This Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes recipe has been my go-to ever since a chilly October morning in 2020 when I surprised my niece with a stack of pumpkin-shaped pancakes topped with dark syrup eyes and a jack-o’-lantern grin. Her face lit up like a candle inside a freshly carved pumpkin. That moment sealed the deal—I knew this festive pancake idea had to become an annual tradition. Soft, spiced, and perfectly golden, these pancakes are packed with cozy pumpkin flavor and just a hint of cinnamon warmth. They’re ready in under 20 minutes and bring Halloween fun, festive flavor, and fluffy satisfaction to the table.
If you’ve been searching for the best Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes recipe, or wondering how to make jack-o’-lantern pancakes for Halloween breakfast, this is the one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spiced, fluffy texture that kids and adults both love
- Ready in 20 minutes using pantry staples
- Customizable pancake art with spooky toppings
- Perfect for Halloween breakfast parties
- Fun and easy enough for kids to help with
- Healthier than packaged pancake mixes
A Pumpkin-Shaped Bite of History
Halloween-themed pancakes have become popular thanks to pancake art trends and festive breakfasts featured on Pinterest and food blogs. Jack-o’-lantern pancakes mimic carved pumpkins using syrup and food-safe decorations, making them both playful and delicious.
Spooky Ingredients for Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes
Syrup Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- Black food color (to create creepy syrup)
Pancake Ingredients
- 2 cups Original Bisquick mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Red and yellow (or orange) food color
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate chips for spooky smiles
- Whipped cream for ghosty toppings
- Candy eyes or fruit slices for faces
Step-by-Step: How to Make Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes
Make the Spooky Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Slowly add black food coloring until the syrup turns fully black. Continue boiling and stirring for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Tip: Black syrup is best served warm and thick—it holds better on the pancakes.
Prepare the Pumpkin Batter
Mix Bisquick, milk, eggs, pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add a few drops of red and yellow food coloring to create a bright orange pancake batter. Stir until smooth.
Tip: Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are fine and keep the pancakes fluffy.
Cook Your Pumpkin-Shaped Pancakes
Preheat a greased griddle or pan over medium heat. Pour the batter in small circles and use a spoon to shape the top into a pumpkin stem or round pumpkin. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Tip: Use a cookie cutter or pancake mold if you want perfectly shaped pumpkins.
Decorate & Serve
Transfer to serving plates. Drizzle with warm black syrup. Add chocolate chip eyes or fruit slices for jack-o’-lantern faces. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Pancake Art Success
- Use squeeze bottles for better control of batter shapes
- Always preheat your griddle evenly
- Keep the pancakes warm in a low oven if making in batches
- Let kids decorate their own pancakes for breakfast fun
- Pair with Pumpkin Fudge or Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies for a full Halloween treat plate
Creative Halloween Pancake Variations
Version 1: Jack-o’-Lantern Pancakes
Draw faces using chocolate syrup or fruit slices on orange-colored pancakes.
Version 2: Ghost Pancakes
Skip the food coloring and add marshmallow “eyes” for spooky white ghost faces.
Version 3: Mini Pumpkin Stackers
Make small pumpkin pancakes and stack them with cinnamon whipped cream between layers. Serve with Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
These Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes pair perfectly with:
- Creepy-Cute Mummy Veggie Wraps
- Mummy Mini Pizzas
- Sweet Graveyard Chocolate Cake
- Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
- A mug of hot cocoa or Creepy-Cool Green Slime Punch for a kid-friendly drink
Nutritional Information (Approx. per pancake)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 190 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 310mg |
| Sugar | 10g |
Storing Halloween Pancakes & Syrup
Fridge: Keep leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze pancakes with parchment paper between them for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Toast in the oven or microwave until warm. Reheat syrup gently over low heat.
FAQs
Q: Does IHOP have pumpkin pancakes?
A: Yes! IHOP features seasonal pumpkin pancakes each fall, often topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Q: Does Cracker Barrel sell pumpkin pancakes?
A: Cracker Barrel occasionally offers pumpkin pancakes on their fall seasonal menu. It’s best to call ahead.
Q: How do restaurants get their pancakes so fluffy?
A: The secret is not overmixing and using a hot griddle. Baking soda or mixes like Bisquick help achieve that perfect rise.
Q: What to add to pumpkin pancakes?
A: Great additions include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or flavored syrups like maple or black Halloween syrup for fun.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
- Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies
- Creepy-Crunchy Monster Candy Bark
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes that are fluffy, festive, and full of fall flavor. Whether you’re serving them to your little monsters or enjoying them as a cozy October breakfast, they’re sure to be a spooky-season hit. Have your own topping ideas? Drop them in the comments, pin this for later, and share the pumpkin joy!
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Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes – Easy, Fun, and Fluffy Breakfast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 pancakes 1x
Description
These Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes are fluffy, festive, and flavored with warm spices. Perfect for kids and adults on spooky mornings, complete with black syrup and jack-o’-lantern art.
Ingredients
Syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup water
Black food color
Pancakes:
2 cups Original Bisquick mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Red and yellow (or orange) food color
Optional:
Chocolate chips
Whipped cream
Fruit slices
Candy eyes
Instructions
1. Heat all syrup ingredients in a saucepan, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and turns black. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix all pancake ingredients until smooth and orange in color.
3. Preheat a greased griddle over medium heat.
4. Spoon batter onto the griddle, shaping into pumpkins.
5. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
6. Transfer to plates, drizzle with warm syrup.
7. Decorate with chocolate chips or candy eyes if desired.
Notes
Add a drop more red food color if orange is too pale.
Use squeeze bottles for pancake art.
For extra spooky fun, serve with green slime punch or pumpkin s’mores cookies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Halloween Pumpkin Pancakes, jack-o’-lantern pancakes, kids Halloween breakfast ideas, festive pumpkin pancakes