The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and fall has always been my favorite time to play with food. Though we don’t celebrate Halloween the same way in Greece, I remember chilly autumn mornings when my grandmother would fry little pancakes with cinnamon and honey while we giggled in our pajamas. She once shaped them into hearts for Valentine’s Day—so why not pumpkins for fall?
These Pumpkin-Shaped Pancakes with Whipped Cream Ghosts are my twist on those memories. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and just a little bit silly perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. The whipped cream ghosts add a touch of Halloween magic and a burst of fun. I made these for my nieces last year, and their eyes lit up when they saw those little ghosts sitting on pancakes. That’s when I knew: this recipe wasn’t just cute—it was memory-making.
And guess what? You don’t need a fancy pancake mold or baking skills. A squeeze bottle or spoon is enough. These Pumpkin-Shaped Pancakes with Whipped Cream Ghosts are easy, cozy, and just the thing for a fall weekend breakfast or even dinner if you’re feeling fun. Ready? Let’s get spooky!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Pumpkin-Shaped Pancakes with Whipped Cream Ghosts are the perfect combination of cozy autumn flavors and playful Halloween fun. These fluffy pancakes are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin purée, then shaped into little pumpkins right on the griddle. The best part? Each stack is topped with whipped cream “ghosts” with chocolate chip eyes!
This is a no-stress, creative breakfast that’s family-friendly and surprisingly quick. You’ll use basic pancake ingredients and shape the pumpkins by piping the batter into rounded forms with a little “stem.” Then it’s all about the toppings and laughter.
Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, a Halloween breakfast party, or just want to surprise your little ones, this recipe will bring smiles.
Ingredients
Makes about 10 pumpkin-shaped pancakes
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | For best fluffiness |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Helps them rise |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Works with the buttermilk |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Warm spice |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Optional but delicious |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | Adds depth |
| Pumpkin purée (not pie filling) | ¾ cup | Canned or homemade |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | Sub with milk + lemon if needed |
| Egg | 1 | Room temp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds sweetness |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp | For richness |
| Oil or butter for cooking | As needed | For greasing pan |
| Whipped cream | 1 cup | Homemade or store-bought |
| Mini chocolate chips | 2 tbsp | For ghost eyes |
Ingredients Image here
Step-by-Step Method
- Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Step Image 1 after this step - Combine the wet ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, buttermilk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth. Step Image 2 after this step - Combine wet and dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick don’t overmix. Let it rest for 5 minutes while you heat the griddle. - Shape the pumpkin pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to draw pumpkin shapes on the pan three overlapping circles (like Mickey ears) works well! Add a little “stem” at the top using the batter. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until bubbles form on top, then carefully flip and cook another 2 minutes. Step Image 3 after this step - Make the whipped cream ghosts
If making whipped cream from scratch, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe a ghost shape on top of each pancake stack. Add two mini chocolate chips for the eyes. Step Image 4 after this step
Serving
Serve these Pumpkin-Shaped Pancakes with Whipped Cream Ghosts warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like. Place two or three on a plate for a “pumpkin patch” look and crown each with a whipped cream ghost. You can even dust the tops with a bit of cinnamon or powdered sugar for flair.
These are perfect for a Halloween morning breakfast, a fall weekend brunch, or just a treat-yourself moment on a cold day. Want to go the extra mile? Add a side of spiced apple slices or a pumpkin spice latte!
Serving Image here
Conclusion
These Pumpkin-Shaped Pancakes with Whipped Cream Ghosts are more than a recipe they’re a reason to smile on a sleepy fall morning. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or just enjoying a quiet breakfast for one, they bring warmth and joy to the table. I believe food is meant to connect us to help us laugh, play, and savor the moment.
So go ahead, make a little mess, get creative with your pancake art, and don’t worry if the ghosts look goofy. That’s the charm. These pancakes are a sweet way to celebrate the season, one fluffy bite at a time.