Buckwheat Pumpkin Pancakes {EASY in the Blender!}

Growing up, pancakes were A Big Deal on weekends. Saturdays and Sundays were for my dad’s flapjacks, or else my sisters and I probably would have staged a coup. I’ve carried the tradition into adulthood, though these days I prefer whole grain options like these Buckwheat Pumpkin Pancakes.

A stack of healthy pumpkin buckwheat pancakes with butter and syrup and pecans

These pancakes combine buckwheat flour, pumpkin, maple syrup, and a cozy lineup of fall spices.

The result is light and fluffy pancakes that, in the words of my neighbor, “taste like pumpkin pie.” (So do these Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes!)

The prep here is also outrageously easy even if you haven’t finished your coffee yet, because the batter is made entirely in a blender.

A blender is one of my favorite techniques for tender pancakes, especially those that use whole grains (the Every Day Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes in my cookbook and these Oatmeal Pancakes use the same trick).
Not only does the blender do the work, you don’t need to dirty any other bowls so clean up is a snap.

stack of pumpkin buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup on a plate

What is Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat flour is made of ground buckwheat, which is actually not a grain.

Despite having the word “wheat” in it, buckwheat flour is gluten free and grain free. (For the curious, buckwheat is considered a pseudocereal.)

Buckwheat flour is loaded with fiber, a good source of protein and calcium, and has an old-fashioned, nutty flavor.

You’ll find buckwheat pancakes on many classic diner menus.

As I discovered, buckwheat works especially well with fall flavors like pumpkin and cinnamon.

Buckwheat flour is also what gives these healthy pumpkin pancakes their darker color.

A stack of thick, fluffy buckwheat pumpkin pancakes with a bite taken out

5 Star Review

“These were the best pumpkin pancakes, ever! The aroma, fluffy texture, flavor were outstanding. Will definitely keep this recipe!”
— Mary Jo —

How to Make Buckwheat Pumpkin Pancakes

If this is your first buckwheat rodeo, welcome! You are going to be pleased.

The buckwheat flavor in these pancakes is mild. They are ridiculously fluffy and some of the most tender pancakes I’ve ever tasted.

The Ingredients

Buckwheat Flour. Inexpensive and packed with nutrients, buckwheat flour is readily available at most major grocery stores and online. Buckwheat is packed with fiber and minerals, making these buckwheat pancakes good for you compared to pancakes made with refined grains.

Dietary Note

Because they are made with buckwheat flour exclusively, these are gluten-free pumpkin pancakes.

THAT SAID, although buckwheat is naturally gluten free, like oats it is often subject to cross-contamination.

If you are making these pancakes for someone with a serious gluten allergy, be sure your buckwheat flour is labeled “certified gluten free.”

a stack of fluffy gluten free pumpkin pancakes in a stack with maple syrup

Pumpkin Puree. Not only is pumpkin a fall flavor superstar, but it’s also good for you. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and low in calories, which helps make these low calorie pumpkin pancakes. Make sure you use pumpkin puree NOT pumpkin pie filling, which comes presweetened and spiced.

TIP!

This recipe calls for 1 cup of pumpkin puree, which is a little more than half a can. Use your leftover pumpkin for Pumpkin French Toast, Pumpkin Scones, or Pumpkin Energy Balls.

Milk. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
Eggs. For perfect pancake texture.
Maple Syrup. Maple syrup gives these pancakes natural sweetness and complements the pumpkin flavor.
Vanilla. For undeniable coziness.
Apple Cider Vinegar. This unexpected addition is what makes these pancakes deliciously fluffy. You can swap the vinegar for lemon juice if you prefer, but don’t skip it!
Spices. A mixture of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and ground cloves is just what the pumpkin needs to shine.

The Directions

batter ingredients in a blender for fluffy gluten free buckwheat pumpkin pancake batter

Add the flour, pumpkin, and milk to a blender.

eggs, cinnamon, and buckwheat in a blender to make pumpkin pancake batter

Add the remaining ingredients.

pumpkin batter for fluffy buckwheat pancakes made in a blender

Blend until smooth.

gluten free buckwheat flour pancakes cooking on a griddle

For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter into a skillet. Once the bottom has cooked, flip the pancake over. ENJOY

Equipment Tip

I used this high-powered blender to make these easy pumpkin pancakes, so I’m not sure how the batter would fare in a standard blender.

If you don’t have a high-powered blender or prefer a more traditional pancake method, you can certainly make this pancake recipe in a regular mixing bowl with great results.

a stack of buckwheat pumpkin pancakes in a stack with maple syrup and pecans

Storage Tips

If from-scratch pancakes still seem like too much to make on a weekday, even with the help of a blender, you can also make a big batch on the weekend, freeze the pancakes in a ziptop bag, then reheat them right in the toaster (think frozen waffle, but 1 million times better).

To Store. Leftover pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though I recommend freezing per the directions below.
To Freeze. Lay the pancakes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place in the freezer. Once the pancakes are frozen, transfer them to a ziptop bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or microwave, directly from frozen.

Storage Tip

Do not put unfrozen pancakes in a ziptop bag without them freezing flat first, or they will turn into a giant pancake blob.

Leftover Ideas

Enjoy an easy protein-packed breakfast by topping your leftover pancakes with almond butter, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt. A shower of toasted pecans or walnuts is the perfect finishing touch!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Pancakes

Breakfast & Brunch

Baked Bacon

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Breakfast & Brunch

Crockpot Breakfast Potatoes

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Salads

Fruit Salad

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Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

High-Powered Blender. This one is perfect for making the pancake batter. This more economical one is also great.
Skillet. Perfect for making pancakes and so much more.
Measuring Spoons. These double-sided spoons are wonderful.

These healthy buckwheat pumpkin pancakes don’t only taste like fall: they’ll perfume your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, spice, maple, and autumn.

Bust out that orange can. It’s pumpkin season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Swap Buckwheat Flour for a Different Flour?

Since I’ve only tested this recipe with buckwheat flour, I can’t say for certain how a flour swap would turn out. If you’re hoping to use a specialty flour like almond or coconut, I suggest finding a recipe that was designed for those specific flours instead (check out my Coconut Flour Pancakes).

Can I Use this Recipe to Make Waffles?

Waffles contain more sugar and fat than pancakes, so you may need to play around with the recipe to achieve perfectly crisp and golden waffles. (You could also try swapping pumpkin for the applesauce in my delicious Blender Whole Wheat Waffles. Be sure to add additional fall spices.)

What’s the Difference Between Buckwheat Pancakes and Regular Pancakes?

Buckwheat pancakes will look darker than regular pancakes, and they typically have a more nutty flavor. Buckwheat flour is packed with fiber and minerals, making buckwheat pancakes more nutritious than regular pancakes made with refined flour. Buckwheat is also gluten free and grain free.

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