Looking for a healthy kick-start to your week? Meal prep these healthy pumpkin pancakes for an easy breakfast or snack throughout your week. I absolutely adore this recipe, and it is my go-to in the fall season. These pancakes are made with nutritious ingredients like whole-grain oats, pure pumpkin, and of course, maple syrup.
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What do I need to make these healthy pumpkin pancakes?
Well, first off, you are going to need pumpkin puree. I recommend using pure canned pumpkin from the store; however, these pancakes can be made with homemade pumpkin puree as well. If you do not have pumpkin puree, try mashed sweet potatoes! You will also need rolled oats that will provide that fluffy texture we are looking for! If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free oats instead! The next thing you will need is some vanilla protein powder! If you do not have any protein powder, that’s A-O-K. Maybe you can sub with some collagen powder or flaxseed for that extra boost of protein. The last main ingredients you will use are pure maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice. The pure maple syrup sweetens the pancakes and gives them that warm, cozy fall-themed twist! Plus, who eats pancakes without syrup?! Those main ingredients, plus a few staple items, will create your new go-to autumn meal prep!
Do I need a blender to make these healthy pumpkin pancakes?
Absolutely not! You know my vision for my recipes is so that everyone can make them, no matter their ingredient limitations or equipment limitations. If you do not have any type of blender or food processor, just combine the ingredients as best you can in a medium bowl. Your pancakes will be more “rustic” looking with the whole oats, but they will taste just as delicious! If you happen to have oat flour in your pantry, you can use that, too, in order to maintain that smooth consistency. However, in my books, presentation is second to taste!
Protein. Will it make my pancakes dry?
The thing with protein powder is that it happens to make baked goods or any type of recipe more dry. That certainly can happen with these pancakes. That is why I only recommend 1-2 scoops of protein powder to maintain the best texture while still providing muscle-building nutrients to keep you satisfied.
Why do I need apple cider vinegar?
The leaveners in these healthy pumpkin pancakes are both baking soda and baking powder. These two leaveners provide the perfect fluff to our oat-based pumpkin pancakes. But in order for these agents to do their thing, they need an extra boost from apple cider vinegar. The baking powder and baking soda react with the vinegar, making your pancakes soft, fluffy, and delectable. If you do not have apple cider vinegar on hand, do not worry about it. They might be missing that little bit of fluff, but you won’t be missing out on the taste;)
Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes
Equipment
- Blender *an immersion blender will work great too! See notes if you do not have a blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups rolled oats gf works too!
- 1-2 scoops protein powder feel free to omit! just decrease the almond milk by 2 tbsp
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon!
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tbsp apple cide vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil for the pan! also can use butter or non-stick spray
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients in a blender. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is smooth and incorporated. The batter should be thick yet pourable.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat. Use coconut oil, butter, or non-stick spray to ensure the pancakes do not stick!
- Scoop ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the pan and gently spread it out to a circular shape (depending on how thick your batter is). Cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping to the other side! They should be lightly golden brown.
- Repeat this process until all your batter is used up. It makes about 16, 3-4 inch pancakes.
- Serve hot with maple syrup! Or you can store them in the fridge for up to one week and reheat them in the microwave whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack!
[…] Additionally, I have some ideas you are looking for other healthy sweet or savory breakfast options. I encourage you to check out my spicy egg frittata or pumpkin pancakes! […]