As we usher in the month of October, I’m excited that we’re now full swing into pumpkin season. Yay! Never mind that it’s like 100 degrees here in southern California; that’s not important. Autumn is here, and this recipe for Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes is the perfect way to officially say “hello” to fall.
Like my original pancake recipe, this recipe calls for cassava flour: the answer to my Paleo culinary prayers. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t do well with recipes that use large amounts of nut flour, and coconut flour alone doesn’t seem to produce an ideal texture for pancakes (in my opinion). Luckily, cassava flour comes to the rescue. Unlike tapioca starch, which is a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant, cassava flour is made from the whole root of the cassava (or yuca) plant, making it a whole food. (I don’t tolerate tapioca starch very well, but I seem to do okay with cassava flour in moderate amounts.)
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In particular, these Paleo pumpkin pancakes are made mostly with Otto’s Cassava Flour, which produces just the right taste and texture. I also like to add Vital Protein Collagen Peptides; although it’s optional, it’s a nutritious way to add extra protein to this semi-sweet dish.
I promise, these pancakes will not disappoint. As much as Jeremy loves my original pancakes, he says he likes these pumpkin pancakes even more! These Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes are delicious and reminiscent of traditional wheat flour pancakes, all while being gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. With the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they make the perfect fall-inspired Paleo breakfast (or any-time-of-the-day) treat.
- 3 pasture-raised eggs
- ⅓ cup pureed pumpkin
- ⅓ cup full-fat additive-free coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil, melted
- 2 Tbsp pure and/or raw honey
- ½ tsp raw apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup Otto’s cassava flour
- 2 Tbsp organic coconut flour (I like Bob’s Red Mill)
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (optional, for extra protein)
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- pinch of mineral salt
- optional: chopped pecans (omit for nut-free option) or allergen-free chocolate chips
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, coconut oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar. (If you are using coconut milk that contains a stabilizer like guar gum, you may need to slightly increase the amount.) Mix thoroughly.
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Add in cassava flour, coconut flour, collagen peptides, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until batter is smooth.
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Fold in optional ingredients (handful of chopped pecans or chocolate chips), if desired.
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Preheat a pan at just under medium heat, or an electric griddle to 325 degrees (I cook these pancakes at a slightly lower heat than I would traditional wheat pancakes). Once heated, grease pan or griddle with coconut oil.
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Scoop and pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake onto griddle or pan. Cook until each side is golden brown, flipping once bubbles begin to break on the surface.
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Serve with topping of your choice: real maple syrup, fruit, apple butter, or fruit preserves. Enjoy!
Janie says
October 1, 2016 at 11:25 amLori where do you buy cassava flour? Amazon?
Lori says
October 1, 2016 at 12:12 pmHi Janie! Yes, I order from Amazon. I’ve provided direct links in the post if you want to check it out. 🙂
Sarah says
March 5, 2017 at 11:21 amAbsolutely delicious!! I followed your recipe to the T and they turned out as the perfect pancake. I just love cassava flour and only safe it for special recipes. This is a special recipe and I will make again!
Lori says
March 7, 2017 at 11:44 amThank you, Sarah! It makes me so happy to hear this! These pancakes are always a hit in our house, but it helps to know how the recipe works out for others. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Leigh says
March 25, 2018 at 10:48 pmLoved these pancakes! I modified the recipe a little because I’m on AIP (gelatin instead of eggs). I also added applesauce instead of honey to cut back on the sugar content and they still cooked perfectly. Thanks!
Lori says
March 26, 2018 at 3:32 pmThose sound like perfect substitutions…I’m so glad they worked out! I’ll have to keep them in mind as AIP options. Thanks so much for your feedback! 😊
Denise Carrell says
September 26, 2018 at 12:07 pmI tried these this morning with gelatin eggs and they didn’t come out so great. They stuck to the pan (I don’t use non-stick pans) and I had plenty of oil but worse yet the batter jelled up after a few minutes of sitting…like jelled to the point I could have sliced and cooked the batter. The flavor was good but the texture was a no go. Any advice?
Lori says
September 26, 2018 at 1:06 pmHi Denise! Hopefully Leigh will chime in here and let us know how she made it work with gelatin. Unfortunately, I’ve only successfully made these with eggs, so I don’t have any helpful advice here. Would also love to know how to make this AIP version work!
Erika Rose says
October 29, 2018 at 7:11 amHi
This recipe looks wonderful – unfortunately I am allergic to coconut. Has become quite the challenge on trying to eat a paleo diet. Which is also why I’m trying cassava flour. I can’t have soy, oats or nuts. Do you have any suggestions to replace the coconut items.
Thank you
Lori says
October 31, 2018 at 2:32 pmHi Erika! As you probably already know, replacing the milk and oil would be the easy part: just use any milk (almond, cashew, organic dairy) and another fat (avocado oil, butter, etc.) in place of the coconut milk and coconut oil. As for the coconut flour, it gets tricky because there is no one-to-one alternative. You could try adding about ¼ cup cassava flour or try ¼ cup Tigernut flour (which is nut-free!) in its place, BUT I haven’t tried either of these options. So it would be an experiment. You could decrease or increase the amount of milk accordingly. I’m sorry I don’t have anything more concrete to offer. If you do try out a coconut-free option, please share with us! I know there are others who also cannot tolerate coconut. If I’m able to experiment with a coconut-free option, I will be sure to share. Thank you for reaching out and please keep in touch with the results! 😊