Visit Stars Hollow with Luke’s Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe from Gilmore Girls

When the signature “La-La’s” sound, we know what that means. It’s Gilmore Girls marathon season! More commonly known as fall. In the words of the Gilmore Girls themselves about beloved TV shows: “It’s a lifestyle, it’s a religion.” When it comes to Gilmore Girls, I couldn’t agree more.

And, is it really an episode of Gilmore Girls without a stop at Luke’s Diner? Luke doesn’t just serve up Lorelai and Rory’s go-to “coffee, coffee, coffee,” (with a shot of cynicism). He also whips up the best breakfasts, including one that’s perfect for fall: pumpkin pancakes with a dollop of homemade cinnamon butter.

In other words, gather round the town gazebo! We’re making these pumpkin flavored pancakes (with a jumbo coffee, of course) to celebrate Gilmore Girls fall and our love of fall recipes.

What are Gilmore Girls pumpkin pancakes?

These pumpkin pancakes are inspired by an autumn-themed Luke Danes breakfast concoction. In Season 4, episode 9 of Gilmore Girls (“Ted Koppel’s Big Night Out”), Luke offers Lorelai and Rory pancakes during the duo’s typical diner run. But not just any fluffy pancakes.

“Are you in the mood for pancakes” Luke asks, “’cause I’m making pumpkin pancakes and it comes with homemade cinnamon butter.” TikTokers have taken the line and turned it into a TV-inspired recipe the internet cannot get enough of. Where Gilmore Girls-inspired recipes lead, we will follow!

How to Make Gilmore Girls Pumpkin Pancakes

This recipe is being shared by creators all over TikTok. Content creator, Gabrielle Williams’ (@gabby.jaye) video has nearly 400,000 views and is the recipe we follow below. And Gilmore Girls fans in the comments are beyond excited. “The serotonin this video gave me,” one user wrote. And it’s true—it’s almost impossible not to be happy while watching stacks of orange pancakes pile up and listening to the show’s theme song.

Here’s how to make a batch for your next serotonin-filled Gilmore Girls binge-watching session.

@hashslingers living out my fall dreams and trying luke’s pumpkin pancakes from gilmore girls! #gilmoregirls #fall #autumnvibes #pumpkinseason #pancakes ♬ original sound – Michelle Meng

Ingredients

Pancakes: 

• 1/2 can pumpkin puree
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon butter: 

• 1/2 cup (or a stick) butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Mix wet ingredients

Combine pumpkin puree, milk, butter, light brown sugar and eggs into a large bowl. Then, whisk until fully combined before adding in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients and combine

Next up, add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Fully combine with the wet ingredients and whisk until you don’t see dry clumps anymore.

Step 3: Cook pancakes

Use an electric griddle or a skillet with melted butter to cook the pancakes on low to medium heat. Pour the pancake batter in portions and cook until golden brown (or to your liking) before flipping. Repeat until there is no batter left.

Step 4: Create cinnamon butter and serve

In a separate bowl, add the butter, sugar, cinnamon, honey, vanilla extract and salt. Mix with an electric mixer until a smooth, light brown consistency is reached. Stack the pancakes and add a dollop of that velvety cinnamon butter and serve for a Lorelai and Rory approved breakfast!

To continue your Stars Hollow tasting experience, try out these Gilmore Girls coffee cake cookies for dessert, next.