Healthy Pumpkin Oat Pancakes Recipe

Serving Size: 4 (3-4 small pancakes each) | Prep Time: 15-20 minutes | Cook Time: 15-20 minutes | Calories: Approximately 190/serving*

It’s that time of year again. Time to take stock of the year and celebrate with friends and family. At this point, you probably have your dinner menu pretty much planned. You’ve bought your turkey, or figured out which turkey alternative to serve as your main dish, you’re finalizing preparations for your Thanksgiving side dishes, you’ve planned your deserts and you may even be choosing which wine to serve.

With all this attention to detail to delight your guests on the big day, there’s one more question that needs to be answered… what about breakfast?

A lot of us have out-of-town guests coming or are going to visit loved ones for the Thanksgiving holiday. And while Thursday’s feast always gets the spotlight, we think that breakfast should play an important supporting role in the week’s festivities.

There’s a really good chance that there will be a pumpkin pie on your table on Thanksgiving evening, but why not put pumpkin on the plate for Thanksgiving or Black Friday morning? After all, ‘tis the season for pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin crisp, pumpkin spice lattes...so why not pumpkin pancakes!

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Aside from symbolizing all things fall, pumpkins are highly nutritious. As a winter squash, pumpkins are considered a fruit because of their seeds but they’re more nutritionally similar to a vegetable. Their impressive nutrient profile boasts a whole host of health benefits:

Rich in Vitamin A, known for immune boosting properties
High in Antioxidants, known for fighting free radicals
High in Vitamin C, known to support the immune system
High in Fiber, to support digestive health

Pumpkins nutrient density – vitamin and mineral content – may lower your risk of cancer, protect your eyesight, promote weight loss, lower blood pressure and reduce risk of stroke, protect skin cells from sun damage and boost collagen production – making it a great choice for not only your holiday plate, but your health. Pumpkin is super versatile and can be added to both sweet and savory dishes this holiday season.

Pumpkin oat pancakes combine sweet and savory flavors with healthy yet indulgent ingredients for a hearty breakfast that will put everyone in a celebratory mood.

Healthy Pumpkin Oat Pancakes Recipe

These pancakes are perfect for any family gathering like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. But they aren't just a special occasion breakfast, they’re perfect for lazy Sundays, and fun weeknight dinners. If you’re hosting this season, your guests won’t be disappointed!

Drizzle with maple syrup, top with toasted pecans or walnuts, berry compote or banana for a sweet and savory stack o’ cakes. Double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To a large mixing bowl, add flaxseed and water and let set for a minute or two. Then add coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt and whisk to combine. Add 1 cup of the cashew milk (set aside ½ cup) and vanilla extract and whisk again until well combined.

2. Next add oats, oat flour and spelt flour and stir until just combined, being careful not to over mix. Let batter rest for 10 minutes while you preheat your cooking surface. If the batter seems too thick, add the other ½ cup of cashew milk.

3. Preheat your griddle to medium heat 325 degrees F, or a large skillet on the stove stop. You want the surface to be hot but not screaming hot – oil shouldn’t smoke when it makes contact with the surface.

4. Lightly grease your griddle with coconut oil and pour 1/4 cup measurements of the batter onto the griddle. Flip when bubbles appear in the middle and the edges turn slightly dry, being careful not to burn.

5. Cook for 1-2 minutes more on the other side and then top with a drizzle of maple syrup, or whatever else you please. Enjoy!

*Calories approximated using this nutrition calculator.