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.

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)

Zucchini Stir-Fry
Small bowl with a tender zucchini and vegetable mix.

Zucchini Stir-Fry

Fast veggie stir-fry with lots of umami flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Garden Sloppy Joes
Open faced buns with a saucy meat and vegetable mix.

Garden Sloppy Joes

Healthy vegetable-packed lunch or dinner favorite!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Sandwiches
Mix and Match Salad
Recipe Image for Mix and Match Salad - Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Mix and Match Salad

Stay hydrated with fruits and vegetables that are full of water, flavor and nutrients.
Makes:
1 or 2 servings
Quinoa with Cactus
Medium bowl of cactus and vegetables with quinoa.

Quinoa with Cactus

Canned or fresh cactus is combined with tomatoes, garlic and quinoa for a simple and satisfying side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Sautéed Cauliflower Rice
Two bowls of grated cauliflower garnished with parsley.

Sautéed Cauliflower Rice

A fun alternative to rice, this cauliflower rice is a great way to add more veggies to your meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Vegetable Beef Soup
Bowl of soup with a tomato base, vegetables and ground meat.

Vegetable Beef Soup

This hearty soup is packed with veggies and pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 cups