Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix – So Quick & Easy!

Last updated on August 5, 2025

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the scent of pumpkin pancakes wafting through the kitchen. As a child, I remember waking up on crisp fall mornings, the air scented with maple, cinnamon, and the rich warmth of pumpkins. My mom would flip pancakes in our beloved skillet while the radio played our favorite tunes, setting the tone for a cozy family breakfast. Have you ever tried to recreate that feeling, only to get overwhelmed by complicated steps and the fear of ruining your dish?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pancake recipe thinking, “How on earth am I going to manage this?” I’ve got just the solution for you! In this post, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, I promise you this is a straightforward, fulfilling dish that will brighten your mornings and tickle your taste buds.

Why I Love This Recipe of Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

What makes these Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix so special? First off, they’re incredibly easy to whip up—you don’t need to measure out dozens of ingredients or spend hours at the stove. Just grab your pancake mix and a few pantry staples, and you’re on your way to creating something delicious.

This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks who may be intimidated by the thought of making pancakes from scratch. With a friendly approach and minimal prep, you’ll feel successful even on your first try. Let’s face it, breakfast doesn’t have to be complex to be delightful. Plus, these pumpkin pancakes are cozy in every sense of the word: warm, comforting, and guaranteed to fill your home with wonderful aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

To get started, let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful pancakes. Here’s what you’ll need:

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Fluffy and delicious easy pumpkin pancakes served with maple syrup

Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix


  • Author: Sarah Mendez
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix are a quick and cozy fall breakfast. Using pancake mix and canned pumpkin keeps things simple while pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar deliver warm, seasonal flavor in every fluffy bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Essentials:

  • 2 cups pancake mix (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/3 cups water (adjust as needed)
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
  • Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, blueberries)

Instructions

  1. Heat Skillet: Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar.
  3. Add Pumpkin and Water: Stir in canned pumpkin and 1 cup of water. Gradually add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the batter is smooth and pourable but thick.
  4. Prepare Skillet: Lightly grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray, if needed.
  5. Cook Pancakes: Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the skillet. Cook for 1 to 1½ minutes until bubbles form and edges begin to dry.
  6. Flip and Finish: Flip and cook the other side for 1 to 1½ minutes until golden brown and fluffy.
  7. Cool: Let pancakes cool slightly on a wire rack to prevent sogginess when stacking.
  8. Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, butter, or whipped cream—and any other toppings you love!

Notes

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use oat milk or almond milk in place of water for a creamier flavor.
  • Homemade Spice: No pumpkin pie spice? Use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger and cloves.
  • Sugar Control: Reduce or skip brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet breakfast.
  • Texture Tip: Don’t overmix the batter—some small lumps are okay!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: easy pumpkin pancakes, pancake mix recipes, fall breakfast, canned pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin spice pancakes, quick pancake recipe

Essentials

  • 2 cups Pancake Mix: This is where the magic begins. Using pancake mix is a huge time saver while still delivering delicious results. You can use your favorite brand or any all-purpose pancake mix you like.

  • 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice: This aromatic blend includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—perfect for capturing the essence of fall in every bite.

  • 1 1/3 cups Water: Adding the right amount of water helps achieve that ideal pancake batter consistency. Feel free to tweak this for your preferred thickness.

  • 1 cup Pumpkin (canned): Canned pumpkin puree is a great shortcut. It adds moisture and flavor, making your pancakes fluffy and rich.

  • 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar: A small addition, but it provides a depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Optional Add-Ons

  1. Chopped Nuts: If you love a little crunch, consider adding walnuts or pecans to the batter for some texture.

  2. Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet twist, fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Who can resist chocolate in pancakes?

  3. Fresh Fruit: Top your pancakes with bananas, apples, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the spices.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

  • You can use almond or oat milk instead of water for a creamier texture and subtle nutty flavor.

  • If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger and cloves.

  • For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the brown sugar or skip it altogether if your pumpkin is naturally sweet.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix: Step-by-Step

Now that we have everything ready, let’s go through the steps to make these scrumptious pancakes together.

Step 1: Heat Your Skillet

Start by placing a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. This step is vital because you want to ensure your pancakes cook evenly without burning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and pumpkin pie spice. This is where the flavors start to come alive! As you whisk, sprinkle in the brown sugar, making sure to break up any clumps. We want that sugar evenly distributed for maximum sweetness.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Water

Next, add the canned pumpkin to your dry mixture. Pour in about 1 cup of water to start, then mix everything together. Keep an eye on the consistency; you may need to add more water—1/4 cup at a time—until your batter reaches a smooth, pourable thickness. It should be thicker than a smoothie but pourable enough to spread gently in the pan.

Step 4: Prepare Your Skillet

If needed, add a little butter or cooking spray to your heated skillet to ensure the pancakes don’t stick. Let it heat for a minute before moving on.

Step 5: Pour the Batter

Using 1/4 cup measure, pour your pumpkin pancake batter into the skillet. Give it just enough space; they’ll puff up while cooking!

Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown

Allow the pancakes to cook for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Look for the edges to dry out and small bubbles to form on the surface—this signals it’s time to flip!

Step 7: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip each pancake and continue cooking for another 1 to 1 ½ minutes. A perfectly cooked pancake will spring back when lightly pressed in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

If you’d like, set the pancakes on a cooling rack for a minute before serving. This step helps keep them from getting soggy if you stack them.

Step 9: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Top your fluffy pumpkin pancakes with maple syrup, a pat of butter, or whipped cream. You could even sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect pancake can sometimes feel daunting, but here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Not Preheating the Skillet Enough

One of the most common mistakes is not allowing your skillet to heat adequately. If it’s too cold, your pancakes will absorb oil and become greasy. A well-heated skillet ensures a golden brown exterior and fluffy interior.

Overmixing the Batter

When mixing your pancake batter, resist the urge to mix until perfectly smooth. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes because of the gluten developing in the flour.

Flipping Too Soon or Too Late

Timing is crucial! You want to wait until the edges start drying and bubbles form before flipping. If you flip too soon, you may end up with gooey-insides. Conversely, waiting too long can lead to overcooked pancakes.

Not Letting Them Rest

For those who enjoy their pancakes fluffy, a little patience goes a long way. Letting the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking helps the pancakes rise wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

Now that you’ve perfected your pumpkin pancakes, let’s talk toppings and sides that take breakfast to the next level!

Maple Syrup

This classic addition is a must. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds the perfect sweetness and complements the flavors of pumpkin and spice beautifully.

Fresh Berries

Adding a handful of fresh blueberries or strawberries not only brightens your plate but also adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances out the richness of the pancakes.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream can take your pancake game to a whole new level of indulgence. For extra flair, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top.

A Side of Yogurt

Serve your pancakes with a side of yogurt for a creamy, tangy contrast. Greek yogurt works beautifully, either plain or with a hint of honey stirred in.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Ready to take your pancake-making skills to the next level? Here are some handy tips for more experienced cooks.

Experiment with Flavors

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding different spices like cardamom or vanilla extract to the batter for a unique twist.

Make a Large Batch

Pancakes freeze well! Simply double or triple the batch, cool them on a cooling rack, and pop them in the freezer. Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

Individualize Each Pancake

Casting aside the conventional pancake mold, why not try making unique shapes? Pour batter into cookie cutters on your skillet or create fun designs as a hit for kids.

Savor the Leftovers

If you have any leftover pancakes (which I doubt will happen!), think outside the box. Use them in a trifle, sandwich them with cream cheese and fresh fruit, or enjoy them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion & Next Steps

And there you have it! Making Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix is simpler than it looks, letting you create delicious, fluffy pancakes that fill your home with warmth and cozy scents. You can customize these pancakes with various add-ins and toppings to suit your taste, making them perfect for any breakfast or brunch table.

So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try! I promise it’s cozy, classic, and beginner-approved.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below. Did you customize it in a unique way? I’d love to hear about your pumpkin pancake adventures!

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FAQs About Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned for Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works great. Just ensure it’s not too watery; you may need to adjust the water in your batter accordingly.

What can I substitute for pancake mix in Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix?

You can make your own mix using flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Just combine these dry ingredients in the same proportions.

Can I prepare the Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix batter the night before?

I recommend making the batter fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients the night before and just add wet ingredients in the morning for a speedier process.

Are Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free pancake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What are the best toppings for Easy Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix?

You can stick with classic maple syrup, but fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of nuts can elevate your pancake experience.

Now that you have all the insider tips and tricks, it’s time to head to your kitchen and fill your home with the cozy scent of pumpkin pancakes! Happy cooking!

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