Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Pumpkin Pancakes

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Ready to kickstart fall baking with the ultimate fall breakfast? These soft and fluffy sourdough pumpkin pancakes are perfect! Made with pumpkin puree and sourdough starter, these pancakes are light, tender, and full of cozy autumn spices. Serve with maple syrup, a pat of butter, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a breakfast the whole family will love.

a close up view of a stack of sourdough pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup

Ooooooh baby are these pancakes good!!

This pumpkin pancake recipe is a spin off of my recipe for regular ol’ sourdough discard pancakes (also delicious) but with the additions of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. The result? Perfectly spiced, fluffy pancakes that make a delicious breakfast (or dinner) anytime.

You’ll love them for the cooler fall months! My family sure does (although it’s technically the middle of June right now and we definitely had them for dinner last night).

Let’s make them.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

TOTAL TIME: Pancakes cook up fast! You’ll need around 20 minutes of prep time (see recipe notes).
YIELD: 12-14 pancakes.
STORAGE: Store in the fridge to enjoy for up to 3 days. Pancakes also freeze well.
BEST SERVED: Enjoy immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup, whipped cream, and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Divine!

What You’ll Love About These Pancakes


  • KID FRIENDLY: Although I’ve never met a kid who would turn down pancakes, I can personally say that both of mine DEVOURED these pancakes within minutes.
  • COZY FALL FLAVOR: I am a big fan of fall baking, and these pancakes are perfect to whip up on a cool autumn morning. They smell delicious while baking, and the combination of spices like cinnamon and cloves, paired with a drizzle of warm maple syrup is PURE HEAVEN.
  • USE UP SOURDOUGH DISCARD: Sourdough discard is great for adding to all kinds of recipes! No waste, easy, and delicious. Check out this post on 20+ sourdough discard recipes for more recipe inspiration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Sourdough Starter: This recipe uses sourdough discard, but active starter will also work.
  • Pumpkin Puree: You’ll need 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, which contains additives that can affect the flavor and texture of the pancakes.
  • Buttermilk: If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, you can always make it using milk and vinegar (see note below). You can also swap to use regular milk.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is where the magic happens! It contains a combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to add delicious flavor.
  • Favorite Toppings: Maple syrup, sweetened whip cream, berries, chocolate chips… the options are endless (and delicious!)
a labeled ingredient picture of ingredients needed to make sourdough pumpkin pancakes

Tips for Preparing to Make This Recipe

  1. Let the Batter Rest: The extra step of letting the batter sit for 10-15 minutes really does help make a lighter, fluffier pancake!
  2. Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pumpkin puree in this recipe and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains other ingredients and additives that can affect the flavor and texture of these pancakes.
  3. Cinnamon Honey Butter: I top my sourdough discard pancakes with this to make them out of the word delicious! The honey butter would work well for these pumpkin pancakes too.
  4. Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use the same amount of regular milk and add 1 tbsp of white vinegar. Let the milk and vinegar mixture sit on the counter for a few minutes before adding to the batter. You can also use milk kefir!
  5. Variations: Chocolate chips would pair well with the pumpkin and make a delicious addition! Top with toasted pecans, maple syrup, whipped cream, cooked fruit… YUM.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below!

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Begin by melting the butter. Set aside to let it cool briefly while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and baking soda.
  3. In another small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, sourdough discard, and egg until frothy.
  4. Add in the cooled melted butter to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined, then add the dry ingredients, mixing well.
  5. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before preheating a cast iron skillet or griddle to medium heat.
  6. Once the batter has had a chance to rest and the pan is nice and hot, add a small amount of butter or coconut oil to the pan.
  7. Using a small measuring cup or cookie scoop, begin pouring the batter into the pan.
  8. Cook pancakes for a few minutes on one side, then flip. You will know when they are ready to flip by watching the bubbles. Once all the bubbles have popped and no new bubbles are forming, you know they are ready to flip.
  9. Once the pancakes have fully cooked and are a nice golden brown, transfer them to a plate and cover with a light towel to keep them warm until ready to serve.
  10. Serve warm with a large dollop of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
a close up view of a stack of sourdough pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup

Recipe FAQs

How do I store and reheat leftover pancakes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by popping them in the toaster or baking them in the oven at a low heat for the best texture, and then add your favorite toppings.

Can I add mix ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dark chocolate chips are all great additions! Fold them into the batter just before cooking.

Why are my sourdough pancakes gummy or undercooked in the middle?

This often happens if the heat is too high or the batter is too thick. Cook over medium heat and don’t rush flipping to ensure the centers are fully cooked.

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A close up view of a stack of sourdough pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup. Text overlay reads "Sourdough Pumpkin Pancakes: easy fall breakfast recipe".
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a close up view of a stack of sourdough pumpkin pancakes topped with whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup

Sourdough Pumpkin Pancakes


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Rachael
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Description

Ready to kickstart fall baking with the ultimate fall breakfast? These soft and fluffy sourdough pumpkin pancakes are perfect! Made with pumpkin puree and sourdough starter, these pancakes are light, tender, and full of cozy autumn spices. Serve with maple syrup, a pat of butter, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a breakfast the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Begin by melting the butter. Set aside to let it cool briefly while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and baking soda.
  3. In another small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, sourdough discard, and egg until frothy.
  4. Add in the cooled melted butter to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined, then add in the dry ingredients, mixing well.
  5. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before preheating a cast iron skillet or griddle to medium heat.
  6. Once the batter has had a chance to rest and the pan is nice and hot, add a small amount of butter or coconut oil to the pan.
  7. Using a small measuring cup or cookie scoop, begin pouring the batter into the hot pan.
  8. Cook pancakes for a few minutes on one side, then flip. You will know when they are ready to flip by watching the bubbles. Once all the bubbles have popped and no new bubbles are forming, you know they are ready to flip.
  9. Once the pancakes have fully cooked and are a nice golden brown, transfer them to a plate and cover with a light towel to keep them warm until ready to serve.
  10. Serve warm with a large dollop of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Let the Batter Rest: The extra step of letting the batter sit for 10-15 minutes really does help make a lighter, fluffier pancake!
  • Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pumpkin puree in this recipe and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains other ingredients and additives that can affect the flavor and texture of these pancakes.
  • Cinnamon Honey Butter: I top my sourdough discard pancakes with this to make them out of the word delicious! The honey butter would work well for these pumpkin pancakes too.
  • Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use the same amount of regular milk and add 1 tbsp of white vinegar. Let the milk and vinegar mixture sit on the counter for a few minutes before adding to the batter. You can also use milk kefir!
  • Variations: Chocolate chips would pair well with the pumpkin and make a delicious addition! Top with toasted pecans, maple syrup, whipped cream, cooked fruit… YUM.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by popping them in the toaster or baking them in the oven at a low heat for the best texture, and then add your favorite toppings.
  • Freezing Instructions: These pancakes will freeze well for up to 3 months. Store cooked, cooled pancakes in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Reheat frozen pancakes in the microwave or in a 350°F oven. Place pancakes on a lined baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until defrosted and warm.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Recipes
  • Cuisine: American

If you enjoyed this recipe for sourdough pumpkin pancakes, make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star review! Tag me on Instagram with your creations @ourhandcraftedhomeblog.

rachael

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7 Comments

  1. Trying to make this, but the recipe directions reference milk as an ingredient, and the amount is never listed. Can you confirm the amount of milk needed for the recipe?

    1. Hi,
      I just updated the recipe to include the milk. You’ll need 1 1/2 cups 🙂
      Thank you for letting me know!

  2. Hi, the recipe says regular milk but then you give directions on what to do if you are out of buttermilk. What should be used in this recipe?

    1. Hey there,
      So sorry for the confusion! Use buttermilk if you have it on hand. If not, regular milk works just fine as an easy swap.

      Hope you enjoy!

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