These healthy pumpkin pie spice pancakes are infused with warm spices and have a warm, nutty flavor thanks to all the oats! They’re made in the blender so they can be whipped together in less than 10 minutes! Plus, they’re a great source of fiber and protein. The perfect way to kick off pumpkin season or any day of the week! {Gluten-free & dairy-free}
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Healthy Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Pancakes
If you’re trying to consume more protein at breakfast but still love a bit of sweetness to kickstart the day, then you’ll love these fluffy pumpkin spice pancakes!
Plus, they’re made with eggs and egg whites for a whopping 8 grams of protein per pancake. Want even more protein? Add the extra protein powder to really hit those macros. Plus, they’re filled with fiber-rich oats and pumpkin for a healthy breakfast that will fill you up and fuel your day.
Using pumpkin pie spice mix is an easy way to add layers of flavor quickly. I highly recommend mapping the maple apple topping. The pumpkin pancakes and warm apples make the perfect fall breakfast!
For more protein pancake recipes, try out these Banana Protein Pancakes, Chocolate Banana Protein Pancakes, Protein Pancakes without Bananas or this Protein Pancake Mix Recipe!
Why We Love This Pumpkin Spice Pancake Recipe
- Protein-packed: These homemade pumpkin pancakes are not just delicious; they’re also packed with protein from the eggs, egg whites, and optional protein powder. The perfect way to stay full and satisfied and prevent those cravings from kicking in!
- Flourless: Oatmeal is used instead of refined flour for the ultimate healthy and fiber-packed flourless pancakes! This means they’re also naturally gluten-free and very filling.
- Super easy: To make the pancake batter, all that you have to do is throw all of the ingredients in a blender and press start. It’s that simple. Then cook them on a griddle or in a frying pan for a few minutes on each side for a quick and easy breakfast!
- Family-friendly: The smell of these pancakes alone will make everyone in the family run down to the kitchen for breakfast. And the taste will keep them coming back for more!
Ingredient Notes
Pancake Ingredients
- Oats: The oats form the base of these easy pumpkin pancakes and add a healthy dose of fiber. They take the place of the all purpose flour that you’d typically use in a pancake batter, so these pancakes are completely free of refined flour. You can use either rolled or quick oats for this recipe.
- Eggs: I like to use a couple of whole eggs to reap the benefits of the nutrients in the yolk, like the choline, vitamin D & E.
- Egg whites: The egg whites are a good source of protein without the addition of too much saturated fat if we were to use all whole eggs.
- Canned pumpkin purée: The pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness to the pancakes and is what contributes vitamins A & C. Additionally, it adds some moisture and volume, so the end result is fluffy pancakes that are not dry. Use real pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which is significantly higher in sugar).
- Baking powder – This will help make these pumpkin apple pancakes nice and fluffy!
- Vanilla extract
- Protein powder (optional): I like to use vanilla protein powder to add some extra sweetness and flavor to the pancakes. You can also use unflavored or leave the protein powder out altogether if desired.
- Spices: To really get that fall flavor in these pumpkin spice pancakes, don’t forget to add cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a bit of salt
Maple Apple Topping Ingredients
- Diced apple: Sneak a little extra fiber and sweetness into this healthy breakfast by making a quick maple apple topping. I like to use sweeter apples like Gala, Honeycrisp or Ambrosia.
- Cinnamon: This will bring out the warm, fall flavors in the pumpkin pancakes too.
- Maple syrup: Since the apples are so sweet, the maple syrup is optional. If you’re trying to watch your sugar intake, you can sub in a sugar free syrup instead.
- Pecans (optional): For a little crunch.
How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes from Scratch – Step-by-Step
- In a blender, mix together all of the ingredients listed above until combined and smooth (see full protein pancakes recipe below).
- Preheat griddle or frying pan to medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Using a tablespoon, scoop pancake mixture on the pan so it forms a medium-sized circle (use about 2 heaping tablespoons of pancakes mixture for each pancake).
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side or until edges start to harden and bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
It literally takes 10 minutes to whip up these easy pumpkin pancakes!
How to Make Apple Topping
This topping is completely optional, but I highly recommend that you try it out as it complements the pumpkin flavors so nicely. I found with the apple topping, you don’t even need the extra maple syrup. It adds a nice touch of sweetness without being over the top.
To make the apple topping, place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples, cinnamon, maple syrup and water. Cook until apples have softened and mixture has caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Serve on top of pancakes with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pancakes
- If you include your favorite protein powder, make sure that you use one that you enjoy the taste of as you can taste hints of it in the pancakes. Also, try to look for one that’s low in sugar and has minimal processed ingredients. I generally like to use the Good Protein powder in vanilla or salted caramel flavor. Cinnamon protein powder would be an excellent choice too and would go great with the pumpkin flavor.
- If you are having trouble blending the mixture for these pumpkin oatmeal pancakes, add some almond milk (or regular milk) one tablespoon at a time until mixture is smooth.
- You can use egg whites from a whole egg or purchase a carton of egg whites. We always like to have a carton of egg whites in the fridge to incorporate into things like omelettes or pancakes.
- If you are out of oats and only have oat flour, you can mix the batter together in a bowl instead of blending it all together.
- If you’re making a lot of pancakes at once, either use a large nonstick skillet or an electric griddle.
Recipe FAQs
You can use large flake oats (often called rolled or traditional oats) or quick oats for the purpose of this recipe.
The only type of oats that I don’t recommend are steel cut since when raw, they are too hard and won’t blend well to form a smooth pancake batter.
Pumpkin spice is a premixed blend of warm spices typically used in pumpkin pie and other pumpkin recipes. It makes it easy to add flavor without having to measure out a bunch of individual spices. Want to make your own? Combine 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground allspice in a container and stir well. Use as desired.
Yes! The pancake recipe is totally unsweetened as-is, which allows you to sweeten to taste with your favorite toppings. If you prefer sweeter pancakes (and aren’t adding sweetened protein powder to the batter), feel free to add a drizzle of maple syrup or a little bit of coconut sugar.
Storage & Reheating Guidelines
To refrigerate: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge or covered with saran wrap for up to four days. They’re perfect for meal prep for those busy mornings!
To freeze: Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked pancakes in a freezer-friendly container or Ziploc bag for up to a month.
To reheat: You can reheat homemade pancakes by either popping them in the microwave for a couple of minutes or placing them in the toaster or toaster oven until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned above, I highly recommend the maple apple topping with these pumpkin oat pancakes, but you can certainly skip it and sub in your favorite toppings instead, if desired.
Here are some other tasty ideas:
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts
- A drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter
- Chocolate chips
- Maple syrup
- Unsweetened applesauce (try this homemade unsweetened applesauce recipe)!
- Whipped cream cheese (lightly sweetened with maple syrup)
Recipe Variations
- Pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes: Add 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet protein-packed pumpkin pancake recipe.
- Add walnuts: Some toasted walnuts would add a nice layer or crunch and texture. Pecans would work great, too!
- Use roasted sweet potato: Substitute sweet potato puree for pumpkin puree. It’s a nice way to change things up!
- Roast your own pumpkins: Fresh pumpkin puree is even more flavorful than the canned stuff! Just slice the pumpkins in half, remove the seeds, then place cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400 for 30-45 minutes or until tender. Remove the skin and blend the pumpkin flesh until smooth.
More Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
- Pumpkin Flax Granola Recipe
- Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats
- Easy Pumpkin Pie without Evaporated Milk
- No Bake Pumpkin Balls
- Pumpkin French Toast Sticks
- Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Easy Pumpkin Pie Spice Pancakes {with Protein}
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Pancakes:
- 1 cup uncooked oats
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup liquid egg whites
- 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (can use canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (optional)
Optional Maple Apple Topping:
- 1 small apple, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water, or more if you prefer
- Sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- In a blender, mix together all of the ingredients for the pancakes until combined and smooth.
- Preheat griddle or non-stick frying pan to medium high. Spray with cooking spray. Using a tablespoon, scoop pancake mixture on the pan so it forms a medium circle (use about 2 heaping tablespoons for each pancake).
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side or until edges start to harden and bubbles start to form on surface. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Meanwhile, to make the apple topping, place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples, cinnamon, maple syrup and water. Cook until apples have softened and mixture has caramelized, about 5 minutes. Serve warm on top of pancakes with a sprinkle of pecans or walnuts, if desired.
Notes
- If you include the protein powder, make sure that you use one that you enjoy the taste of as you can taste hints of it in the pancakes. Also, try to look for one that’s low in sugar and has minimal processed ingredients.
- My favorite protein powder to use is this vegan Good Protein powder. It’s so delicious and comes in lots of different flavors. My favorite flavors to use in these pancakes are Vanilla Milkshake and Salted Caramel! Use the discount code ELYSIAC30 for 30% off your first order!
- If you are having trouble blending the pancake mixture, add some almond milk or water one tablespoon at a time until mixture is smooth.
- You can use egg whites from a whole egg or purchase a carton of egg whites. We always like to have a carton of egg whites in the fridge to incorporate into things like omelettes or pancakes.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in October 2015 and was updated in October 2024 to include more helpful tips.
These look delicious, perfect for Sunday pancakes, pinning to my pumpkin everything board!
Sounds like a great plan Sara! I hope you enjoy your Sunday pancakes :)
these pancakes look so good, especially with the maple-apple topping! yum!
Thanks Rachel!
These were a hit in my home!! Will be great to throw in the breakfast rotation on the weekends or an easy cozy dinner too! Left out the protein powder as I didn’t have any, still so healthy even though they tasted like a treat!
That’s awesome that they were a winner! Great to know that they worked out well without the protein powder too :) I appreciate you taking the time to leave a rating and review!
you really sealed the deal on these with that awesome topping! what a treat!
Thanks so much Grace!
These look amazing!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Thank you Erin!!