Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon butter, or as needed
  • 5 tablespoons pure maple syrup, or as needed

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, espresso powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just moistened. It's okay if there are a few lumps.
  4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat, aiming for a temperature of 350F (180C).
  5. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the griddle to form 3-inch pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear dry, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned on the other side.
  7. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  8. Serve the pancakes warm, topped with cinnamon butter and pure maple syrup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Amount
Calories 407
Total Fat 16g (20%)
Saturated Fat 9g (46%)
Cholesterol 111mg (37%)
Sodium 571mg (25%)
Total Carbohydrate 59g (21%)
Dietary Fiber 1g (5%)
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 9g (18%)
Vitamin C 1mg (2%)
Calcium 222mg (17%)
Iron 3mg (16%)
Potassium 278mg (6%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin Story

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes combine two beloved fall flavors: pumpkin and coffee. This dish takes inspiration from the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), which first made its debut in 2003 at Starbucks. While the PSL quickly became a seasonal favorite, it was only a matter of time before the comforting flavors of spiced pumpkin and rich espresso found their way into breakfast menus. Pancakes, already a versatile and popular dish, were a natural fit for this flavorful combination. The Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes are now a favorite in many homes and brunch spots, especially when the crisp autumn air sets in.

Regional Variations

Pumpkin spice is a signature fall flavor, particularly popular in North America. In the United States and Canada, pumpkin spice-flavored productsranging from lattes to baked goodsflood the market as soon as the first cool days of autumn arrive. However, this flavor combination has gradually made its way to other parts of the world, especially as global coffee chains such as Starbucks expand. The combination of espresso and pumpkin spice pancakes might not have a deep-rooted history outside of North America, but its gaining popularity in countries that embrace both pumpkin-based recipes and the universal love of coffee.

How This Differs From Other Pancakes

While pancakes are universally loved for their simplicity and versatility, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes stand out due to the addition of coffee flavor from espresso powder and the warm, comforting spices typically found in pumpkin pies. Traditional pancakes might only feature basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, but these special pancakes introduce a blend of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and espresso powder. This gives them a distinctive flavor profile, making them not just a breakfast item, but a delightful dessert-like experience. Unlike classic pancakes, the addition of pumpkin spice and espresso makes them ideal for fall mornings or special holiday brunches.

Where Are They Usually Served?

Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes are most commonly served at breakfast or brunch, especially during the fall and winter months when pumpkin-flavored treats are in high demand. Many cafes, particularly in North America, will offer these pancakes as part of their seasonal menu when customers are craving the flavors of autumn. They are often paired with cinnamon butter and drizzled with pure maple syrup, creating a cozy, indulgent meal. These pancakes are also a popular choice for family gatherings and holiday brunches, where they are often served alongside other fall-themed dishes like apple cider doughnuts or roasted squash.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes

  • The famous Pumpkin Spice Latte was initially introduced as a limited-time offering but quickly became a year-round sensation after customers demanded its return each fall.
  • Pumpkin spice, the key flavor in these pancakes, is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. While its widely associated with pumpkin-based recipes, its used in a variety of autumn-inspired dishes and drinks.
  • Despite their name, Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes dont actually contain any coffee in liquid formjust a rich dose of espresso powder gives them their coffee kick!
  • The trend of pumpkin spice-flavored foods has led to a massive variety of pumpkin spice products, including everything from pumpkin spice popcorn to pumpkin spice hummus. But pancakes, of course, remain one of the most beloved uses of the flavor!

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes are the ultimate way to enjoy the iconic flavors of fall. Whether youre sipping a PSL on a chilly morning or indulging in a stack of these delightful pancakes, the sweet, spiced, and coffee-infused flavors are sure to evoke the warmth and coziness of the season. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a festive treat, these pancakes bring the taste of autumn straight to your table.

FAQ about Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes Recipe

Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds per pancake, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side.

Yes, these pancakes can be frozen! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave or toast them directly from frozen.

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend’s recommendations for cup-for-cup substitutions to ensure the best texture.

If you don't have espresso powder, you can substitute it with instant coffee or regular coffee grounds. Just keep in mind that espresso powder gives a richer, more intense flavor, so you might need to adjust the quantity depending on your preference.

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. If you want to make the pancakes ahead, cook them as usual, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them before serving.

These pancakes are best served warm with cinnamon butter and pure maple syrup. You can also top them with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice for added flavor.

Espresso powder is a finely ground coffee powder used for baking and cooking to enhance coffee flavors. It is different from instant coffee and has a richer, more intense taste. If you can't find it, you can grind espresso beans into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.

To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and use a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and vegan butter instead of dairy products.

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the batter or opt for a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that maple syrup and cinnamon butter will add sweetness when served, so you might want to taste and adjust accordingly.

It's best to use plain pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that may alter the flavor of the pancakes. If you only have pumpkin pie filling, reduce the amount of added sugar and spices in the recipe to compensate.

Comments

Elizabeth Carter

04/06/2025 04:12:03 AM

Espresso powder is different from instant espresso. I purchased my espresso powder from Savory Spice Shop.