Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes: Light and Fluffy

Name: Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 tsp salt; 4 tbsp pumpkin puree; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy free milk); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; chopped nuts (optional)

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These vegan pumpkin pancakes are light and fluffy with real pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. They are whole food plant-based made with whole wheat flour, and no refined sugar!

Stack of vegan pumpkin pancakes topped with nuts.

Is there anything better than light and fluffy pumpkin pancakes on a lazy morning? These vegan pumpkin pancakes are thick, and oh so fluffy!

Pancakes are my indulgent breakfast of choice, and when fall hits I’m ready to enjoy ALL the vegan pumpkin recipes!

I’m always on the lookout for new plant-based breakfast ideas. I am fortunate enough to live in a city with several vegan restaurants. One has fantastic fluffy vegan pancake recipes.

I set out to recreate a pumpkin version that has a thick batter, with a fluffy texture, only remaking them so that they are whole food plant-based compliant. That means whole grain flour, no oils or vegan butters, and no refined sugar.

It is tough, but it is possible, and I hit the nail on the head with this one!

These pancakes are not only healthy, high in fiber, low in calories, and refined sugar free, but they are also perfectly fluffy with an intense pumpkin flavor!

Why This Recipe Works

Whole food plant-based compliant
No refined flour
Refined sugar free
No oil
Great light and fluffy texture!
Intense pumpkin flavor
High in fiber
Low in calorie
Full of fall flavor
Includes 4 grams of protein per serving

Ingredients and Notes

Pumpkin pancake ingredients: pumpkin puree, whole wheat pastry flour, pumpkin pie spice, almond milk, baking powder, and salt.

Whole Wheat Pastry Flour-Using whole wheat four adds fiber. Unlike all purpose flour, it has not been processed to strip away the nutrients, making it a whole grain food.
Baking Powder-In order to get those light and fluffy pancakes to rise you need to use baking powder.
Pumpkin Pie Spice-A combination of cinnamon, ginger, allspice and cloves, this spices gives a fragrant flavor to the batter.
Salt-A little salt is needed to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pumpkin Puree-This adds that wonderful flavor of autumn. Use canned or roast your own and puree. Reserve the leftovers for another recipe, like this vegan pumpkin bread!
Almond Milk-I use unsweetened to keep this recipe refined sugar free. You can use any other plant-milk, such as soy milk or oat milk, as long as it is unsweetened.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract helps to meld the sweet flavors together.
Maple Syrup (optional)–Maple syrup is a natural unrefined sugar. Use organic if possible and drizzle on top of your serving. You could also add an optional tablespoon to the batter for a touch of natural sweetness.
Chopped Nuts (optional)-For added crunch and texture sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of your serving!

Scroll to the bottom of the post to the recipe card for complete measurements and instructions.

Stack of pancakes topped with chopped nuts and syrup.

Tools and Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Griddle or Flat Pan

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt) in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until combined, then pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold together until combined. Don’t over mix. Allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: While batter is resting, preheat your skillet to medium heat. Alternatively, you can use an electric griddle. Use a non-stick skillet to avoid the need to add oil or vegan butter to the pan. If you use a non-stick skillet you will have no problem flipping the pancakes without oil. When skillet is hot, add batter, about ¼ cup.

Step 4: Wait for batter to bubble about 3-4 minutes, then flip, and cook the other side an additional 2-3 minutes.

Expert Tips

Don’t over mix batter. If batter is a bit lumpy that is fine.
Allow the batter to rest. This helps to create light and fluffy pancakes.
Make sure the griddle is hot before adding the batter. Add a drop of water. If it sizzles and disintegrates, the griddle is hot and ready!
Don’t mess with the pancakes once you have added the batter. Be patient, and wait for them to bubble before flipping.

Stack of pancakes topped with chopped nuts and maple syrup on black plate.

FAQS

Is it better to use a skillet or a griddle on the stove to make pancakes?

You may want to consider using an electric griddle (if you have one) rather than a pan on the stove. The key to fluffy pancakes is even heat. An electric griddle is more reliable in distributing heat evenly.

Should you let your pancake batter rest?

It is essential that you allow your batter to rest. This helps the wet ingredients soak into the flour which gives it a lighter texture.
You can even make your batter the night before which means you don’t have to have hungry people waiting for breakfast in the morning.

How do you get even pancakes that are the same size and thickness?

For best results, I recommend using ¼ cup of batter. Measure it out using a measuring cup. This will ensure that each scoop of batter is even. Then I use the back of the measuring cup to smooth out the batter on the griddle and make even circles.

Is it okay if your pancake batter is thick?

Yes! You want a thick batter! Boxed pancake batter is rather thin, and it makes it easy to pour onto the griddle. However, a thick batter, while not as easy to pour onto the griddle, will create fluffy vegan pancakes.

Do I need to use vegan butter or oil if I’m using a non stick pan?

You do not have to use oil or vegan butter if you are using a non stick pan. However, if you are not using a non stick pan, you will need some type of oil to keep the pancakes from sticking. I recommend using coconut oil cooking spray.

What is the secret to fluffy vegan pancakes?

Some of the tricks for fluffy pancakes include using buttermilk, or separating the egg yolk and the whites of the eggs. These tips are no good for vegans! Here are 5 Tips for Making the Fluffiest Pancakes by Say Yes. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t achieve fluffiness.

Don’t over mix your batter.
Allow your batter to rest. Some chefs recommend allowing your batter to rest a full 30 minutes. If you have hungry kids, give it a minimum of 15 minutes.
Wait for the bubbles before flipping.
Only flip your pancakes once. No back and forth flipping!

I have been impatient with my pancakes in the past. Not giving enough rest time for the batter, moving them around in the pan, and flipping them back and forth before the bubbles have fully formed.

The result was dense pancakes. These tricks will help you get light and fluffy vegan pumpkin pancakes every single time without folding in egg whites or using buttermilk. Just be patient with resting the batter and flipping the pancakes.

Close up of stack of pancakes topped with nuts and syrup on black plate.

How to Serve

Maple Syrup-This is a must in our house. Use organic pure maple syrup if possible.

Chopped Nuts-For added texture you can stir in chopped pecans and walnuts, or sprinkle them over the top!

Chocolate Chips-Use dairy free chocolate chips. Stir in about ¼ cup.

Pumpkin Fluff-Make this easy pumpkin fluff with only 4 ingredients. It’s a great spread to put on top of your pancakes and adds even more flavor!

How to Store and Keep

Store-I doubt you will have leftover pancakes, but if you do, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve again reheat in the microwave.

Keep-These will be good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freeze-You can make these and freeze for later. Wrap in saran wrap, and place in a freezer safe bag. They will be good for 2-3 months. When ready to serve thaw in the refrigerator, and then reheat.

Stack of vegan pumpkin
pancakes with a bite cut out.

More pumpkin vegan recipes!