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic zip-top bag. Fill it with the cinnamon swirl mixture, seal it, and snip off a small corner to create a makeshift piping bag.
Q: Why are my pancakes sticking to the griddle?
A: Sticking can occur if the griddle isn’t properly greased or preheated. Ensure your griddle is non-stick, lightly greased, and preheated before adding the batter. You can use butter, oil, or a non-stick spray.
Q: Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these pancakes gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Q: How do I prevent the pancakes from being too sweet?
A: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon swirl mixture. You can also serve the pancakes with less maple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative.
Q: Can I freeze these pancakes?
A: Absolutely! These pancakes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Q: What toppings go well with these pancakes besides butter and maple syrup?
A: These pancakes pair beautifully with a variety of toppings. Try them with whipped cream, a cream cheese glaze, chopped nuts, or even a dollop of yogurt for a tangy contrast.
Q: Can I make a larger batch for a crowd?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger group. Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve.
Check out my other pancake recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes. Enjoy!
