Pancake accessories.
How did I not think of this?? Caffeine in syrup is a natural morning pairing!
Or this? I need this syrup-saving plate.
(Christmas will be here before you know it, people!)
Despite my apparent fascination with pancake accouterments, today’s pumpkin pancakes needed none of that to be good. These were near perfect (I say near because I believe in all things there is always room to improve). And I thought I was just quickly throwing something together… don’t you love a happy accident?
Disclaimer: dark orange food is just as hard to photog as brown food. Especially when it’s topped with dark red sauce. Doh.

First let’s talk about my favorite food feature – texture. Pumpkin puree made these ‘cakes decadently creamy. Creamy in a good way, not in the “are these cooked all the way?” way.
Scent is right up there with texture. My kitchen filled with the smell of fall as these were cooking thanks to the warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger flavors. A little vanilla for richness and I was ready to build a campfire… but I refrained, as that’s prohibited by my condo’s HOA.

These fall-spiced pumpkin pancakes were already so full of flavor that I didn’t want to drench them in syrup. My solution was to make a fruit syrup out of black cherries and sugar-free syrup. I melted the cherries in the microwave and stirred in just a bit of the syrup for a topping that added a sweet-fruitiness without overwhelming.
Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to go make these for breakfast. Again.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Fall-Spiced Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 C pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp chia seed
- 3 T egg whites (make it vegan with a flax egg)
- 2 T unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsg freshly grated ginger
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- Syrup (I microwaved 1/4 C frozen cherries and 1T of sugar-free syrup to make mine)
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Optional, but it will be better: let the batter rest at least 15 mins.
Cook in greased pan over med-high heat
Consume with reckless abandon.
Approximate nutritionals (without toppings): 148 calories, 2.9g fat, 151.8mg sodium, 11.6g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 2g sugar, 23.2g protein
***
I think I could eat pancakes for every meal.
What is your favorite pancake flavor?
What was your last happy-accident?







63 comments
3 pings
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Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
September 18, 2012 at 7:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I made a nearly identical version but added 2 Tbsp of raw oats to the mixture – it makes them chewier and puffier.
So much protein makes them really filling. Great minds think alike!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 10:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was laughing as I commented on your post because I had just finished making these. LOL!
Alexandra
September 18, 2012 at 7:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Goodness gracious I HAVE to make these tonight– I’ve been craving breakfast for dinner all week and now I totally have an excuse
YUM
janet @ the taste space
September 18, 2012 at 7:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am still fighting off fall… and basking in tomatoes and zucchini. Squash and pumpkin will just have to wait until I get rid of my denial. But I will be sure to try these out when I buy my first pumpkin puree of the season.
Looks great!
Danielle
September 18, 2012 at 7:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So happy about all the pumpkin recipes popping up! These pancakes look amazing!! I can’t wait to give them a try!
Khushboo
September 18, 2012 at 8:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was telling Allie yesterday that I’m not a big fan of canned pumpkin like the rest of the blog world. However, when it comes to pancakes/baked goods, I am definitely sold! These look so delicious- perfect fall breakfast! My favorite flavor pancakes is either blueberry or banana nut…mm! Sooo… random side note but one you’d probably get as much a kick out of that I did: word on the street is that waffle-flavored & popcorn-flavored vodka is on the market!!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 10:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I saw that vodka someone’s blog a couple of weeks ago! I kind of want to smell it…
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List
September 18, 2012 at 8:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
eating a protein pancake this very second. next time, i’ll have to add pumpkin!
Lee
September 18, 2012 at 8:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum, this looks delicious.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
September 18, 2012 at 8:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Protein pancakes are one of my all time favorites and pumpkin makes ten that much better! Fluffy, creamy, spicy…really is there anything better?! These sound perfect for this fall season!
Alex @ therunwithin
September 18, 2012 at 8:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh my goodness so yum
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
September 18, 2012 at 8:55 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I could eat pancakes for every meal, too. My favorite recipe involves corn meal- man, it just makes them so dang good!! But really, I pretty much like any type of pancake. Greg is straight-up blueberry. Every time.
I thought that was a bottle of whiskey at first. I was like “Now you’re talkin!”
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 10:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I still need to try corn meal in them! I just never keep in on hand.
Mmmm… whiskey syrup…
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
September 18, 2012 at 9:04 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUM! I’ve been meaning to make some pumpkin pancakes soon! and I need that plate!!!
Calee (@chimes)
September 18, 2012 at 9:57 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUM.
Also, the label on that syrup reads “All Gluten. Natural Free.” Somebody should have caught that … I know how it’s SUPPOSED to read, but not a good way of doing it.
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 10:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I didn’t even notice that, but you are so right! They need to hire you to redesign.
Allie
September 18, 2012 at 10:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ooo, I will totally make these! But probably with butternut squash. Because it’s in my fridge, and free
I had a double pancake-accident weekend–Saturday’s were random things thrown together and GREAT, and Sunday’s were random things thrown together and awful. Although “awful” is relative when it comes to pancakes. I ate them anyway.
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 10:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha – awful is relative with so many things. Pancakes, pizza… dessert…
Tiff (@LoveSweatBeers)
September 18, 2012 at 10:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have only recently embraced homemade fruit sauces, and I had been missing out! I usually stick to berries, but I’m sure cherries are wonderful too.
Courtney
September 18, 2012 at 10:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I seriously cannot get enough of your recipes. They are the perfect amount of calories AND lots of protein! Thank you for sharing all your creations- I can’t wait to try these!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 10:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you so much! One thing to remember is that my meals are lower in calories than a typical meal because I’m eating 7 a day.
tera norberg
September 18, 2012 at 11:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMGosh!!! Yummmmm I love pumpkin anything. I’m thinking I need to jump on the protein pancake bandwagon and start with these. Thanks for sharing—– I’ll be pinning and sharing!!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Please let me know what you think if you try it.
Heather @ Better With Veggies
September 18, 2012 at 11:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Pumpkin is back in the air – very excited! I don’t have a favorite pancake flavor, anything that I’m craving for the day.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
September 18, 2012 at 12:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These look so good! Pumpkin is definitely one of my favourite pancake flavours… but I also love banana ones too! Sometimes I’ll combine the two, which is always spectacular.
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:01 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhhh… great idea!
Kristina
September 18, 2012 at 12:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh my GAAH I think I need that syrup!!
you know I am still loving pancakes, I have made two kinds of pumpkin lately… Mmm… these sound awesome, especially with the cherry topping!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Everything needs a cherry on top
Alysha @Shesontherun
September 18, 2012 at 12:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can’t believe there isn’t any flour in these. They look too good to be true!
Kristen @ Be Fit with Kristen
September 18, 2012 at 12:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It depends on the season. In the summer I love blueberry pancakes. In the fall I love pumpkin. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I’ll give it a try.
Heather @ girlyeverafter
September 18, 2012 at 12:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love sweet potato pancakes w/ chocolate chips in the fall, but occasionally add pumpkin too. They’re so filling and make me feel all warm and cozy;) That sauce looks GREAT! Love me some cherries.
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m totally adding chocolate chips to mine this weekend. How did I not think of that?!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
September 18, 2012 at 1:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohh these look stunning. I finally opened up a can of pumpkin last night and made something using it for the first time evahh and I loved the scent that filled the apartment. I have a lot of the can left over and I think some pancakes are in my future. Yum
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What was your first creation? Let me know if you try the ‘cakes!
Eva @ Commited2Nutrition
September 18, 2012 at 1:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These look freakin’ awesome! I am obsessed with all protein pancakes – giving this a go soon! THANKS!
[email protected]
September 18, 2012 at 1:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love all things pancakes. Pumpkin and banana are probably my two favorite flavors, though I just made some apple pie pancakes the other day, which were really tasty too! I love your simple syrup idea – so quick and easy! I am definitely going to try that next time I make pancakes
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
September 18, 2012 at 1:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yummy, yummy, yummy, yummmm!!!!!!!! I love that you found those pancake “accessories” They are hilarious! Where do you come up with this stuff? on another note…. I Swear when I get back we’re going on a walk together ok? Is there a certain day that works best for you? I need to send you an email but I feel a little crazy right now hahaha
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think I have actually reached the end of the internet reading about some of this stuff.
ENJOY your trip and we’ll catch up when you return. It may call for a post-walk glass of Spanish wine, too!
Katerina
September 18, 2012 at 2:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never made pumpkin pancakes, but these ones look super tasty. Pumpkin pairs perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg!
RavieNomNoms
September 18, 2012 at 2:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum Yum and more YUM! Love the Fall flavors! I am diggin it!
Tamara
September 18, 2012 at 5:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love this recipe! I’ve recently become smitten with all things pumpkin. I’m pinning your recipe to my Pumpkin board right now!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for the pin! Let me know if you try them out!
julie
September 18, 2012 at 5:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
yum yum now i want pancakes for dinner! hahahaha this is stupid and hilarious but pancakes will forever remind me of my sister because her and her roomie have a pancoc** wednesday and they make pancakes in the shape of male genital parts hahahahahahah #sorryimnotsorry for sharing
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! This comment literally made my day.
Becca
September 18, 2012 at 5:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh baby.
I love anything pumpkin! It’s such an underrated fruit (squash?)
I never thought it would go in pancakes… now that I’m imagining the texture… *sprints to nearest pumpkin patch*
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:30 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It was made for pancakes! Or any baked good, really.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
September 18, 2012 at 6:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So clearly, I need to get a can of pumpkin and make this. Like right now. Looks so tasty!
Tania @ A Perfect Pantry
September 18, 2012 at 6:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Never had pumpkin pancakes, but I think these would be so tasty. yum.
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 11:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have to try them! It’s a fav fall treat.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
September 18, 2012 at 7:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum!! I need these… I love all things pumpkin! Plus they are gluten free!!! Even better!
Allie
September 18, 2012 at 8:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG syrup saving plate?! Best invention EVER. I’m freaking out!!!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
September 18, 2012 at 8:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You know this is a 100% perfect recipe to be busting out right now… tis the beginning of fall
Still haven’t made anything pumpkin yet, besides a dessert (but I want a breakfast) and a pancake recipe is on the agenda! I would say that blueberry are my favorite flavor, but pumpkin is certainly a close second
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 12:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What are you wait for, slacker?! Just kidding. I’m going to burnt out before Halloween. LOL!
Sable@SquatLikeALady
September 18, 2012 at 9:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ooooh these look great!!!! Bookmarking!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 12:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
And you can eat them freely now!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
September 18, 2012 at 9:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That pancake plate is great, and your “syrup” is crazy (in a good way).
Laura @ LauraLivesLife
September 18, 2012 at 9:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I buy pumpkin in bulk during the fall so I have enough year round – I’m a total pumpkin addict. I want to try to make your baked goods with my GF flour, but I’m nervous about how it’ll turn out because I’m such a GF baking novice. These might push me over the edge!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 12:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
From what I’ve seen you should add ACV and/or Guar/Xanthan Gum to help it rise and hold together sans gluten. I don’t have much experience there though. Let me know what you learn! I’ll try to do some experimenting too.
But these are GF (as long as your protein powder is GF)!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
September 19, 2012 at 1:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What is MY favorite pancake flavor? How dare you ask such a thing! I don’t discriminate in the LEAST! But I do have to take a minute to praise your for your pancake flipping abilities! Hmm, might I be rubbing off on you?
And you think it’s hard to get a good pic of these? I swear I’m going to re-shoot all the pics for my pumpkin bread pudding pancakes…I took the pics inside…AT NIGHT! Omg, I just looked at them again and it made me wanna cry! Lol
Last happy accident? Oh how I WISH I could say it was my coconut fig muffins, but you KNOW how that went. Hmm, I guess it was probably my tropical chicken salad…I just threw a whole bunch of stuff in a bowl and out popped something knee smacking delicious!
Laura
September 19, 2012 at 12:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t mean to encourage discrimination!
Pumpkin Bread Pudding PANCAKES?! What?!?!?! I made actual pumpkin bread pudding last fall. It had booze. Can your pancakes have booze too?
I’m making those muffins, btw. I need the rest of my figs to hurry up and soften.
Choc Chip Uru
September 19, 2012 at 2:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That syrup with these protein stuffed pancakes makes them even more incredible!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Meg
September 19, 2012 at 1:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks amazing, sis! I have made similar minus the chia! I will make these for sure
<3 I need to start making recipes again…
Kelly@Chow-Daily
September 20, 2012 at 10:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I NEED to get to the grocery store this weekend to pick up some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice- I’ve been seeing way too many pumpkin flavored recipes online that make my mouth water. And these are no exception. They look fluffy and thick (like all good pancakes should be), and I can only imagine the smell. Well, this post was the straw the broke the camel’s back. Definitely doing some pumpkin baking this weekend, and keeping them all to myself, muahaha.
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