Popcorn Pumpkin Pancakes (Gluten Free, Vegan)

What do you get when you combine three of your favorite foods: pumpkin, popcorn and pancakes? One epic vegan and gluten free breakfast, of course!

The idea for this gluten free recipe hit me a few weeks ago. I was munching on my latest night snacking addiction - popcorn - but I was also craving something warm and fluffy and comforting. (A crazy grad school schedule means alll the comfort food is needed!) A few days later, these popcorn pumpkin pancakes became a reality. 

Just imagine biting into a soft, slightly sweet pancake, made extra delicious with crunchy, fall-inspired add-ins like popcorn and pumpkin seeds. These popcorn pumpkin pancakes are not only easy to make but are also allergy friendly and loaded with vegan protein. If you're looking for a gluten free breakfast perfect for fall, these vegan pancakes are exactly what your taste buds need! 

For this recipe, I used Pamela's new Buckwheat Pancake Mix, which they were kind enough to send me. However, you can easily make your own pumpkin popcorn pancakes by subbing the Pamela's pancake mix for your favorite gluten free pancake mix or recipe!

The Ingredients for Your Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

To get your own pumpkin party poppin', gather the ingredients below.

For 12 small pumpkin pancakes: 

1/2 cup of Pamela's Buckwheat Pancake Mix

1 large (around 2/3 cup) ripe banana, mashed 

1/2 cup of plant-based milk of choice (I used unsweetened vanilla coconut milk) 

Liberal shake of cinnamon and pumpkin spice seasoning

Few drops of vanilla extract, if not in your chosen milk 

Little bit of coconut oil for cooking

For the pancakes' crunchy topping: 

Handful of popcorn kernels or already popped popcorn 

Handful of pumpkin seeds

How to Whip Up Your Gluten Free Pancakes:

You can start by getting your batter ready. Mash your banana thoroughly in a bowl, and then add your pancake mix, milk and spices. Alternatively, whip up your favorite homemade gluten free pancake recipe and add some pumpkin spice to the usual batter. Either way, you should stir it all up and set the pancake batter aside. 

Like this post? Then tweet me some love by clicking here: "Pancakes got an upgrade w/ my #glutenfree & #vegan pumpkin popcorn pancakes! You'll "fall" for these #healthy treats! http://bit.ly/2ktAtTn"

While you give your pumpkin pancake batter a little time to sit, work on your topping. You can also use leftover popcorn or raw pumpkin seeds (or even this popcorn trail mix of mine!). However, if you want to make a fresh batch of popocorn, cook it as usual in the microwave, on the stovetop, etc. Then, pour some pumpkin seeds into a pan and toast them on low heat until they are golden brown and extra crunchy. Combine the popcorn and pumpkin seeds with a pinch of pumpkin spice seasoning, and set the topping next to the stovetop. 

Now for the fun part: cooking your gluten free pumpkin pancakes! Warm up a skillet on high/medium heat until water crackles when you sprinkle it over the pan. Add a little coconut oil (or your choice of cooking oil) to the pan and turn the heat down to medium low. Next, add your pancake batter to the pan; my pancakes were around one heaping tablespoon each. 

Cook your gluten free pancakes until they start to bubble on top. Before you flip the pancakes over, sprinkle some of your popcorn and pumpkin mixture (crushing the popcorn into smaller pieces between your fingers) over the batter. Then, cook the pancakes for another three minutes or so, or until both sides are golden brown. 

Once you've finished cooking all of your popcorn pumpkin pancakes, it's time to eat! I've been enjoying these gluten free pancakes as a sweet night snack, often paired with sunflower butter, strawberries and coconut yogurt. You could obviously also eat these for an easy, vegan breakfast or even as a healthy dessert...especially paired with banana ice cream or chocolate sauce! 

Like this post? Then tweet me some love by clicking here: "Pancakes got an upgrade w/ my #glutenfree & #vegan pumpkin popcorn pancakes! You'll "fall" for these #healthy treats! http://bit.ly/2ktAtTn"

Something about fall always calls for cozy, comforting baked goods. Add the usual stress of being in grad school, teaching a college class, blogging and attempting to create a social life, and a delicious batch of gluten free pancakes is basically a necessity. Thankfully, these pumpkin pancakes are as easy to make as they are comforting, whether you use your own favorite vegan pancake recipe or Pamela's Buckwheat Pancake mix. 

All I know is that it's been approximately three days since I whipped up these pumpkin pancakes, and half of the batch has already disappeared! Good thing it's just the start of fall...because I see many more popcorn pumpkin pancakes in my future.

*I received Pamela's Buckwheat Pancake Mix free of charge; however, all recipes, photographs and opinions are my own. I was not required to write a review of their mix or make a recipe featuring it; I just honestly loved how these pancakes turned out!*

What's your favorite fall comfort food? Tell me in the comments!