Before we dive into the delight that is IHOP’s pumpkin pancake recipe, let’s talk about what you might want to pair these pancakes with. The sheer warm, cozy vibe of pumpkin pancakes begs for a solid companion. Think maple syrup—of course—but also consider a dollop of whipped cream or some caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Want to take it up a notch? Add crispy bacon or sausage on the side. The salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet and spiced flavors of the pancakes. For a refreshing twist, fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas can provide a lovely balance. You could even brew a pot of cinnamon-infused coffee to round out the experience. Trust me, these little changes can elevate your pancake breakfast from basic to extraordinary.
Ah, fall! The air gets brisk and the leaves change colors. It’s that time of year when pumpkin-flavored everything fills grocery stores and cafes. Among the many delicious pumpkin treats, one stands out — IHOP’s pumpkin pancakes. These pancakes promise a comforting hug on the plate, combining the rich taste of pumpkin with warm spices that remind you of autumn.
Now, you might wonder why I’ve fallen head over heels for these pancakes. Well, I’m here to share not just the recipe but also to take you through an experience. Imagine waking up on a chilly Sunday morning, the aroma of warm pancakes lingering in the air, and the family gathered around the table, ready to dig in. Sounds inviting, doesn’t it? So, let’s unravel the magic of this recipe together.
What is IHOP Pumpkin Pancake?
IHOP’s pumpkin pancake is a simple yet delightful creation that takes standard pancake ingredients and infuses them with pumpkin puree and warm spices. It’s like taking a classic favorite and giving it a seasonal twist. Making these pancakes at home allows you to enjoy that same fluffy goodness as you would at the restaurant but with even more deliciousness!
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
What makes pumpkin pancakes so good? It’s all about the depth of flavor. The pumpkin brings a subtle sweetness, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and earthiness. The combination is comforting and evokes memories of cozy autumn days.
When you combine the buttermilk with pumpkin, you achieve a creamy, rich texture unlike anything else. Add a touch of maple syrup and maybe some butter, and you’ve got a plate of happiness. Every bite carries a hint of nostalgia, reminding you of Thanksgiving pies without the guilt of having an entire slice.
Why You’ll Love This!
You’ll love this pumpkin pancake recipe for several reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare. The ingredients are likely already hanging out in your pantry or fridge. Second, it’s versatile. You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice according to your preferences. Third and perhaps most importantly, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Kids enjoy the flavor, and adults appreciate its nostalgic essence.
Trust me, whether you’re serving these for a special brunch or enjoying them alone on a quiet morning, you’ll find joy in every bite. With this recipe, you can bring that IHOP experience right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful pancakes:
- 1 large egg, gently whisked
- 1 1/2 cups tangy buttermilk (add 1/8 – 1/4 cup more if the batter needs thinning)
- 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin works fine)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of warm pumpkin spice blend
- 1 1/4 cups plain flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of rising powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/8 cup light vegetable oil
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother. Lay them out on your countertop. Picture this: everything at your fingertips like a well-prepared chef! It’ll make cooking far more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla essence. Keep whisking until everything is well combined. This step is crucial. You want each bite of pancake to have that lovely pumpkin flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, sweetener, sea salt, rising powder, and baking soda. Combine these well. The goal is to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the flour. It makes a difference in how fluffy your pancakes turn out!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Now comes the magic! Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until they’re just combined. Don’t over-mix! Lumps are okay. If your batter seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of buttermilk. This will help you achieve the perfect pancake consistency.
Step 5: Heat Your Griddle
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. A drop of water should sizzle when it’s hot enough; that’s your cue! Add a little oil to the skillet for flavor and to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Pour and Cook
Using a ladle, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip once you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges looking set. Flip them carefully and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Repeat and Serve
Repeat with the remaining batter. Stack those fluffy pancakes high! Serve warm with your choice of toppings. And do take a moment to admire your handiwork before diving in.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips that will enhance your pancake-making experience:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Welcoming warm ingredients helps create a smoother batter and enhances the fluffiness of your pancakes.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Lower the heat if your pancakes are browning too quickly. The inside needs to cook through before the outside gets too dark.
- Customize Your Spices: Want more kick? Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves. This will amp up the fall flavors to another level.
- Rest the Batter: After mixing, allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, creating even fluffier pancakes.
- Serve Warm: These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. If you need to wait a bit, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until serving.
Nutrition Information
How Can You Store This IHOP Pumpkin Pancake?
Storing leftovers is easy! Simply place the pancakes in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, making sure to separate each pancake with a piece of parchment paper. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just lay the cooled pancakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them into a ziplock bag. Frozen pancakes can last for up to a month. When you’re ready, just pop them in the toaster or microwave to reheat, and they’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes life throws a curveball, and you might find yourself a bit short on ingredients. No worries!
- Buttermilk: If you run out of buttermilk, mix 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 ½ cups of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Voila! You’ve created your own buttermilk substitute.
- Pumpkin Puree: Out of pumpkin? Unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch. It alters the flavor but still gives you that delightful moistness.
- Flour: For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the batter’s consistency; you might need a touch more liquid.
Ihop Pumpkin Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Separate bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large egg gently whisked
- 1 1/2 cups tangy buttermilk add 1/8 – 1/4 cup more if the batter needs thinning
- 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree canned pumpkin works fine
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of warm pumpkin spice blend
- 1 1/4 cups plain flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of rising powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/8 cup light vegetable oil
Instructions
- First things first, gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother. Lay them out on your countertop. Picture this: everything at your fingertips like a well-prepared chef! It’ll make cooking far more enjoyable.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla essence. Keep whisking until everything is well combined. This step is crucial. You want each bite of pancake to have that lovely pumpkin flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, sweetener, sea salt, rising powder, and baking soda. Combine these well. The goal is to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the flour. It makes a difference in how fluffy your pancakes turn out!
- Now comes the magic! Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until they’re just combined. Don’t over-mix! Lumps are okay. If your batter seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of buttermilk. This will help you achieve the perfect pancake consistency.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. A drop of water should sizzle when it’s hot enough; that’s your cue! Add a little oil to the skillet for flavor and to prevent sticking.
- Using a ladle, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip once you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges looking set. Flip them carefully and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter. Stack those fluffy pancakes high! Serve warm with your choice of toppings. And do take a moment to admire your handiwork before diving in.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Welcoming warm ingredients helps create a smoother batter and enhances the fluffiness of your pancakes.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Lower the heat if your pancakes are browning too quickly. The inside needs to cook through before the outside gets too dark.
- Customize Your Spices: Want more kick? Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves. This will amp up the fall flavors to another level.
- Rest the Batter: After mixing, allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, creating even fluffier pancakes.
- Serve Warm: These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. If you need to wait a bit, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The charm of IHOP’s pumpkin pancake recipe lies not just in its flavors, but in the stories it can create. Whether you’re having a family breakfast, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself on a quiet morning, these fluffy, spiced pancakes will deliver warmth and joy.
Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones or keep it cozy for yourself, and dive into this delightful autumn treat. Remember, life is too short not to enjoy pancakes — especially those that taste like fall on a plate! Happy cooking!
