Gory Halloween pancakes

These tasty, fluffy, light and delicious Halloween pancakes are drizzled generously with dyed-red golden syrup and the result is perfect for a scarily delicious Halloween breakfast.

The pumpkin in the pancake batter isn't just for show (although is does add great colour). It actually contributes great flavour and the ideal texture, so it's a perfect recipe to try if you have some pumpkin puree to use up over Halloween.

To make the batter, you'll whisk the pumpkin puree with eggs, milk and yogurt (another special ingredient for the ultimate tall pancakes). You then whisk in self-raising flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and mixed spice (pumpkin spice for US readers) and you're ready to fry!

This recipe gives a lovely, thick batter that bubbles and rises well in the pan so that you can achieve a light, fluffy texture and a nice, tall pancake stack.

The blood red syrup is simple golden syrup with a drop of natural red food colouring! If you're brave, you could even spatter it onto the pancakes for an extra gory effect.

Here's the full recipe, complete with plenty of step-by-step pics to make preparing your Halloween pancakes as easy as can be.

Instructions

Make the blood syrup

Measure the golden syrup into a small bowl and add the red food colouring.

Mix, adding more colouring if necessary until a translucent blood red is achieved. 

Make the pancakes

Put the yogurt, egg, milk and pumpkin puree in a mixing bowl.

Whisk together.

Sift in the self-raising flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and mixed spice.

Whisk until lump-free.

Warm a nonstick frying pan over a medium heat. Add a little butter or oil and melt to grease the pan. You can add a dot more between batches, if necessary.

Add 1 scoop (2-3 tbsp) of batter to the pan. You should be able to make 3 or 4 at a time in a large pan.

Fry for about 60 seconds until bubbles form on the surface.

Flip.

Fry for a further 30 seconds until golden on both sides.

You can keep the pancakes warm as you go by placing them in a low (60C) oven on a tray. Cover with foil to prevent them drying out.

Pile the pancakes onto plates.

Drizzle with the “blood” syrup to serve.

Enjoy!

Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Halloween pancakes

Are Halloween pancakes easy to make?

The tall and fluffy Halloween pumpkin pancakes are super simple, making them perfect for kids to make and enjoy.

The batter uses canned pumpkin puree, which is increasingly easy to get in the UK and pretty much ubiquitous in the US. When the pancakes are served with ‘blood’ syrup trickling down the sides, they’re the perfect Halloween treat.

Omit the red food colouring and you have scrumptious pumpkin pancakes for any time of year.

Will I need any special equipment to make Halloween pancakes?

You don’t need any special kit to make these Halloween pancakes. In fact, you probably have everything you’ll need in your kitchen right now, such as a bowl, whisk, weighing scales, measuring spoons and something to fry your pancakes in. 

There is a full list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below.

Where can I buy pumpkin puree? 

In the US, it’s easy to pick up pumpkin puree, but in the UK it’s a fairly new ingredient to hit the supermarket shelves. It tends to be more widely available during the Autumn, while some supermarkets such as Ocado seem to have it all year round. 

If you can’t find it in stores, you can always get pumpkin puree online. I bought a big batch of canned pumpkin puree from Amazon, but you can buy single cans too, if you wish.

If you are in the mood to make pumpkin puree yourself, it’s a great way to use up pumpkin flesh around Halloween. 

Why do you recommend gel food colouring?

Liquid food colourings that come in little bottles in the supermarket are simply not great quality. They’re generally weak, so it takes a lot to get the pigment you desire, meaning a lot of unwanted liquid gets added to your recipe. Cheap liquid colours are also typically not “bake stable”, which means while a cake batter might go into the oven a bright shade, it’ll come out a murky shade of nothing much. 

I always recommend gel because it provides a vibrant colour with much less needed and it’s also bake stable, meaning it’s great for things like red velvet cake.

Where can I buy gel food colouring? 

You should be able to find gel food colouring in the baking aisle of most supermarkets and many smaller grocery stores. Alternatively, you can order gel colouring online.

How can I tell if my eggs have gone off?

The rules and standards by which chickens and eggs are handled varies from country to country. As such, egg storage and safety advice varies too.

In UK supermarkets, eggs are usually stored on the shelves near the bread, whereas in the US, eggs are usually found in the refrigerated section.

In the UK, eggs come with a Best Before End date stamped on them. In the US, this is known as an Expiration Date. Unlike Use By dates, which are important food safety dates that should never be exceeded, Best Before dates are more about optimal quality.

Just to complicate things a little further, the Best Before / Expiration date will only be accurate if the food has been stored according to the instructions on the pack, such as "store in a cool dry place" or "keep in the fridge once opened".

In the UK and US, if your eggs have been properly stored in the refrigerator after coming home from the store, they may be safe to eat after the date stamped on them. The NHS has more UK-specific advice on egg safety.

To test if your egg is fresh, you could try the float test, which involves placing your egg in a tumbler of water to see if it sinks or floats. Fresh eggs have very little gas in them, so they sink. As the egg ages, the gases increase and the egg may float. However, eggs that float aren’t necessarily inedible and bad eggs can still sink, so this really isn't a foolproof method.

Regardless of the Best Before / Expiration date and whether your egg sinks or floats, you should never eat an egg that looks, smells, feels or tastes odd in any way.

If you detect any of the following, throw both the egg and anything you added it to away and wash any pots and utensils used really well. It is never worth the risk of food poisoning:

• cracks, mould or discolouration on the shell; 
• anything unusual about the appearance of the egg contents such as discolouration of the white or yolk;
• any kind of smell, such as unusual or sulphurous odour (raw eggs should be pretty much odourless);
• any kind of taste other than the flavour you would expect from a fresh egg.

If you are in a vulnerable or at risk group such as elderly, unwell or pregnant then food safety is particularly important.

Note: This site does not give medical advice, so please consult with your medical professional.

Are Halloween pancakes suitable for vegetarians?

These pancakes are absolutely suitable for vegetarians as they contain no meat, poultry or fish.

All the same, do be sure to double check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are suitable for vegetarians. Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the pancakes with.

Are Halloween pancakes suitable for vegans?

This Halloween pancake recipe is not vegan friendly as it calls for yoghurt, eggs, butter and milk. However, alternatives could be used to make this recipe vegan. 

The butter can be replaced with vegan butter. Look for one with a fat content of around 80% as this should mean it will behave similarly to butter. 

The milk can be replaced by your favourite plant or nut milk. My preference is unsweetened soya as I find it the most stable and neutral tasting. 

For the yogurt, you can use soya or coconut yogurt and they should work well. 

The trickiest swap will be the eggs. Try one of the following options (each = 1 egg, so multiply as needed for any given recipe):

• 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the water you get in a tin of chickpeas).
• 1 tablespoon of crushed chia seeds or flax seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and left for 10 minutes in the fridge.
• 3 tablespoons of applesauce (bear in mind this will add sweetness and potentially an apple flavour).

Double check all of your ingredients labels to make sure to check that they are suitable for vegans. Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the pancakes with.

Are Halloween pancakes gluten-free?

The Halloween pancakes are made with wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you could try swapping the self-raising flour easily for a gluten-free version.

I haven't tried making this recipe with gluten-free flour yet but you could certainly give it a go. Whenever baking with gluten-free flour, I recommend using a good quality brand that will likely be a blend of different flours like rice, or oat mixed with a binding agent like xanthan gum which really helps with the texture and, of course, a gluten-free raising agent.

Double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure they are gluten-free. Don't forget to also check anything extra you intend to serve the recipe with.

Are Halloween pancakes keto-friendly?

Due to the high sugar and flour content, these pancakes are not keto-friendly. You could try replacing the sugar with a low-carb sweetener, the syrup with something sugar-free, and the flour with an alternative such as coconut flour. 

If you do try this, let me know how you get on. 

Are Halloween pancakes healthy?

This is a pretty sugary breakfast option, especially if you include the blood syrup, so should be enjoyed as a seasonal treat rather than an everyday meal.

Are Halloween pancakes safe to eat while pregnant?

There is nothing in this recipe that would usually pose a risk to pregnant people, as long as all the ingredients are in good condition, the pancakes have been prepared hygienically and the dairy is pasteurised (as advised by the NHS).

The eggs in this recipe are fully cooked, but egg advice for pregnant and breastfeeding people can vary in different countries, so please check information local to you. 

A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.

Are Halloween pancakes suitable for babies and toddlers?

In the UK, the NHS advises that sugar and salt should not be given to babies and young children. 

These pancakes only contain 25g (0.88 oz) of caster sugar in the whole batch of batter, so you can leave it out and then these pumpkin pancakes will be suitable for babies and children. You would, of course, have to leave out the golden syrup completely.

The eggs in this recipe are fully cooked, but egg advice for babies can vary in different countries, so please check information local to you. 

Always give food at an appropriate size and shape for your baby or child. Cut small, round foods, like grapes and cherry tomatoes, into small pieces.

Always keep babies supported upright while eating and supervise your baby when they’re eating in case they start to choke.

A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional.

The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.

What goes well with these Halloween pancakes?

The “bloody” golden syrup goes perfectly with these fluffy pumpkin pancakes, but you can use any syrup, sauce or topping you like.

Whipped cream would be delicious with fresh fruit, or you could simply enjoy the pancakes with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea to help it all go down.

I haven’t got pumpkin puree, what else can I use?

Mashed ripe bananas should work in place of the pumpkin in this recipe. Roasted and mashed butternut squash or sweet potato could also work, or you could give applesauce a go.

Alternatively, you can follow my recipe for a fluffy pancake stack without pumpkin.

Can I add extra pumpkin to the pancakes?

Just the right amount of pumpkin puree is included in this recipe to give fluffy, delicious pancakes. If you add more, you risk ending up with mushy, wet pancakes so it’s best to stick with the recommended quantities.

How should I store Halloween pancakes?

These Halloween pancakes are best enjoyed hot and fresh, but if you do have leftover pancakes, you should allow them to cool and then get them into a sealed container in the fridge within the hour.  

The syrup can be transferred to a clean jar with a tight lid and stored in a cool cupboard.

How long do Halloween pancakes keep?

If properly stored in a sealed container in the fridge, cooked pancakes will keep for a couple of days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I leave Halloween pancakes out on the counter?

Pancakes should not be left out on the counter for a prolonged period for food safety reasons. As soon as they are cooled, get them into a sealed container in the fridge.

Can I make Halloween pancakes ahead?

The leavening agents in this recipe (the cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda in the self-raising flour and baking powder) will start working as soon as they mix with the wet ingredients, so it is not a good idea to make the batter ahead of time.

The cooked pancakes are best enjoyed fresh from the pan, but if you’re pressed for time, you could make them in advance and chill them in the fridge in a sealed container (without the syrup, of course), ready to warm and serve the next day.

Can I keep Halloween pancakes in the refrigerator?

Cooked pancakes can indeed be stored in the fridge. Make sure to get them into a sealed container and chilled within 1 hour of making. They will then need to be consumed within two days.

Can I freeze Halloween pancakes?

Halloween pancakes actually freeze well (without the syrup, of course). 

There are a few ways you can do this. The easiest way to 

You can store your pancakes in the freezer for up to three months.

What is the best way to defrost Halloween pancakes?

On a high shelf in the refrigerator or in the microwave.

What is the best way to reheat Halloween pancakes?

You can reheat in the microwave by placing a sheet of towel between each pancake. Alternatively, you can use a frying pan on a low heat making sure to coat the pan with a non-stick spray beforehand.

Can I make Halloween pancakes in a different quantity or different size?

Absolutely, this recipe should allow you to make 24 small American style pancakes, but if you want to make more or less of this recipe then go right ahead.

Look for the recipe card below. You'll see the servings near the top left. To change this to the number you want to make just click on it and a little slider will pop up. You can move the slider up or down to get the amount you want to make.

All the ingredient quantities will update automatically for you so that everything is in the right ratios.

Can I make Halloween pancakes in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?

Yes, you can. Just add in all the mixture and turn to high.

Can I make Halloween pancakes with a food processor?

Yep, again, add in all the mixture and whack it on.

How can I make sure my Halloween pancakes are perfectly cooked?

Make sure they are cooked evenly and on both sides. You want them to be golden brown. If you see any batter running free simply push down lightly with your spatula to get any excess out.

Why did my Halloween pancakes turn out dry/hard?

Dry and hard pancakes come down to overcooking, as soon as the pancake moves freely in the pan without sticking it is ready to take out.

Why did my Halloween pancakes turn out wet/soft/undercooked?

They didn’t get long enough in the pan. Try a light push with the spatula on top before removing and you will see if any wet or soft batter is yet to cook.

Why didn’t my Halloween pancakes rise?

Pancakes only rise a very small amount so as long as they are as thick as a coin, you are doing well.

Why did my Halloween pancakes stick to the pan?

If you don’t have a non-stick pan you must make sure to either spray some non-stick cooking oil, or brush on some melted butter between each pancake.

How can I add/change the flavours in these Halloween pancakes?

The flavour of these pancakes is so delicious but if you did want to play around with options, you could try exchanging half of the pumpkin puree with mashed banana or even adding some berries to counterbalance the sweetness of the pumpkin.

What is the origin of fluffy pancakes?

Pancakes have been around for centuries, in fact, researchers even found pancakes in the Otzi the Iceman, the famous human remains that date back 5000 years.

Although they were made differently with spices, fruits, rosewater and oils they were in fact our beloved fluffy breakfast dish. In the 15th-century people started using the word ‘pancake’ and the word became standard in 19th century America. Previously, people referred to them as Indian cakes, hoecakes, johnnycakes, journey cakes, buckwheat cakes, griddle cakes, and flapjacks

Why do we celebrate Halloween?

‘Hallow’ or Holy Person, refers to the saints that we celebrate on November 1st, All Saints Day. The word Halloween comes from the celebration that takes place the night before All Saints Day and literally means All Hallow’s Eve.

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