Step 1: Whisk Wet Ingredients. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, and sea salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Next, incorporate the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, buttermilk, milk, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. Continue whisking until all wet ingredients are thoroughly integrated and smooth. This creates the flavorful liquid base for your pancakes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Rest. Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda directly into the bowl containing your wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a whisk or spatula until just combined. The goal is to mix until no dry streaks of flour remain, but be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough pancakes. The batter should be notably thick, almost like a pourable paste. If it feels excessively thick, add an additional tablespoon or two of milk at a time until you achieve a thick, yet pourable, consistency. Allow the prepared batter to rest at room temperature while you proceed with making the pumpkin spice swirl and cream cheese glaze. This resting period is crucial for fluffy pancakes!

Step 1: Prepare the Swirl Mixture. In a separate medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, thick, and cohesive paste. For the easiest mixing, ensure your butter is very soft, almost at the point of melting, but not completely liquid. This consistency will allow it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Load the Piping Bag. Carefully transfer the prepared pumpkin spice mixture into a large zippered plastic bag or a dedicated piping bag. Using scissors, snip a small corner off the bottom of the bag to create a hole for piping. This opening should be just large enough to allow the paste to flow smoothly for creating your swirl design. Set this aside, ready for when you begin cooking your pancakes.

Step 1: Combine Glaze Base. In another large bowl, using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, vigorously mash together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This process helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures a creamy base for your glaze. Once smooth, stir in the pure vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the glaze.

Step 2: Achieve Glaze Consistency. Gradually add milk to the cream cheese mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Stir well after each addition until you reach a smooth, pourable, glaze-like consistency. The ideal consistency should be thick enough to cling slightly to a spoon but still thin enough to elegantly drizzle off a spatula. Once achieved, set the glaze aside while you focus on cooking the pancakes.

Step 1: Heat and Portion. Place a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium-low heat. This lower temperature is crucial for allowing the pancakes to cook thoroughly without burning. Lightly grease the pan with a small pat of butter or a spray of cooking oil. Once hot, scoop a ladleful of the rested pancake batter into the pan, gently nudging and spreading it with the back of the ladle or spoon to form a perfectly round pancake shape, typically about 4-6 inches in diameter, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Add Swirl and Flip. Immediately after forming the pancake, take your prepared piping bag with the pumpkin spice filling. Pipe a tight, continuous swirl of the filling onto the middle of the pancake. It’s important to keep this swirl approximately ½ inch away from the outer edge of the pancake to prevent it from leaking out and burning excessively in the pan. Cook the pancake undisturbed until you observe numerous bubbles rising to the surface and the edges appear set, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes. Carefully slide a spatula beneath the pancake and swiftly flip it over. Cook for an additional 20-30 seconds on the second side, or until the bottom is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the pancake is cooked completely through.

Step 3: Clean and Repeat. Once cooked, gently remove the pancake from the pan and transfer it to a plate. To ensure optimal cooking for subsequent pancakes and prevent burnt sugar from adhering, it’s crucial to clean the pan between each batch. Carefully grasp a piece of paper towel with a pair of tongs and wipe down the hot pan to remove any residual burnt bits or sticky syrup from the swirl. Re-grease the pan lightly if needed. Repeat these steps with the remaining batter until all your delicious pumpkin spice pancakes are cooked.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy. To serve, artfully arrange a delightful stack of your freshly cooked pumpkin pancakes on a plate. Generously drizzle the prepared cream cheese glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides, just as you would with maple syrup. These pancakes are absolutely exquisite when enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan, warm, or even at room temperature. If you have any glorious leftovers, store them properly and gently reheat them before serving to maintain their soft texture and rich flavor.

Expert Pancake Tips for Flawless Results

1. Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is arguably the most critical rule for achieving fluffy pancakes. Once you’ve added the flour and leavening agents, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no visible streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour excessively, leading to tough, dense, and rubbery pancakes instead of the light and airy texture we crave. Stop stirring as soon as the batter looks uniform.
2. Allow the Pancake Batter to Rest: Patience is a virtue when it comes to perfect pancakes. Resting the batter for at least 15-30 minutes (or even longer, as outlined in this recipe, while you prepare the swirl and glaze) allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crumb. Additionally, it gives the flour time to fully hydrate, ensuring all the liquid is absorbed and contributing to an even, fluffy texture. This step significantly improves the final pancake consistency.
3. Utilize a High-Quality Non-Stick Pan or Griddle: Due to the high sugar content in our irresistible pumpkin spice swirl, it has a tendency to caramelize and stick to the pan. Using a well-seasoned, high-quality non-stick pan or griddle is absolutely essential to prevent the swirl from burning and creating a sticky, frustrating mess. It ensures easy flipping and beautiful caramelization without adhesion.
4. Maintain Medium-Low Heat During Cooking: Cooking pancakes on too high a heat will result in a quickly browned or even burnt exterior while the interior remains raw or undercooked. To ensure your pancakes cook evenly through to the center, achieving a beautiful golden-brown color and perfectly crispy swirl without burning, consistently keep your stovetop heat set to medium-low or low. The ideal temperature may vary slightly based on your specific stove, so watch for cues like consistent bubbling.

Absolutely! While the swirl adds a fantastic caramelized texture and flavor, you can certainly omit it. However, since the pancake batter itself doesn’t contain butter, I recommend adding two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the batter if you choose not to include the swirl. This will ensure your pancakes remain moist and flavorful.

The pumpkin spice swirl is primarily composed of sugar and butter, which makes it prone to sticking and burning if the right equipment isn’t used. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of using a high-quality non-stick pan or griddle. While some experienced cooks might attempt a well-seasoned cast iron pan, my personal experience has shown that non-stick surfaces yield the best results for this particular component. Ensure your pan is clean between each pancake.

To prevent the delicious swirl mixture from leaking out and creating a sticky mess, the key is careful placement. When piping the swirl onto the pancake batter, make sure to keep the outer ½ inch of the pancake batter clear of the swirl. This creates a barrier that helps contain the melting sugar and butter, ensuring it caramelizes nicely within the pancake itself.

Yes, you can substitute pumpkin spice with plain ground cinnamon. Pumpkin spice is primarily cinnamon, so while the flavor won’t be quite as complex or “fall-like” as the full blend (which typically includes ginger, nutmeg, and cloves), it will still taste absolutely delicious! Adjust the amount to your taste.

This versatile recipe allows you to make pancakes of any size you prefer! Whether you desire mini silver dollar pancakes for a delightful bite-sized treat or large, diner-style pancakes for a hearty breakfast, simply adjust the amount of batter you scoop into the pan accordingly. Cooking times may vary slightly based on size.

Absolutely! To make sheet pancakes, simply spread the prepared pancake batter evenly onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Then, pipe the pumpkin spice filling in an artistic swirl pattern over the top of the batter. Bake it in an oven preheated to 355°F (180°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached, indicating it’s fully cooked.

While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, many readers have had success using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but the delicious pumpkin spice flavor will still shine through.

Prep Time: 40 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 (6″ pancakes)

Calories: 296 kcal