Who doesn’t love weekend breakfasts filled with the warm, cozy tastes of fall? One item that tops the list for breakfast lovers is the signature Pumpkin Pancakes from First Watch.
Fluffy, flavorful, and spiced with just the right hint of autumn, these pancakes are a seasonal favorite at the popular breakfast spot. But what if I told you that you could recreate this magic in your own kitchen? Get ready to enjoy the warm fall feeling right at your breakfast table.
In today’s recipe guide I will walk you step-by-step on how to make your very own First Watch-style Pumpkin Pancakes. We’ll discuss what makes these pancakes so special, highlight the ingredients you’ll need, and even share creative serving ideas.
I hope that at the end of this post, you’ll have all the tools to make a plate of pumpkin perfection. So, without wasting any more time let’s start this pumpkin pancake journey.
What Makes First Watch Pumpkin Pancakes Special?
First Watch Pumpkin Pancakes are celebrated for their unique blend of ingredients that balance taste and texture perfectly. What makes them special is the use of real pumpkin puree, which infuses natural sweetness and moisture and results in irresistibly fluffy pancakes.
Another reason for its specialty is a medley of spices—like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—adds a warm seasoning that captures the essence of fall. A secret to their deliciousness is using good buttermilk, which makes them fluffy and gives a slight tang that improves the flavor.
These ingredients work together to make every bite taste just right, like homemade goodness with a professional touch. We’ll show you how to recreate these flavors at home, so every pancake is as tasty as those at First Watch.
Ingredients Needed for First Watch Pumpkin Pancakes
Here’s what you’ll need to get started on these mouthwatering pancakes:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (optional)
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional butter for the skillet
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Pecan pieces
Nutritional Information of Pumpkin Pancakes
Here’s a simple overview of the nutrition in one serving of pumpkin pancakes. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can change which are depend on the ingredients and portion sizes you used:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 120% DV |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
This table shows how these pancakes help make a balanced diet, pointing out the good nutrients in each tasty bite. Whether it’s the Vitamin A from the pumpkin or the fiber, these pancakes not only taste great but can also be a healthy part of your fall meals.
Equipment Needed
Before we jump into the recipe, gather the following tools to set yourself up for success:
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A ladle or small measuring cup (for even pancake pouring)
- A wire rack (optional, for keeping pancakes warm)
Recipe for First Watch Pumpkin Pancakes
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready in your kitchen, let’s move into the fluffy pancake recipe. This recipe will make about 8 medium-sized pancakes.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. This makes sure the spices are spread evenly, giving a warm, fall flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract together with a whisk. Mix until you achieve a smooth, cohesive blend. This mixture will be the base of your pancake batter and lend moisture and richness to the final dish.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or rubber spatula to gently mix them together. Be careful not to mix too much; it’s fine if there are a few small lumps. Mixing too much can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
After mixing everything, place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat it lightly with cooking spray or a bit of butter. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes. A properly heated skillet ensures that the pancakes cook evenly and gain a lovely golden color.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the pan for each pancake. Let them cook until small bubbles appear on top and the edges look firm, which takes 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the pancakes are cooked, you can serve them immediately. Top them with your chosen optional toppings, like whipped cream, maple syrup, or pecan pieces for extra flavor and texture.
Congratulations 🎊 You’ve just made First Watch Pumpkin Pancakes. We hope you enjoy these pancakes as much as we do. Remember, you can always adjust the recipe to your liking by adding more or less of any ingredient.
And one more thing: if you are a pancake lover then don’t forget to try our these top 2 famous pancake recipes:
First Watch Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A ladle or small measuring cup (for even pancake pouring)
- A wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger optional
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree unsweetened
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional butter for the skillet
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Pecan pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. This makes sure the spices are spread evenly, giving a warm, fall flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until you achieve a smooth, cohesive blend. This mixture will be the base of your pancake batter and lend moisture and richness to the final dish.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or rubber spatula to gently mix them together. Be careful not to mix too much; it’s fine if there are a few small lumps. Mixing too much can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
- After mixing everything, place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat it lightly with cooking spray or a bit of butter. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes. A properly heated skillet ensures that the pancakes cook evenly and gain a lovely golden color.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
- Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Let them cook until small bubbles appear on top and the edges look firm, which takes 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the pancakes are cooked, you can serve them immediately. Top them with your chosen optional toppings, like whipped cream, maple syrup, or pecan pieces for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Pancakes
These pumpkin pancakes taste great by themselves, but there are a lot more creative ways to serve and enjoy them. Here are some ideas to make your pancakes even better:
- Pumpkin Pancake Sandwiches: Layer your pancakes with a creamy filling of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a delightful breakfast sandwich.
- Pumpkin Pancake Stacks with Spiced Apple Compote: Top a stack of warm pancakes with homemade apple compote and add a burst of sweetness and spice to each bite.
- Pumpkin Pancake Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on each pancake, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pieces for a treat that’s both fun and flavorful.
- Gourmet Pumpkin Pancakes with Candied Pecans: Sprinkle candied pecans on top of your pancakes for added crunch and a touch of sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Pancakes with Yogurt and Berries: Serve your pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a generous handful of fresh berries for a fresh and tangy twist.
Storage Suggestions
To keep your delicious pumpkin pancakes fresh and ready to enjoy later, follow these storage tips:
- Fridge: Put leftover pancakes in a sealed container or wrap them tightly in plastic. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days to stay fresh.
- Freezing: To keep pancakes longer, stack them with a piece of paper between each one and put them in a freezer bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. This way, you can easily take out the number you want to thaw and reheat.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, warm pancakes in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. You can also use a toaster to make them a bit crispy.
- Avoid moisture: Make sure that pancakes are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to fogginess.
Tips for Making Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes
Okay, so if you don’t want to miss out on a single detail of making the perfect pumpkin pancakes, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh baking powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for fluffy, light pancakes. If you’re not sure if it’s still good, mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/3 cup hot water. If it fizzes and bubbles, it still works.
- Measure Ingredients Carefully: Use measuring cups and spoons to get the right amount of each ingredient. This makes sure your pancakes have the perfect taste and texture every time.
- Heat the Pan First: Make sure your skillet or griddle is hot before you pour in the batter. A hot pan makes the pancakes turn golden brown and cook evenly.
- Change Heat if Needed: Pancakes can burn if the heat is too high. Start with medium heat and change it if needed, watching them as they cook.
- Make a Test Pancake: Before cooking them all, make one test pancake to see if the pan is hot enough. This also lets you change the batter if needed.
- Keep Pancakes the Same Size: Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour the batter onto the skillet. This helps all pancakes cook evenly.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on this delightful pumpkin pancake journey! With their warm smell and yummy spiced taste, these pancakes will surely become a favorite breakfast treat. By following our simple tips and fun serving ideas, you’ll make a batch that’s both delicious and unforgettable.
Whether you’re enjoying them plain or trying out our creative serving suggestions, these pancakes are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Remember, every great pancake starts with fresh ingredients and a dash of patience.
So, keep exploring new recipes with us, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, absolutely. Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for making pumpkin pancakes. It’s convenient and provides the same delightful pumpkin flavor. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
Can I make these pumpkin pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Just swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s labeled for baking for the best texture. You might need to adjust the liquid ingredients a bit to get the right batter consistency.
What’s the best way to reheat pancakes?
To warm up pancakes and keep them tasty, you can use a toaster to make them a bit crispy or a microwave to keep them soft. In the microwave, heat them for about 30 seconds. In the toaster, warm them until they are hot and a little crispy. For more pancakes, put them on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
How do I prevent my pancakes from being too dense?
To keep pancakes light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear into the wet ones. Small lumps are fine and will ensure a tender pancake. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as it is essential for the rising process.
Can I add other spices to the batter?
Sure! Feel free to customize your pumpkin pancakes by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the batter. These can complement the pumpkin flavor nicely and give your pancakes an extra kick of warmth.
How can I make my pancakes more nutritious?
For healthier pancakes, try using whole wheat flour or add ground flaxseed to the batter. You can also mix in rolled oats or chia seeds for more texture and nutrition. Using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar can also make them healthier.
What toppings go well with pumpkin pancakes?
In addition to what’s already mentioned, try pumpkin pancakes with maple syrup, chopped walnuts or pecans, or a bit of whipped cream. Fresh fruits like bananas or sliced apples also taste great with them.
