You're Only 3 Ingredients Away From Delicious Pumpkin Pie Pancakes For Breakfast

When the holidays wind down and the fridge is full of odds and ends, that half-used can of pumpkin purée doesn't have to go to waste. There's a warm breakfast waiting to happen — an easy way to bring fall flavor to the table in just a few steps. All you need are three ingredients. A cup of pancake mix, ¼ cup of pumpkin purée, and two eggs to tie it all together.

Stir everything until the batter looks smooth and blended, then cook your pancakes the way you usually do. The eggs add richness, the pumpkin brings that earthy sweetness, and the pancake mix keeps it foolproof. In just a few minutes, you'll have pumpkin pie pancakes that taste like something from your favorite breakfast spot, no reservations required.

Pumpkin pancakes aren't just a modern shortcut — they have deep roots in American cooking. Indigenous peoples were among the first to cook mashed pumpkin into flat cakes, combining it with maize before the word pancake even existed. So while your version might start with boxed mix, it's still carrying on a tradition of making the most of fall's best ingredient. Be sure to use the "just add water" version for the best texture and consistency.

Once you've nailed the basic pumpkin pie pancake recipe, try some pancake add-ins to make them your own. Redditors have turned these into some great creations. One user suggests ricotta, which adds creaminess, and another Redditor mixes in quick oats for a filling bite. If you're craving texture, fold in nuts like sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced batter. Pecans, in particular, take things to the next level.

Pumpkin and pecan pancakes are one of the best pumpkin recipes to get you in the fall mood. Their buttery richness balances the mild sweetness of pumpkin, creating something that feels straight out of a Southern café. Toasting the nuts first makes them even more fragrant, bringing out a caramelized depth that lingers in every bite. Plus, pecans aren't just tasty — they're full of heart-healthy nutrients, as noted by nutrition experts at New Mexico State University. You could also toss in dried fruit, but if you want to keep things seasonally rustic, go nutty and autumnal.

And when it comes to pancake toppings, don't stop at maple syrup. A drizzle of dulce de leche, a scoop of apple butter, or a cloud of whipped cream can give these pancakes a café-style flair without much effort. Whether you top them or not, pumpkin pie pancakes are proof that three ingredients are all it takes to make breakfast feel special.