Pumpkin is an extremely versatile vegetable and should not be limited to only fall recipes. Sure, everyone loves pumpkin pie and other deliciously sweet pumpkin goodies around Thanksgiving, but what about the rest of the year? In this house you can find a Pumpkin Can in the cabinet all year round. This post brought to you by Libby's. All opinions are 100% mine.
Pumpkin is a superfood. It's packed with beta carotene, fiber, vitamin A and more. It can be used in some recipes to cut the amount of sodium, fat, and/or calories. On many occasions it can be used in place of butter, eggs or oil. It can even be incorporated into breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages quite easily.
Many of us think pumpkin and associate it with a rich flavor. That's not really the case when using Libby’s Pumpkin. In many fall recipes that I make you have to add pumpkin spice and other seasonings to get that super “pumpkin-y” taste. My point is that using pumpkin puree as a replacement for other ingredients won't necessarily make your dish taste a lot like pumpkin.
To test this out I made some pancake bites. The recipe that I based this creation on originally called for oil. I substituted pumpkin and used no oil.
Pancake Muffin Recipe Using Pumpkin in Place of Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbs sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk (I used coconut milk)
- 2 tbs Libby's Pumpkin
- Optional: Any toppings like, nuts or chips.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Line or spray a muffin tin.
- Fill tins less than half way.
- Place topping on mixture and push them into the dough a bit. (I used chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and caramel bits)
- Bake for 8 – 10 minutes. (Test with a toothpick)
- Eat like you would a normal pancake.
Basically, these tasted like pancakes to me. I didn't even notice any pumpkin flavor. They were a little more dense and less fluffy than some pancakes, but still a great texture. I added some butter and syrup like any pancakes and loved them. I made some with toppings and some plain and really preferred the plain ones. It's totally up to you and your preference!
This experiment has made me a lot more comfortable using pumpkin to replace oil and I will happily do it again!
Have you ever tried using pumpkin instead of oil, butter, or eggs?
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Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Oh, what a unique idea, looks delicious! I have all the ingredients to make this but the pumpkin, adding it to my grocery list. Thanks!!
Susan says
We love pumpkin in our house, so I am sure my family will adore these! I will have to make them for my family this weekend.
Scott says
Never been a huge fan of pumpkin, other than during the Halloween season. Didn’t realize you could purchase it canned!
Jennifer says
These didn’t taste like pumpkin to me at all. Just like pancakes only without the oil!! Bonus.
Angela S says
This is a neat idea. I like that you can make a lot of pancakes at once. Delish!
Keikilani says
Those look so good and yummy! Love all things pumpkin!
Katy Rawson says
You have my vote here. I love pumpkin. I love pancakes. What a perfect match. There is no need for syrup either. I never buy any other brand but Libby’s. I trust them.
mama to 5 blessings says
those look great, perfect portions! What a nice idea to use pumpkin!
Amanda A says
My kids would love these pancake muffins!
Emily Reid says
Oh delish! Can’t wait to try these!!!
Amy Lynn Desrosiers says
Pancake Bites look really good! I wish I could try some about now. Im super hungry for something sweet.
Janel says
I’ve never known you could swap out pumpkin for oils! I’m going to try that!!
Pam says
These look really awesome. I have some pumpkin that’s just begging to be used in these…
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie says
How fun, I never thought of making the bytes in that..LOVE it.. now I’m craving pancakes and anything Pumpkin is my favorite, so I’m gonna try these… YUMMM.. thanks for sharing
Nicole B says
That’s so creative you used your muffin pan to bake pancake bites! And I like how you could sub pumpkin for oil. That’s funny though it didn’t leave a pumpkin taste. I love pumpkin.
Amber Edwards says
Those are such adorable little bites! They wouldn’t last even an hour in this house with my son around! He is crazy about pumpkin anything!
Toni says
I am loving all these pumpkin recipes. I will have to try these!
Liz Mays says
I love the idea of subbing it for oil and the bites look so good too. I’m a breakfast for dinner girl, so I’ll have to try this!
Tammilee says
Yum! I love how cute these pumpkin muffins are. They look so delicious. I never would have thought of making them in a muffin pan.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
This looks yummy and so colorful. I’d love to try these, I love pumpkin.
Sandra says
Super cute and neat idea. Thanks for sharing!
Kathleen Garber says
That’s a great idea and those look really cute!
StacieinAtlanta says
I love pumpkin pancakes! I’ve never tried cooking it like this though…might have to give it a try!
Rita Spratlen says
I have heard of applesauce but not pumpkin. This would be a healthier way to go and anything orange is great for you. Thanks for the idea and I will be trying this one soon.
Katie H says
MMm i love pumpkin! I’ll have to pin this recipe for future reference 🙂
M.Clark says
I have never tried using pumpkin in place of oil, butter, or egg but I’d love to give it a try. These pancake muffins look delicious, I can’t wait to try them. Thank you for sharing this recipe.