These Gilmore Girls Pumpkin Pancakes are fluffy, gently spiced, and totally perfect for cozy mornings. They bring together warm pumpkin flavor with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, just like something you’d imagine being served at Luke’s Diner. The texture is soft and light, and the pancakes have that homey feel you want when you curl up with a good show or good company.
I love making these pancakes when the weather starts to chill because they make the kitchen smell amazing and feel like a little celebration of fall—no matter what time of year it is. I like to mix the pumpkin right into the batter for a seamless blend of flavors, and I find that a drizzle of maple syrup really makes them shine. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or chocolate chips just for a little extra fun.
Serving them up on a lazy weekend morning with a warm cup of coffee or tea feels like a small moment of happiness. They’re also great for sharing with friends or family—you’ll probably end up making them again soon just because everyone asks for more. These pancakes are a simple way to bring a bit of that Gilmore Girls charm and warmth into your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, homemade cooked and mashed pumpkin works great too!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tang and helps pancakes stay fluffy. No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create that warm fall taste. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or use pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor and moisture. You can substitute with coconut sugar or white sugar if needed, but brown sugar really helps the mood here.
How Do I Get Light, Fluffy Pancakes with Pumpkin in Them?
Pumpkin puree adds moisture, which can make pancakes dense if mixed too much. Here’s how to keep them light:
- Whisk dry ingredients separately and wet ingredients separately first.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently—stir just until you don’t see flour, lumps are fine.
- Let the batter rest 5 minutes before cooking to let the leavening activate.
- Cook pancakes on medium heat so they cook through without burning.
Using buttermilk and baking powder/baking soda together helps the pancakes rise well despite the pumpkin’s moisture. Also, brushing the pan with butter adds flavor and prevents sticking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – perfect for cooking pancakes evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet, so mixing is easy and mess-free.
- Whisk – helps blend ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and liquids just right.
- Spatula – for flipping pancakes gently without tearing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that melts in every bite.
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty touch.
- Mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey into the batter for extra natural sweetness.
- Swap pumpkin for sweet potato puree for a different but still cozy twist.
How to Make Gilmore Girls Pumpkin Pancakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chopped pecans or walnuts, maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and cooking these pumpkin pancakes takes about 20 minutes total—roughly 10 minutes to mix the ingredients and 10 minutes to cook the pancakes on the skillet. You can enjoy a warm, cozy breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This mix gives your pancakes that wonderful autumn flavor.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a different bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
3. Make the Batter:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy—this keeps your pancakes tender and fluffy.
4. Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with melted butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until you see bubbles forming on top and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the pancakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Place cooked pancakes on a plate and keep warm while you finish the rest. Stack them up and top with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve warm and enjoy a cozy, delicious breakfast inspired by Gilmore Girls!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for These Pancakes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the pumpkin puree completely before using it. Give it a good stir to smooth out any excess liquid before mixing it into the batter.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before cooking, but avoid letting it sit too long or the baking soda and powder might lose some of their leavening power.
How Should I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Cool the pancakes completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or microwave to keep them fluffy.
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives you a similar tang and helps the pancakes rise well.
