Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes! Every bite is a cozy hug, blending the velvety richness of pumpkin with ribbons of gooey cinnamon sugar. This breakfast treat is the ultimate way to bring warmth, color, and a bit of morning magic to your table—whether you’re toasting up a slow weekend or making any weekday brighter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes is their simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create a stack that’s tender, fluffy, and infused with autumn-fresh flavor. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy, sturdy pancakes that hold their shape.
• Sugar: Adds a gently sweet backdrop, balancing out the warm spices.
• Baking powder: Gives rise and airiness, ensuring your pancakes are never dense.
• Cinnamon: For that unmistakable cozy warmth—both in the batter and the swirl.
• Ground ginger: Zings up the spice blend and enhances the pumpkin’s depth.
• Salt: A pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps things from being flat.
• Nutmeg: Adds a delicate, nutty aroma that rounds out the spice profile.
• Cloves: Just a whisper brings earthy boldness, balancing sweet and spicy.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This captures all your favorite fall flavors in a pinch.
• Milk: Brings moisture and binds everything together into a silky batter.
• Pumpkin puree: The star! Brings color, flavor, and a pillowy-soft texture.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps hold your pancakes together nicely.
• Butter (for swirl): Lends a velvety mouthfeel and helps those gorgeous cinnamon swirls melt into every bite.
• Dark brown sugar (for swirl): Gives the swirl a deep caramel flavor that marries beautifully with pumpkin.
• Cinnamon (for swirl): Packs a spicy punch right in the swirl for double the comfort.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. This fragrant mix is what gives Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes their signature taste—don’t be shy about inhaling those cozy scents as you whisk!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, and egg until smooth. The pumpkin not only colors the batter a gorgeous golden hue, but keeps every bite moist and tender.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, gently folding them together with a spatula or spoon. Stop as soon as everything is mostly combined—tiny lumps are perfectly fine and keep the pancakes from turning tough.

Step 4: Prepare Your Cinnamon Swirl Mix

In a small dish, combine the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy and smooth. For perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, scoop this mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip (or just use a sandwich bag and snip off a corner).

Step 5: Heat the Griddle and Pour the Batter

Preheat your nonstick skillet or griddle over medium. Lightly grease, then pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. These will puff up and become gorgeously golden as they cook.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

As soon as you’ve poured the batter, use your bag to pipe a spiral of cinnamon sugar mixture directly on top of each pancake. The swirl will start to melt into the pancake, creating pockets of caramelized goodness right inside.

Step 7: Cook and Flip

Let each pancake cook for about 3 minutes until little bubbles form on top and the edges start to look set. Flip gently and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The swirl will caramelize and you’ll see those beautiful stripes when you serve!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a pat of butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup will send your Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes over the top. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of toasted pecans add both beauty and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon, sizzling sausage, or even a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread. Hot coffee, chai, or a spiced latte will echo and enhance those autumnal notes in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your pancakes tall, then fan them out on a platter so that those cinnamon swirls are in full view! For a fun twist, try making mini pancakes as a playful breakfast treat, or layer them with spiced cream cheese for a truly show-stopping brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, let them cool completely. Stack with a square of parchment between each one and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them moist and ready for a speedy breakfast.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then stack with parchment paper and seal in a freezer bag. Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes freeze beautifully for up to two months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Reheating

To bring your pancakes back to their glory, warm them in a toaster, oven, or microwave. The toaster revives the edges, while an oven at 300°F for 10 minutes will heat several at once. Either way, the cinnamon swirl stays gooey and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure your puree is well-drained and not too watery. Homemade pumpkin lends an even fresher sweetness to your Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. The rest of the ingredients work perfectly, so you can enjoy these pancakes with no worries.

Can I prepare the cinnamon swirl mix ahead of time?

Definitely. The swirl mix keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just let it soften a bit before piping onto your pancakes.

What milk alternatives work for this recipe?

Any plant-based milk—almond, oat, soy, or coconut—will do the trick! The pancakes will still be fluffy and flavorful, with just a hint of the alt-milk’s flavor profile.

How do I avoid my swirl burning or spreading too much?

Make sure to cook your Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes over medium heat and don’t use too much swirl mixture—just a thin spiral does the job. If the swirl seems loose, chill it a bit first!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste how special these Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes truly are. Whether you’re ushering in fall or just need a little cozy comfort, this recipe works magic at the breakfast table. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite way to start the day!

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