WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes offer a delightful twist on traditional pancakes. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of pumpkin and cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, making these pancakes fluffy and filling. With the warm flavors of pumpkin spice, they evoke the cozy feelings of fall any time of the year. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these pancakes can cater to many dietary preferences while still satisfying those sweet cravings.
HOW TO MAKE Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Ingredients
- ¾ cup whipped cottage cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus some additional for cooking the pancakes)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
DIRECTIONS
Start with the Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whipped cottage cheese and whole milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps all the ingredients blend together nicely, ensuring that your pancakes turn out smooth and delicious.
Melt the Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can also use a saucepan if you find that easier. Once melted, set it aside to cool down a bit while you prepare the other ingredients.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Give it a thorough whisk to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the cottage cheese mixture. Whisk everything together until it is smooth. Then, gently whisk in the melted butter. Make sure everything is well combined.
Bring it All Together
Create a little well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into this well, then stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until everything is combined. The batter should look a little lumpy—that’s okay! This is what gives the pancakes their fluffy texture. Let the batter sit while you heat your skillet.
Cook the Pancakes
If you want to keep your pancakes warm between batches, preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Heat an electric griddle to 350°F or set a large skillet over medium-low heat, allowing it to warm up for a few minutes. Lightly butter or spray the skillet with nonstick spray.
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet, leaving enough space between each to allow them to spread. Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look dry, which should take about 4 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Continue the cooking process with the remaining batter, adding a bit more butter or spray as needed. If you want the pancakes to stay warm, place them in the preheated oven. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit!
HOW TO SERVE Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes
These pancakes are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Classic Topping: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the pancakes for that classic pancake experience.
- Fruity Twist: Top with sliced bananas, berries, or apple slices to add a fresh touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for a delightful treat.
- Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
- Extra Spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top will enhance the flavors.
HOW TO STORE Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Leftover pancakes can be easily stored for future enjoyment. Simply let them cool completely on a wire rack, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
To Freeze:
- Arrange the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place them in the freezer until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
To Reheat:
To reheat, you can place them in the toaster, microwave, or oven until warmed through. They will taste almost as good as fresh!
TIPS TO MAKE Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the taste. Fresh pumpkins make a significant difference in flavor compared to canned pumpkins.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
- Adjust Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, you can add a bit more milk to loosen it up.
- Test the Heat: Before cooking a full batch, test a small amount of batter to ensure your skillet is at the right temperature.
- Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust pumpkin pie spice to your taste. Add more if you love a stronger flavor!
VARIATIONS
This recipe is flexible, and you can play around with different ingredients:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add Protein: Mix in protein powder to boost the nutritional value.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative, almond milk instead of regular milk, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water as a substitute for each egg).
- Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist.
- Spiced Up: Try adding different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for varying flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! You can use ricotta or even a vegan cheese substitute for a different taste and texture.
Can I make these pancakes in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.
What can I serve with Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes?
These pancakes pair wonderfully with fresh fruits like bananas or berries, yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream. Maple or agave syrup complements them nicely too.
By adhering to simple instructions and using readily available ingredients, you can whip up these fluffy Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes that will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and devouring them!
Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the whipped cottage cheese and whole milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and set it aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk to ensure even distribution.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the cottage cheese mixture and whisk until smooth. Gently whisk in the melted butter.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Stir until combined; a lumpy batter is okay.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat an electric griddle to 350°F or a skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly butter or spray the skillet.
- Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 4 minutes.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Keep pancakes warm in the preheated oven while cooking the remaining batter.
- Serve pancakes hot with toppings like warm maple syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.