These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes are fluffy, warmly spiced, and perfect for autumn mornings. The pancakes combine the earthy flavor of pumpkin with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, giving them a comforting, spiced aroma and flavor. The buttermilk adds a slight tang and keeps them soft, while the butter gives a rich, velvety texture.

The Maple Cream Cheese Glaze is creamy and sweet with a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese and a warm maple syrup finish. It complements the pancakes beautifully, creating a balanced, satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.

Ingredient Breakdown

Pancakes

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The base of the pancakes, a gluten-free flour blend ensures they stay soft and light while accommodating gluten-sensitive eaters. Look for a blend containing xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten.

• Baking powder: This leavening agent gives the pancakes their rise and fluffiness.

• Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth, bringing out the pumpkin's earthy sweetness.

• Salt: A touch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness and spices.

• Granulated Sugar, Coconut Sugar: These sugars provide a hint of sweetness and help with the pancake’s browning. Coconut sugar adds a slightly caramel-like flavor, which pairs well with pumpkin and spices.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a delicate, sweet aroma that complements the pumpkin and spices.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, pumpkin puree brings a moist texture and a mild, earthy sweetness to the pancakes. It also provides nutrients like fiber and vitamin A.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and add structure and fluffiness to the pancakes.

• Butter: Butter enriches the batter, giving a rich, smooth texture and a subtle buttery flavor.

• Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes the pancakes extra tender, adding a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness and enhances the spices. Its acidity also helps the baking powder activate, resulting in lighter, fluffier pancakes.

Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

• Butter: Butter adds richness and smoothness to the glaze, helping to blend the ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese creates a creamy, slightly tangy base for the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup.

• Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and a warm, caramel-like flavor that pairs well with pumpkin and spices. Adjust the amount based on your preferred sweetness level.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the glaze with a sweet aroma.

• Milk: Milk thins out the glaze to make it pourable. Add more or less depending on the consistency you prefer.

These pancakes are hearty yet tender, with just the right balance of sweetness, spice, and richness, while the glaze is a decadent finish that makes every bite feel like a cozy treat. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect autumn morning!