Simple Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 3/4 to 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
02 - 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
03 - 1/3 cup packed pumpkin puree
04 - 1 tbsp melted vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance, or use avocado or coconut oil)
05 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 3 tbsp light brown sugar
07 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey for non-vegan option)
08 - 1 tsp baking powder
09 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
10 - 1 pinch salt
11 - 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend
12 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (substitute up to 50% with oat flour if desired)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat an electric griddle to medium heat (about 350°F / 176°C), or place a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat on the stovetop. Ensure the surface is hot by flicking a drop of water on it – it should gently sizzle.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened vanilla almond milk (starting with 3/4 cup) and lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes to curdle and form a vegan buttermilk. Add the pumpkin puree, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, and maple syrup (or agave nectar/honey). Whisk until smooth and well-combined.
03 - In a separate bowl or directly over the wet ingredients, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
04 - Lightly grease the preheated griddle or skillet with vegan butter or cooking spray. Pour batter in 1/4-cup portions onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form and edges are slightly dry, about 2–4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
05 - Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate. Top with vegan butter, maple syrup, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice if desired. Additional toppings like chopped pecans or fresh fruit can also be added.

# Notes:

01 - Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking to activate leavening agents and ensure fluffy pancakes.
02 - Ensure the pan is properly preheated by testing with a drop of water – it should sizzle gently before you add batter.