Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes
These healthy pumpkin pancakes are extra thick, fluffy, and made in just one bowl! No eggs, no dairy, and no flour needed, they make a fabulous breakfast!
Pumpkin season is in full swing and I’m just a little excited.
To some, we reserve pumpkin for healthy desserts, like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin muffins, but for me, I love to have some first thing in the morning, as healthy pumpkin pancakes!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- All made in the blender. Seriously, you don’t even need a mixing bowl to prep everything!
- No eggs or dairy. With none of these ingredients needed, these pancakes are perfect if you follow a vegan and/or gluten free diet.
- Accidentally flourless. By using rolled oats as the base, this recipe skips the need for any white flour, adding extra fiber and protein.
Now, just because these pancakes are healthy does not mean they compromise on taste. The texture is extra thick, fluffy, and soft in the middle. They are pleasantly sweet and full of pumpkin flavor, and perfect with some maple syrup and other toppings!
Ingredients needed
This recipe uses pantry staple and affordable ingredients. There are no egg substitutes or alternatives needed either. Here is what you’ll need:
- Rolled oats. Blended rolled oats yield oat flour, which replaces the need for any flour. You can also use quick-cooking oats. As I wanted to keep this recipe gluten-free, I used certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Pumpkin pie spice. A must for any pumpkin recipe! If you can’t find pumpkin pie spice, you can use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Baking powder. Gives the pancakes extra fluffiness, especially when combined with vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar. When mixed with the baking powder, achieves a texture that replicates eggs. You can also use white vinegar.
- Pumpkin puree. Unsweetened pumpkin puree. You can also use the canned variety. Just be sure it is not pumpkin pie filling.
- Maple syrup. Adds a little natural sweetness to the pancakes. You can also use agave nectar or coconut syrup.
- Milk of choice. Any plant based milk works, like almond milk or oat milk. You may need more than the recommended amount.
How to make healthy pumpkin pancakes
The beauty of this recipe is how hands off it is. All you do is add everything into a blender and your batter is ready to be turned into pancakes!
Step 1- Make the pancake batter
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add all your ingredients and pulse until a thick batter remains. If your batter is a little too thick, add some extra milk. Let your batter sit for 5 minutes, to thicken.
Step 2- Cook the pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat, and once hot, pour 1/4 cup portions of the batter onto it. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes, before flipping and cooking for a further 3 minutes. Repeat the process until all the pancake batter is used up.
Tips to make the best recipe
- The pancake batter will be thick and smooth, but it wouldn’t be overly pourable. We expect this and if you want thinner pancakes, you can add more milk.
- You’ll notice that this recipe includes a full tablespoon of baking powder. This isn’t a mistake, as it helps the pancakes become super fluffy. Be sure to use a good quality baking powder, as some leave a metallic aftertaste.
- If you don’t have vinegar, you can also use lemon juice or orange juice.
- Fold through some chocolate chips or even nuts or seeds, to give it some added texture and flavor!
Storage instructions
- To store: This recipe makes 3-4 servings. Place leftovers in a ziplock bag or sealable container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- To freeze: Leftover pancakes can be placed in a ziplock bag and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat: Either reheat pancakes in the microwave (30-40 seconds) or in a frying pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t tolerate oats, quinoa flakes or standard all purpose flour can be used.
Yes, use this exact batter to make healthy pumpkin waffles.
Either make almond flour pancakes (and add pumpkin puree) or turn them into muffins.
Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes In 2 Minutes | No Flour And No Eggs
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats gluten free, if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice can sub for a mix of cinnamon, ginger and cloves
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup milk of choice * See notes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips Optional
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and combined. If the batter is too thick, add extra milk.
- Let the batter sit for at least 5 minutes, for the mixture to thicken.
- Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, use a 1/4 cup and pour pancake batter on the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until you can easily slide a spatula underneath. Flip. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Repeat until all the batter is used up.
These look delicious! I just might eat the whole stack of pancakes (aka all three servings) 😀
If I already have oat flour, is it still a cup? Sorry if that is a silly question. ^_^
Not silly at all- Start with a full cup then slowly add a tablespoon or two if too thin 🙂
Amazing!!!
Can I use buckwheat flour? Instead of flakes? And if I’m not mistaken, the 1/2 cup pumpkin purée would be interchangeable for 1/2 cup applesauce or a ripe banana? Thank you and I can’t wait to try these!
You can use the flakes ground up 🙂 Sure thing!
I loved the consistency (I used the rolled oats), very tasty! One of the better vegan pancakes recipes I’ve found!!:)
🙂 Cheers, Sydney!
Thank you these were simple to make and tasted Great.
‘AMAZING pancakes!’..from 19 yr old son
🙂 Thanks so much for the positive feedback, Sarah! 🙂
as the recipe is written, how many pancakes does it make?
Depends on how big or small you make them- I can get 5 huge ones or 9-10 small ones.
Could I blend the ingredients and make the batter the night before to have the batter ready to cook in the morning?
Hi, I’m not a huge fan as I found it lost the fluffiness! Its’ better to pre-cook and freeze leftover portions 🙂
Is the calorie count for the whole recipie or one pancake?
what if I don’t have a nonstick pan?
Grease a normal pan 🙂
Very good taste. I needed to double the milk to achieve a batter.
🙂 Cheers, Colleen!
Do we use cooked quinoa for the quinoa option? Silly question..
Hi Alexandra! It is quinoa flakes, so the cereal style 🙂
Arman, I have loved your recipes over the years but this one was an epic fail for me. They didn’t ever cook (batter in the middle). The only variable when I made them was adding a half scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Hi Beth- This recipe won’t work with added protein powder 🙂
I adore the texture of these! The batch I made today (using rolled oats, maple syrup as the sweetener) had a hint of bitterness–any ideas how to cut that down? Otherwise a fantastic breakfast option.
Hi Edes! Double check the baking powder you use, some of the cheaper brands tend to be overly bitter 🙂
When doubling the recipe, do you double everything including the baking powder? My batter was quite thick so it didn’t get fluffy when cooked
Hi Kelly! For this, I’d keep the baking powder the same 🙂
How much baking powder would I use if I only needed to make one serving?
I’ve only made it as is.
I have made these pancakes twice and each time they have had a bitter taste. I have made sure that I have followed the recipe correctly. Has anyone else had this problem? I was wondering if the bitter taste is from the baking powder. Any suggestions would be very helpful.
Hi Kristin- I definitely reckon it’s the brand, some baking powders are extremely acidic and bitter 🙂