It all started with a giggle. My youngest, Leo, wanted spooky pancakes for Halloween breakfast, and I was determined to deliver. Armed with apple slices and a whole lot of pumpkin spice, I set out to make his dream a reality. The result? These adorable Jack-o’-Lantern Halloween Pancakes!
These pancakes are not only cute, but they are also packed with flavor. The pumpkin puree adds a lovely moistness and the spices create a warm, inviting aroma. They’re a fun and festive treat for the whole family, and they’re surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love It
These Halloween pancakes are more than just a breakfast; they’re an experience! From the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice to the adorable jack-o’-lantern faces, every bite is a celebration of the spooky season. They’re a fun way to get creative in the kitchen, and they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of both kids and adults. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for busy weeknights or festive weekend brunches.
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Halloween Pancakes
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8-10 pancakes
Description
These festive Halloween Pancakes are not only adorable but also packed with pumpkin spice flavor. Easy to make, they’re a fun and delicious way to celebrate the spooky season with the whole family. Create jack-o’-lantern faces using apple slices for a breakfast treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Salt
- Nutmeg
- Pumpkin puree
- Half & half
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Molasses
- Vanilla extract
- Two large apples
Instructions
- Prep the Apples and Dry Ingredients: Peel your apples and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, half & half, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
- Decorate and Flip: While the pancakes are cooking on the first side, cut the apples into small triangles for eyes and noses, and squares or triangles for teeth. Gently press the apple pieces into the batter to create the jack-o’-lantern faces. When bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set, carefully flip the pancakes.
- Cook and Serve: Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For perfectly shaped jack-o’-lanterns, cut the apple pieces right before placing them on the pancakes to prevent browning. If your batter spreads too thin, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For an extra touch of fall flavor, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. Let kids help decorate the pancakes for a fun and interactive cooking experience.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
For these spooky and delicious pancakes, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and nutmeg. These create the base of the pancake batter and give it that warm, autumnal flavor.
- Wet Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, half & half, vegetable oil, eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract. These add moisture, richness, and a touch of sweetness.
- Decoration: Two large apples. These are key for creating the adorable jack-o’-lantern faces on your pancakes. Choose firm, crisp apples for the best results.
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Prep the Apples and Dry Ingredients
Peel your apples and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, half & half, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
Step 5: Decorate and Flip
While the pancakes are cooking on the first side, cut the apples into small triangles for eyes and noses, and squares or triangles for teeth. Gently press the apple pieces into the batter to create the jack-o’-lantern faces. When bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set, carefully flip the pancakes.
Step 6: Cook and Serve
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Cook’s Notes
- Apple Prep: For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These will hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pancake batter. Check out our guide on apple varieties for more options.
- Batter Consistency: The pancake batter should be thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more half & half, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Cooking Temperature: Cook the pancakes over medium heat to ensure they cook through evenly without burning. Adjust the heat as needed depending on your stovetop.
- Flipping Technique: Flip the pancakes carefully using a thin spatula when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
Try These Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Ghostly Pancakes: Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth to create cute little ghost pancakes.
- Spiderweb Pancakes: After flipping the pancakes, drizzle melted chocolate in a spiral pattern to make a spiderweb design. Find even more spooky treats in our Halloween desserts category.
- Monster Pancakes: Get creative with different fruits and toppings to make silly monster faces. Use banana slices for eyes, blueberries for pupils, and a strawberry slice for a tongue.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra decadent treat.
How do I store leftover Halloween pancakes?
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
What toppings can I use on Halloween pancakes?
Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Whipped cream, chocolate chips, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are all great choices. You can even add some candy corn or other Halloween candies for an extra festive touch.
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with an equal amount of applesauce, sweet potato puree, or even mashed banana for a slightly different flavor profile.
Are these pancakes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These pancakes are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re easy to make and fun to decorate, making them a perfect activity for a Halloween party or a spooky weekend brunch.
Make It a Meal
These Halloween Pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them to a full-fledged feast with a few tasty additions:
- Classic Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream are always a good choice.
- Fruity Fun: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans add a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Savory Side: For a savory twist, serve the pancakes with a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. Try out this recipe for crispy bacon – it’s a family favorite!
- Beverage Pairing: A glass of cold milk, a warm mug of hot chocolate, or a steaming cup of coffee are all perfect companions for these festive pancakes.
That’s a Wrap
These Halloween Pancakes are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face this spooky season. They’re a delicious and festive way to start your Halloween morning, or to enjoy as a special treat any time of year. So gather your little monsters, whip up a batch, and watch their eyes light up as they bite into these adorable jack-o’-lantern creations! If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also want to check out some of the breakfast ideas here on the blog.
Be sure to share your Halloween pancake adventures! Find me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more recipe inspiration and fun food ideas.
