Skip to main content

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin, and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Video: Pancakes with Kids
Kids Can!

Depending on their skills, show kids how to:

  • Measure flours and other dry ingredients
  • Arrange raisins
  • Crack and beat eggs
  • Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to dip and pour batter
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Makes: 16 pancakes (4-inch)
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 egg
½ cup canned pumpkin
1 ¾ cups 1% or nonfat milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
5 Tablespoons raisins (optional, to make faces)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, milk and oil.
  3. Add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt to egg mixture. Stir gently.
  4. Lightly grease a large skillet or griddle. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (300 degrees F in an electric skillet). Using a ¼ cup measure, pour batter on hot griddle.
  5. Put a face on the jack-o-lantern, using raisins for eyes and teeth. Drop raisins in batter while it cooks.
  6. Pancakes are ready to turn when tops are bubbly all over, and the edges begin to appear dry. Use a quick flip with a broad spatula to turn pancakes. Turn only once. Continue to bake until bottoms are brown and dry.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • No pumpkin pie spice? Use ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon dry ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves or nutmeg.
  • No egg? Replace it with 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tablespoons water that sits for 10 minutes to form a gel. Or replace it with 3 Tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid drained from a can of garbanzo beans).
  • Try using 1 cup whole-wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour for more whole grains!
  • To see if skillet is hot enough, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If drops skitter around, heat is just right.
  • Top with Food Hero Microwave Applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt.
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Comments

Making these is a Halloween tradition my kids look forward to every year. We love these and that they’re fairly low sugar.

I made these yesterday with my four year old and she loved them.  I used Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat pastry flour and they came out great!

Agreed. Kids love this recipe. You should have seen my kids' faces on Halloween morning!

Big fan of pumpkin, so was excited to try this recipe. I made it according to the directions the first time, but was a little disappointed the pumpkin flavor wasn't strong enough. The second time I made it (wanted to use the rest of the leftover canned pumpkin from the first time) I added more pumpkin and more pumpkin pie spices.  You just have to be careful about how much extra pumpkin you use because it will start to change the consistency of the pancake.  Will use this recipe for many years to come!

My kids loved these! nice breakfast surprise.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Squash Blossom Quesadilla
Plate of corn tortillas folded over cheese and squash blossom filling with salsa.

Squash Blossom Quesadilla

Tortillas filled with tender sauteed squash blossoms and creamy cheese. Customize by adding salsa, peppers, cilantro, or epazote.
Prepare:
10 Min
Cook:
15 Min
Makes:
6 quesadillas
Sesame Turnips and Carrots
Bowls of cubed turnips and carrots with sauce.

Sesame Turnips and Carrots

Hearty root vegetables with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Prepare:
15 Min
Cook:
10 Min
Makes:
3 Cups
Baked Carrot Fries
 Plate of Baked Carrot Fries and bowl of dipping sauce.

Baked Carrot Fries

Kids of all ages will love these baked carrot fries. Add a dipping sauce for more fun and flavor.
Prepare:
15 Min
Cook:
15 to 20 Min
Makes:
4 cups
Stovetop Buckwheat
Bowls of cooked buckwheat.

Stovetop Buckwheat

This nutrient-rich grain has an earthy and slightly nutty with a chewy texture.
Prepare:
5 Min
Cook:
15 to 20 Min
Makes:
3 cups
Crunchy Chicken Nuggets
Plate of golden breaded chicken with dipping sauce.

Crunchy Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets, made with only 3 ingredients, and using cereal flakes as breading.
Prepare:
15 Min
Cook:
30 Min
Makes:
25 Chicken Nuggets
Fruit Cooler
Frothy pink fruit drink with a straw.

Fruit Cooler

A sweet and refreshing drink to make on a hot summer day with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 Min
Makes:
4 cups