Autumn Pumpkin Banana Pancakes with Pumpkin Spice Drizzle

Welcome to a culinary journey where the comforting embrace of autumn meets the vibrant sweetness of the tropics. Prepare to transform your mornings with our incredibly moist and fluffy Pumpkin Banana Pancakes with Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup. This isn’t just a breakfast; it’s an experience – a symphony of fall flavors perfectly balanced with a hint of tropical delight, all crowned with an irresistible, rich pumpkin spice syrup. Ideal for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, these pancakes promise to be a highlight of your seasonal cooking.

Discovering Pancake Perfection: The Ultimate Fall Breakfast

These Pumpkin Banana Pancakes truly redefine what a perfect pancake can be. Imagine a stack of golden-brown discs, each bite offering an exquisite blend of textures and tastes. The natural moisture from the pumpkin puree and ripe bananas ensures every pancake is wonderfully tender and never dry. A delicate pinch of cinnamon, combined with a medley of other warm spices, creates an inviting aroma and a flavor profile that sings of autumn. The subtle sweetness from a touch of brown sugar elevates the natural fruit notes without being overpowering. Furthermore, the inclusion of wholesome whole wheat flour not only lends a delightful hearty texture but also provides a beneficial boost in nutritional value, making these a breakfast you can feel good about. And let’s not forget the star accompaniment: a simple yet profoundly flavorful Pumpkin Spice Syrup that brings an extra layer of decadence. Once you experience these pancakes with this rich, aromatic syrup, you’ll agree they are inseparable.

A Celebration Worth Flipping For

Sometimes, the best recipes arrive when you least expect them. In this case, these Pumpkin Banana Pancakes were serendipitously bumped to the front of the recipe queue, perfectly coinciding with a special occasion – National Pancake Day! While many national food holidays come and go, some moments call for celebration, and this particular pancake recipe absolutely deserved its moment in the spotlight. It’s the kind of dish that inspires joy and brings smiles to the breakfast table, transforming an ordinary morning into an extraordinary feast. Whether it’s a designated holiday or just a craving for something warm and wonderful, these pancakes are your ticket to a memorable meal.

The Genesis of a Delicious Discovery

The creation of these delightful Pumpkin Banana Pancakes was, in fact, a happy accident born out of necessity and a well-stocked pantry. One crisp Saturday morning, with a house full of hungry boys, I found myself surveying the kitchen for breakfast inspiration. Fortuitously, there were a few perfectly ripe bananas sitting on the counter, alongside several cans of pumpkin puree earmarked for upcoming recipe testing. The combination sparked an idea, and thus, pumpkin banana pancakes were born. The result was nothing short of a massive hit! The entire batch vanished in a single breakfast sitting, leaving me both amazed and slightly daunted by the growing appetites of four active boys. This experience reinforced the timeless appeal of simple, delicious, and hearty homemade breakfasts. If you find yourself captivated by these flavors, you might also adore my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes or my indulgent Pumpkin Eggnog Waffles. The autumn inspiration knows no bounds!

But what truly elevates these already perfect pancakes to an extraordinary level is the accompanying Pumpkin Spice Syrup. Words almost fail to capture its amazing essence. It’s a luscious, warm, and aromatic concoction that complements the pancakes flawlessly. I confess, I’ve been known to sneak a taste directly from the jar, it’s that good! The rich, creamy texture and intense pumpkin spice flavor transform an already wonderful breakfast into an unforgettable culinary delight.

So, why wait for a special occasion? Embrace the joy of homemade goodness by whipping up a batch of these delectable Pumpkin Banana Pancakes and generously drizzling them with our luxurious Pumpkin Spice Syrup. It’s an effortlessly simple way to make any breakfast feel wonderfully special and celebrate the season’s best flavors.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies

Crafting these divine pumpkin banana pancakes and their accompanying syrup requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a few standard kitchen tools. Below, you’ll find a detailed list to ensure you have everything ready for a seamless cooking experience. (For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card below.)

Pancake Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour: This is a key ingredient, offering significant fiber and a robust, heartier texture compared to all-purpose white flour. It also enhances the nutritional profile of your breakfast. For a slightly lighter texture without sacrificing the whole grain benefits, you can substitute white whole wheat flour.
• Light brown sugar: Beyond sweetness, light brown sugar contributes essential moisture and a richer, deeper flavor thanks to its molasses content. This helps the pancakes achieve that desirable soft texture and slight spread. Dark brown sugar can be used for an even more intense, caramelized flavor.
• Baking powder: The primary leavening agent, baking powder is crucial for achieving those wonderfully light and fluffy pancakes. It reacts with moisture and heat to create air bubbles, giving the pancakes their signature rise and tender crumb.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This convenient blend is a powerhouse of warm, inviting flavors, typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. It’s the essence of fall in a jar. For an extra touch of homemade goodness, consider making your own with my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe.
• Milk: Essential for adding moisture and binding all the ingredients together into a smooth batter. While I often use nonfat milk, feel free to use your preferred type of dairy or non-dairy milk.
• Pure vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer, deepening the overall taste profile and bringing out the inherent warmth in the pumpkin and spices, adding a layer of subtle complexity.
• Unsalted butter: Melted unsalted butter adds luxurious richness, contributes to the tenderness of the pancakes, and imparts a wonderful buttery flavor. It plays a vital role in creating that dense, moist texture that makes these pancakes so delightful.
• Large eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the pancake batter together, providing structure, and assisting in the rise of the pancakes as they cook, resulting in a more cohesive and airy final product.
• Canned pure pumpkin: The heart of this recipe, pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) adds incredible moisture, a distinct autumnal flavor, and a wonderfully soft, dense texture to the pancakes. It also provides natural sweetness and gives the pumpkin spice syrup its creamy, comforting consistency.
• Mashed banana: Ripe mashed bananas are perfect for adding natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes. The riper the bananas (with brown spots), the sweeter and more flavorful your pancakes will be, creating a delightful counterpoint to the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup: This provides a sweet, rich base for the pumpkin spice syrup, creating a classic flavor pairing with the pumpkin.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Essential Kitchen Supplies:

• Large mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
• Whisk: Indispensable for thoroughly blending ingredients and aerating the dry mix.
• Griddle pan, stovetop griddle or electric griddle: A good quality griddle is essential for cooking multiple pancakes evenly.
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter: For greasing the griddle to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful golden-brown pancakes.
• Small saucepan: For preparing the delectable pumpkin spice syrup.
• Ladle or 1/4-cup measuring cup: For scooping uniform amounts of batter onto the griddle.

Step-by-Step Perfection: How to Make Pumpkin Banana Pancakes

Creating these delightful pancakes is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect stack every time.

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole wheat flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking ensures all the dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which is key for fluffy pancakes.
• Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, pure vanilla extract, melted unsalted butter, and the large egg until well blended. Next, whisk in the canned pure pumpkin and the mashed banana until fully incorporated.

• Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and contribute to tender pancakes. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough pancakes.
• Preheat Griddle: Heat a large skillet, stovetop griddle, or electric griddle over medium heat. Once hot, lightly butter or spray the cooking surface with nonstick cooking spray. A good test for readiness is to sprinkle a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
• Cook Pancakes: Using a small ladle or a 1/4-cup measuring cup, scoop portions of batter onto the hot griddle, leaving some space between each pancake. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when bubbles begin to appear on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook until the other side is golden brown and cooked through.

• Keep Warm: As you cook subsequent batches, transfer the finished pancakes to a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven set to 200°F (93°C). This will keep them warm and ready to serve all at once, ensuring everyone enjoys hot, fresh pancakes.

Crafting the Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This velvety smooth Pumpkin Spice Syrup is incredibly simple to make and adds a luxurious touch to your pancakes. It’s truly the crowning glory of this breakfast feast.

• Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the canned pure pumpkin, pure maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.

• Heat and Whisk: Place the saucepan over low heat and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth, warm, and thoroughly combined. Be careful not to boil the syrup; you just want it gently heated through to bring out the flavors and achieve a pourable consistency.

• Serve: To serve, stack the warm pancakes high, top with fresh slices of banana, and generously drizzle with the warm Pumpkin Spice Syrup. Enjoy immediately!

Storage and Reheating for Future Enjoyment

These Pumpkin Banana Pancakes are so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! However, if you do, they store beautifully and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prepping a quick breakfast throughout the week.

• Storing Leftover Pancakes: To store any leftover pancakes, first allow them to cool completely to prevent condensation. Then, stack them with sheets of parchment paper in between each pancake to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Storing Pumpkin Spice Syrup: The homemade pumpkin spice syrup can also be stored. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing Pancakes for Longer Storage: For longer storage, these pancakes freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, stack them with parchment paper separating each pancake. Place the stacks in a freezer-safe container or individually wrap them in freezer-safe baggies. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months, ready for a quick and easy breakfast any time.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, place pancakes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for about 20 seconds for refrigerated pancakes, or 30 seconds if frozen, until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Arrange pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes (10 minutes from frozen) until warmed through.
  • Toaster: My absolute favorite method! Simply pop individual pancakes into your toaster or toaster oven and toast until they are slightly crisp on the outside and wonderfully heated through. This method often yields the best texture, bringing back some of that freshly cooked crispness.

We absolutely adore seeing your culinary creations! If you make my Pumpkin Banana Pancakes, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. I can’t wait to see your beautiful stacks! If you’re on Facebook, consider joining my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community to connect, share your cooking adventures, and discover more delicious recipes. Your creativity and enthusiasm inspire me endlessly. Enjoy every delightful bite!

xoxo,