Homemade Gilmore Girls Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
Fall is a magical time, and what better way to embrace the season than with homemade Gilmore Girls Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes? Inspired by the beloved show, these pancakes bring a taste of Stars Hollow right to your breakfast table. Fluffy, delicious, and infused with warm spices, they are a delightful treat perfect for cozy mornings.
Why Make This Recipe
Who can resist the charm of a breakfast inspired by the iconic diner from “Gilmore Girls”? These pumpkin pancakes not only celebrate fall flavors but also carry a nostalgic essence for fans of the series. The addition of pumpkin puree makes them moist and flavorful, while the spices give a warm, comforting touch. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the show or simply someone looking to brighten up your morning routine, Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes are sure to impress family and friends alike.
How to Make Homemade Gilmore Girls Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
Creating your homey stack of pancakes is quite simple! Follow along with the ingredients and directions below to whip up a delicious batch.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp browned butter
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup
Directions
- Begin by browning the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, and gently fold in the browned butter until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
- Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with unsalted butter.
- Using a ladle, pour the batter onto the griddle, forming pancakes of your desired size. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface (about 3-4 minutes) and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare a topping by mixing the remaining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture onto your pancakes, and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Pro Tips for Success with Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
- Brown Your Butter Carefully: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns to prevent burning. The right color and aroma will enhance the flavor of your pancakes.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Purée: If possible, make your own pumpkin purée. The fresh flavor can make a big difference, but canned pumpkin works just fine!
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined. This keeps the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Adjust the Heat: If your pancakes are browning too fast, lower the heat slightly. A moderate temperature helps them cook through without burning.
- Experiment with Sizes: If you prefer smaller or larger pancakes, adjust the amount of batter you pour onto the griddle. Just be mindful of cooking times!
- Add Extras: Feel free to include extras like chocolate chips or nuts to customize your pancakes.
Flavor Variations for Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes: Fold in some dark chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist.
- Nutty Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes: For a coffee lover’s version, mix in some instant espresso powder to the batter for pancakes with a coffee kick.
- Cranberry Pumpkin Pancakes: Add dried cranberries for a tart contrast against the sweet pumpkin.
- Maple Pecan Topping: Instead of a cinnamon topping, create a maple pecan sauce to drizzle over the pancakes for a distinct flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
Serve these delightful pancakes stacked high, topped with a pat of butter, and drizzled generously with maple syrup. For a complete breakfast, consider pairing them with crispy bacon, whipped cream dollops, or a side of fresh fruit such as apples or pears. These pancakes also shine with a scoop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola on top for a more decadent experience.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
If you have leftover pancakes, don’t worry! Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, place parchment paper between stacked pancakes and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat, simply place the pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or oven until warmed through. Enjoy a warm pancake breakfast any day of the week!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | |—————-|————–| | Calories | 280 | | Protein | 6g | | Carbohydrates | 42g | | Fat | 10g | | Fiber | 2g | | Sodium | 250mg |
FAQ About Homemade Gilmore Girls Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour will yield a denser pancake. You might want to adjust the liquid slightly to ensure the batter remains pourable.
Is it possible to make these pancakes dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free buttermilk alternative by combining non-dairy milk (like almond or soy) with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For the browned butter, you can use coconut oil or any dairy-free butter substitute.
Can I make pancake batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just give it a gentle stir before using it, as the ingredients may settle.
How can I tell when the pancakes are done cooking?
Pancakes are typically ready to be flipped when bubbles form on the surface, and the edges start looking set. After flipping, they usually take an additional 2-3 minutes to cook through. Golden brown color on both sides is a great indicator.
How do I safely store leftover pancakes?
Make sure to cool down the pancakes completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, separate each pancake with parchment paper and freeze for up to two months.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Gilmore Girls Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes are not just easy to make; they also create wonderful moments around the breakfast table. These fluffy, spiced pancakes are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and the warmth of family and friends. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite moments from Stars Hollow or just enjoying a cozy morning, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy every bite and maybe get lost in a few “Gilmore Girls” episodes afterward!
Print
Homemade Gilmore Girls Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy and delicious pumpkin pancakes inspired by ‘Gilmore Girls,’ perfect for cozy fall mornings.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp browned butter
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Brown the butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and nutty; set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar; whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon.
- Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and fold in browned butter until just combined.
- Preheat a griddle over medium heat and grease lightly with unsalted butter.
- Pour batter onto griddle to form pancakes and cook until bubbles appear, about 3-4 minutes; flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the topping by mixing remaining brown sugar and ground cinnamon; sprinkle over pancakes and serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
Use fresh pumpkin purée for better flavor; avoid overmixing the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
