When I first moved to the U.S. in my thirties, I often missed the comfort of home, especially the familiar flavors. Cooking became my way to find joy and create quick, comforting meals for my family after long days. I quickly learned that food didn’t need to be complicated to be special. That’s why I absolutely adore these easy Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes, ready in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes
I know life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun or flavor at the breakfast table. These Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes are a perfect example of making mealtime special without the stress.
- Quick & Easy: You can whip up a batch of these delightful pancakes in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous family fun.
- Fun for All Ages: Transforming ordinary pancakes into festive jack-o’-lanterns is a blast for kids and adults alike. It’s an instant mood-booster!
- Warm & Comforting: With the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spice, these pancakes are pure comfort food, perfect for any time you need a little warmth.
- Quality Ingredients: Using trusted ingredients like Land O Lakes® Egg, Land O Lakes® vegetable shortening, and Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil ensures a delicious, high-quality result every time.
Ingredients for Your Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and stress-free cooking experience. I always recommend using the freshest ingredients you can find to really make those flavors shine. Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice \*
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 large Land O Lakes® Egg
- 2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® vegetable shortening melted
- Chocolate chips, if desired
- Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil
- Maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes
Making pancakes from scratch is incredibly rewarding and truly doesn’t take much extra time. Let’s get these festive Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes cooking!
- Combine dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Give it a good whisk and set this bowl aside for a moment.
- Mix wet ingredients. Grab another bowl and add the milk, canned pumpkin, Land O Lakes® Egg, and the melted Land O Lakes® vegetable shortening. Mix these wet ingredients together thoroughly. Now, pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine for pancakes!
- Heat your griddle. Place your griddle on the stove and heat it to 350ºF, or until drops of water sizzle when flicked onto the surface. This ensures even cooking and perfect browning.
- Spoon and shape batter. Spoon out about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread the batter into a 4-inch circle. Then, use your spoon to swirl a little bit of batter at the top to form a pumpkin stem.
- Cook the first side. Let the pancakes cook for 2-4 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set. This is your cue to flip them!
- Flip and finish cooking. Turn each pancake over and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Decorate and serve. Once the pancakes are warm, place chocolate chips onto them to create fun jack-o’-lantern faces, if you wish. Serve your delightful Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes immediately with Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil and plenty of maple syrup.
Creative Jack-O’-Lantern Pancake Decoration Ideas
This is where the real fun begins! While chocolate chips are a classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with your jack-o’-lantern faces.
- Candy Creations: Use mini M&Ms, gummy worms, or even cut-up licorice for colorful and quirky features.
- Fruity Fun: Banana slices make perfect eyes, while blueberries or raspberries can create unique mouths or noses. Thin apple slices can also be used for ears or stems.
- avory Surprises: For a less sweet option, try using crisp beef bits for texture or small pieces of mild cheese cut into shapes.
- Stenciled Shapes: For a super neat look, place small cookie cutters (like triangles or circles) on the warm pancakes and dust powdered sugar or cocoa powder over them for instant shapes.
Tips for Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes
I want you to feel totally confident in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to make sure your Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes turn out perfectly every time.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re cooking a large batch, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (90°C). Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in the oven to keep them warm while you finish the rest.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Pancake thickness can vary slightly, so keep an eye on them. Thicker pancakes might need an extra minute per side to cook through without burning.
- Secure the Stem: When swirling the batter to form the pumpkin stem, ensure it’s well-connected to the main pancake body. This helps prevent it from breaking off when flipping or serving.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter until it’s just combined prevents tough pancakes. A few lumps are totally okay!
Dietary Variations for Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes
I believe everyone should be able to enjoy delicious, comforting meals. Here are some options to adapt your Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes for different dietary needs.
| Diet | Pancake Mix Suggestion | Chocolate Chip Alternative | Additional Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix | Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | Use a binder like xanthan gum for better texture. |
| Vegan | Vegan pancake mix (e.g., from Thrive Market) | Pascha Vegan Chocolate Chips | Ensure all ingredients, including syrup, are vegan-friendly. |
| Keto | Keto pancake mix (e.g., from Birch Benders) | Lily’s Sweets Dark Chocolate Chips | Use sugar-free syrup. |
| Dairy-Free | Dairy-free pancake mix (check labels) | Dairy-free chocolate chips (e.g., from So Delicious) | Double-check all ingredients for hidden dairy. |
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes are so good, you might want to make extra! Here’s how to manage them.
- Make Ahead: You can mix the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. In the morning, simply add the wet ingredients for a super quick breakfast.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat pancakes in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, toast them lightly in a toaster, or warm them on a griddle until heated through.
- Complementary Toppings & Sides: Beyond syrup, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a side of crispy beef strips or sausage for a complete meal. Fresh fruit also pairs wonderfully, as do savory roasted pumpkin seeds for a contrasting texture.
Troubleshooting Common Jack-O’-Lantern Pancake Problems
We all have those kitchen moments when things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common pancake problems and how to fix them.
- Batter Too Thin/Thick: If your batter is too thin, add a tablespoon or two of flour until it reaches a thicker consistency. If it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it’s pourable but not watery.
- Chocolate Chips Melting Too Much: To prevent the chocolate chips from melting entirely, place them onto the pancakes immediately after you remove them from the griddle. The residual heat will soften them just enough without dissolving them.
- Pancakes Sticking to the Griddle: Ensure your griddle is properly preheated and lightly greased. A thin layer of Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil or vegetable shortening applied with a paper towel works wonders. Overcrowding the griddle can also reduce its temperature and cause sticking.
Nutritional Information for Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes
Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate. Actual values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used, preparation methods, and exact portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 pancake (estimated)
- Calories: 150-200 (approximate)
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-6g
This information is provided as a general guide.
Amazing Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes: Quick & Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Give it a good whisk and set this bowl aside for a moment.
- Mix wet ingredients. Grab another bowl and add the milk, canned pumpkin, Land O Lakes® Egg, and the melted Land O Lakes® vegetable shortening. Mix these wet ingredients together thoroughly. Now, pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine for pancakes!
- Heat your griddle. Place your griddle on the stove and heat it to 350ºF, or until drops of water sizzle when flicked onto the surface. This ensures even cooking and perfect browning.
- Spoon and shape batter. Spoon out about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread the batter into a 4-inch circle. Then, use your spoon to swirl a little bit of batter at the top to form a pumpkin stem.
- Cook the first side. Let the pancakes cook for 2-4 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set. This is your cue to flip them!
- Flip and finish cooking. Turn each pancake over and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Decorate and serve. Once the pancakes are warm, place chocolate chips onto them to create fun jack-o’-lantern faces, if you wish. Serve your delightful Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes immediately with Land O Lakes® Butter with Canola Oil and plenty of maple syrup.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier pancake, though the texture might be slightly denser. All-purpose flour yields the classic fluffy result for this recipe.
Can I make these pancakes without pumpkin pie spice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can omit it or substitute it with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch each of nutmeg and ginger for a similar warm flavor.
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Once cooled completely, place the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month and reheated from frozen.
How can I involve my kids in making these pancakes?
Kids love to help! They can assist with mixing the dry ingredients, measuring out liquids, and of course, the best part, decorating the jack-o’-lantern faces with chocolate chips or other fun toppings.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired and ready to bring some joyful, comforting magic into your kitchen with these Jack-O’-Lantern Pancakes. They are truly an easy way to make any meal feel special, reminding us that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s for a busy morning or a fun weekend brunch, I know you’ll love them.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! If you whip up a batch, please leave a comment below to tell me how it went, or ask any questions you might have. Happy cooking, my friend!
