Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes with Spelt Flour
These warm pumpkin pancakes are lightly sweetened and full of fall spices! The spelt flour adds fiber and protein to these rich pancakes, making it a delicious and healthy choice for your next breakfast!
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What is spelt flour?
Spelt is an ancient grain that has not been cross-bred like modern wheat. Fresh milled spelt flour is nutrient dense and a great way to increase the nutritional value of your pumpkin pancakes!
Spelt flour is light and soft, perfect for cookies, muffins, and pancakes. It also has a gluten content and makes soft, fluffy bread that other whole grains can’t produce. Spelt, however, does not absorb as much liquid as other grains, therefore you must use 1/4 cup more spelt flour for every cup of regular flour. (The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book)
A good measurement to use is 160 g of spelt per every one cup of regular flour that a recipes calls for if you are converting a non-spelt recipe.
Why does spelt flour make pumpkin pancakes healthy?
Spelt flour is easier to digest compared to other types of wheat because it’s gluten structure is more water soluble. Many find that eating spelt pancakes is gentler on the stomach than other types of flour.
Spelt is also rich in fiber. It promotes healthy digestion, elimination of waste, and feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut to promote better gut health. The fiber content also helps to manage cholesterol levels.
Another health benefit of spelt flour is that it is a low glycemic food, producing energy slowly and keeping blood sugar levels controlled. Unlike other recipes made with all purpose flour, spelt flour does not cause a spike and crash in blood sugar levels due to the higher fiber content.
Spelt is packed full of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients support the immune system, healthy bones, and muscles.
How to Ferment Pumpkin Pancake Batter
This pumpkin pancake batter can be easily fermented for added nutritional benefits. True buttermilk (not milk curdled with lemon) is a cultured milk that is full of live bacteria. Buttermilk will ferment dough if given the time.
No sourdough starter necessary!
To ferment your pumpkin pancake batter, prepare the batter the night before and set it on the counter at room temperature over night or place it in the fridge for a slower ferment (better option if you plan to use the batter later in the week).
The dough will expand and become bubbly. The flavor will be tangy and delicious. Plus, the fermented batter will feed your gut microbiome, making it stronger and healthier.
Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes with Spelt Flour
Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy16
pancakes10
minutes5
minutesThese warm pumpkin pancakes are lightly sweetened and full of fall spices! The spelt flour adds fiber and protein to these rich pancakes, making it a delicious and healthy choice for your next breakfast!
Benefits of Spelt
– High in fiber
– Easier to digest
– Balance blood sugar
– Feeds gut microbiome
Easy Fermentation
– To ferment the batter, replace the milk with real buttermilk. Allow the batter to sit in the fridge or counter overnight before baking.
Optional Add Ins
– Mini chocolate chips
– Dried fruit
– Nuts
Other Spelt Recipes
– Sourdough Spelt Cinnamon Rolls
– Spelt Chocolate Chip Cookies
– Banana Chocolate Chip Spelt Muffins
Ingredients
400 g spelt flour (2.5 cups)
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp clove
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cup buttermilk
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp melted butter
4 tbsp maple syrup
Directions
- If milling fresh, weigh your wheat berries and run it through the mill.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Whisk together.
- Next, add buttermilk, pumpkin, butter, and maple syrup. Whisk to combine.
- Heat up a griddle or skillet and coat with butter
- Scoop up 1/4 cup of batter and pour it on the hot pan.
- When the pancake begins to look bubbly on top, flip it over, and allow the other side to cook for one more minute.
- Take the pancake off the griddle, top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
- Other Fresh Milled Recipes
Notes
- Replace spelt flour with 2.5 cups of all purpose flour or 325 g soft white wheat (fresh milled).
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pancakes
- Spelt
- Butter
- Pumpkin puree
- Buttermilk
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Nutmeg
Equipment for Pumpkin Pancakes
How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes
If milling fresh, weigh your wheat berries and run it through the mill.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Whisk together.
Next, add buttermilk, pumpkin, butter, and maple syrup. Whisk to combine.
Heat up a griddle or skillet and coat with butter
Scoop up 1/4 cup of batter and pour it on the hot pan.
When the pancake begins to look bubbly on top, flip it over, and allow the other side to cook for one more minute.
Take the pancake off the griddle, top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Storage
Store the batter in an airtight container in the fridge. When the pumpkin pancakes are completely cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze the pancakes, place the cooled pancakes in an airtight plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Is pumpkin pie filling the same as pumpkin puree? No, pumpkin pie filling already contains spices. If you choose to use pie filling, leave out the spices listed in the pumpkin pancake recipe. Also check the filling to make sure it doesn’t have other additives and sweeteners. To keep this recipe truly healthy, it is important to stick to clean ingredients.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! Store the batter in the fridge. The buttermilk will naturally begin to ferment the pancake batter, even in the fridge, giving it a rich tangy flavor. If you would prefer to avoid fermentation, replace buttermilk with regular milk.
Are these pancakes healthy? Yes! These pumpkin pancakes contain whole wheat (an ancient grain), a small amount of natural sugar to sweeten, and packed with pumpkin. Overall, these are healthy pumpkin pancakes that will fuel your day!
These delicious pumpkin pancakes are a great way to start the day! They are packed full of ancient grain, pumpkin, warm spices, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup! Truly, the best fall recipe!
