Best pancakes I’ve ever made!! Pumpkin TRANSFORMS them into fluffy pillows of fluff! [I think Matt holds the title for all-time best pancakes though – he has a magic touch. These come to mind.]
I made a little more than two servings of Kodiak cakes (because my batter was running and I needed more mix) and added about 1/2 a cup of pumpkin. It moistened them up SO much and the pumpkin flavor was awesome.
Also added a pinch of cloves (my favorite ‘pumpkin spice’) and cinnamon
Also loved adding the pumpkin because it stretched the batter from 2 pancakes each into 3. More food is always good news!
Toppings… I pour the batter onto my skillet and add the toppings to the batter-up side. Then when I flip they cook and stay in better and it enables me to add 3 different toppings without mixing them into the batter all together [see here]
Flax with a little hazelnut butter spread
Toasted coconut
And the star – banana with peanut flour and a topping of almond butter
These were SO GOOD!
I have a few things to do on my computer and plans for a SWIM today. Already got my suit on so there’s no wimping out! Might just play in the sauna today too. I’ve always been scared of the sauna because I don’t know the etiquette. Are you allowed to wear a bathing suit? Will my shower towel get drenched so much that I can’t use it to shower? Please share any sauna TIPS!!
Happy Friday Dance! 
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Ooooh looks GOOD!! I love the fluffing-factor of pumpkin too! I am jealous that you’re going swimming – I haven’t been in so so long. If it’s definitely a sauna and not a steam room, I don’t think your towel will get too drenched. And I don’t see any problem with keeping a suit on – in my opinion, if you’re in the sauna it shouldn’t matter what other people look like because you don’t go in to stare! 😉
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
You’ve done it… I have to make pumpkin pancakes this weekend. We haven’t busted them out yet this fall… but that is about to change!
~
Lisa Fine - lisasfoods says
Yes, bathing suit is totally okay. Saunas are so relaxing and detoxifying. Unless the sauna has steam in it, it shouldn’t make your towel more wet, but you’ll want to bring a towel to sit or lay on in there. It makes me feel more comfortable.
Have fun!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Yum! Your pancakes always look so good…but these look particularly delicious! Your breakfasts are so inspiring (I type as I eat my boring old Kashi 🙂 )
sweetersalt says
I need to make pancakes this weekend. I never do it, and I always want them! Yum!
Laura
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Sounds like a great start to Friday! The pancakes look delicious! Enjoy your swim and sauna!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i usually just wear what i worked out in….so i think a bathing suit is TOTALLY normal!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I haven’t had any pumpkin pancakes this season yet… what a shame. Time to make some this weekend 🙂
Alina @ Duty Free Foodie says
Those pancakes look really good! Do you think pumpkin would make coconut pancakes fluffier as well?
I’ve seen people in bathing suits in saunas before.
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I’ve always worn my swim suit in the sauna — no idea if that is correct or not though.
The pancakes look glorious — esp with the hazelnut butter topping.
Felicia (a taste of health with balance) says
I lovee pumpkin in pancakes. Well I love pumpkin in everything but these look delicious! The banana and almond butter topping did it for me 🙂 I miss swimming, what a good workout! Enjoy!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
A word of warning: a couple years ago I was travelling and one of the women I was with caught something not-so-nice in the sauna!! We were in a foreign location so I’m sure that had something to do with it – but I think it’s a good reminder to make sure there is DEFINITELY something substantial between you and the place you’re sitting! Bacteria loves moist, damp places…
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Those pancakes look mouth watering.
Sarah @ Going on Goals says
I think you should be fine in your suit. That is how everyone would go in to the sauna at my college gym. Pancakes look great!
Sarah @ Going on Goals says
I think you should be fine in your suit. That is how everyone went into our college sauna. The pancakes look great!
Camille says
Those look great! I add pumpkin to everything so I get more food out of it 🙂
Honey B. says
Oh my gosh thanks for that tip about when to add the flavorings! Never tried that but I love the idea of not having everything mixed into the whole pancake batter. Def going to try!!
You can wear whatever you want in the sauna! Of course you can wear a suit. Or a towel. Or nothing as I’m sure you will find out. Maybe don’t wear the clothes you want to wear the rest of the day, but… I mean anything within reason of course!
Samantha @ Bikini Birthday says
Since saunas are dry heat your wet swimming towel will definitely dry off in the sauna. Don’t use it in the steam room though. It will get super sweaty.
Allison K says
Oh I miss the Sauna! I used to work at a University and would swim on my lunch break. I would put my swim towel and suit in the sauna while I showered so they woudl dry out! Which is probably NOT proper Sauna etiquette!
When I was in college we used to go in the Sauna in our workout clothes or swimsuits. As long as it’s a dry sauna, your towel won’t get wet at all.
Nicole @ yuppie yogini says
If the sauna is anything like the one at my gym, you can wear your swimsuit but be prepared for very naked women! Your towel won’t get wet because saunas are dry heat. The steam room would make your towel wet.
Sarah says
Ahhh, I want pancakes now! But we’re moving and I already packed my electric skillet. Is it worth digging it out of boxes?
Nikita says
Those pancakes look delicious! I’m still not sick of pumpkin this season but my husband is haha.
I would use a different towel for the sauna, just for the sake of hygiene. But as it is a dry heat, I don’t think it’d be to wet to use.
Lori says
Oh, those pancakes look so good. Got to have some this week-end.
Lauren says
I would definitely keep the swimsuit on in the sauna, whether it’s against the etiquette or not! More clothes over less clothes should never get you in trouble. It’s the other way around that can cause problems. 😉
faith @ gracefulfitness says
Bathing suits are cool but I would advise using a different towel. Give it a try, it’s a nice little reward for a workout!
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
these look amazing! pancakes might have to be in my weekend!
Tabitha (From Single to Married) says
those pancakes look amazing! Sorry, I don’t have any tips on the sauna because I’ve never used one. 🙂
Hannah says
I always grabbed a towel from the gym (they provided small bath towels) to use in the sauna to sit on, or lay on if it wasn’t too crowded, but always make sure to have something between you and the seat. I wouldn’t use your towel that you are going to use for showering because you will be wiping sweat off of your body and will be sweating onto it if you are sitting on it. i would recommend a second towel. I prefer to wear as little as possible, so your bathing suit would be perfect
Meredith says
I always like to use the sauna post shower. It helps dry you off and keeps you warm when you are chilly after getting out of the nice hot water. Makes it easy to put lotion on too when you aren’t dripping wet! I haven’t had a problem with sweating, bc I usually go in wet from my shower (with a towel) and an extra towel to sit on! Enjoy the sauna, its so relaxing, and your pancakes look deeeelish 🙂
Kris says
Swimsuit is standard in the U.S., although other countries will be different. I use a hand/small towel to sit on. You def want a barrier between your skin and where others have sat.
grocery goddess jen says
Wish I could give you sauna tips, but I have none! Those pancakes look awesome…did you mix the peanut flour with the banana?
Kath says
yup!
[email protected] says
I never make pancakes and I really need to change that!
laurie says
Swimsuit – definitely! Reminds me of the “Friends” episode when Chandler can’t see through the steam in the sauna and accidently sits on his soon-to-be father-in-law’s lap! He should have worn a swimsuit!
Jessica says
Is it a dry sauna or wet sauna? I know in a dry sauna, workout attire, swimsuits, etc are allowed (just no shows or shower shoes). Your towel shouldn’t get very wet in a dry sauna. Also, in a dry sauna, the first five minutes are tough…hard to breathe but if you can stick it out through that, you will LOVE it!
Wet saunas…towel only required usually as you will get drenched and therefore your towel will be worthless in the shower afterward. Pack an extra towel or two if it is a wet sauna.
However, either way, you’ll be super relaxed afterward. It is a great way to warm up after swimming in the indoor pool. I find dipping into the dry sauna after swimming in our cold indoor pool makes me less hungry after too. I read an article in a health journal about how the cooler temps in a pool rev up your metabolism and cause the super hunger pangs that everyone experiences after a swim to occur. They recommended a warm up with a hot shower or a sauna experience for ten minutes or so to combat the super hunger pangs.
Sorry…this turned into a ramble! Go have fun swimming and enjoy your sauna experience! 🙂
Kath says
it was dry. Really interesting about the cooler pool temps! Our pool is on the warmer side th ough.
Samantha says
Great Harvest question….do you think it’s so good because the wheat is so freshly milled?
Kath says
That and they spend tons of time choosing the perfect wheat.
Kath says
Also, the method of preparation of the dough and fresh ingredients too
Natalia - a side of simple says
I’m in awe at these pancakes. I’m convinced they’re put centures of pancakes to shame. You’re invited to breakfast at my house any time! 🙂
[email protected] Reshape Your Life says
Sadly I don’t have any sauna tips… But I’m jealous that you have access to one! Sitting in a sauna would be so awesome in this cold Texas weather! (ok, maybe that sounds crazy… but it was COLD this morning!)
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Bathing suits are perfect for saunas, but I like to just wrap in a towel. How wet that towel gets depends on how much you sweat! 🙂 The room itself it dry. Steam rooms are the wet ones (and they are awesome too!).
Note to self: Do not read KERF before lunch. Tummy hard core growling. Must apologize to other in cube row.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
You were the deciding factor in what my breakfast tomorrow will be – pancakes for all!!!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
YUMMY PANCAKES!!!
i feel like anything goes in the sauna – i’ve seen people in robes and buck naked in there.
Heather says
I usually wear my swimsuit if the sauna is co-ed and a towel if it is women only. If it is a dry sauna your towel should be okay for use after.
Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! says
Those pancakes look AWESOME! I actually go in the sauna after I’ve done my workout and shower. Usually, I work out, do a steam room, shower, and then sauna to dry off. I often go in with my shower towel on, and because it’s dry heat it will not make you sweaty unless you’re in there for more than 10-15 minutes. Have fun!
Krystina says
And now I want pancakes!
Eleonora says
Wow, I love sauna! Don’t know about US etiquette: in Europe bathing suits are generally NOT recommended, because the fabric of bathing suits prevents a “proper sweating” and is supposed to increase possible chafing and bacteria. If you don’t want to go naked you normally use a towel (light cotton fabric rather than fluffy sponge), which is certainly recommended to sit on. If it’s a wet sauna you’ll probably have clean water available to wash the place you’ll sit on. No shoes, no food, silence and relax. Enjoy!
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
Kath, you make me want to go make breakfast all over again! Good thing you bought all that pumpkin at the beginning of the season, you’ve got enough to make pancakes with pumpkin all year (from the look of your food storage in the basement)!
Enjoy the gym!
Dana @ my little celebration says
Oh wow.
These pancakes have left me agasp. I must attempt to recreate these pumpkin pannies soon.
And I mean soon.
Lovely post Kath. Happy Friday-ing,
Dana
Catarina says
These look SO good! *drools… :P*
I’ve been meaning to change my porridge breakfast for a while… Maybe I’ll do pancakes next week since I’m going to have a few classes starting late!
Lovely photos <3
[email protected] says
Beautiful photos as always! I can almost taste them!!
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) says
Mmm! I love pumpkin pancakes. Have fun swimming and saunaing. I lobe the sauna and steam room at my gym. You can definitely wear a haying suit and if your in the sauna your towel shouldn’t get too wet.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I have half-a-can of pumpkin left and I think it just found a home! Great idea – Saturday mornings are made for pancakes. Great topping ideas. I haven’t been in a sauna in a long time but don’t remember getting that sweaty, other than my forehead. Swimming is awesome and peaceful. Enjoy and have a great weekend.
Tracey says
Wow, these pancakes look amazing!
I usually don’t make pancakes at home because they always turn out awful. I think this post has just motivated me to heat up my skillet and practice more:)
Dee says
Dang! This breakfast looks EPIC!
Sauna Etiquette says
Great blog! Your pictures made me hungry 🙂
As far as the sauna goes, you may want to call the facility to see what their rules are. Some saunas are co-ed, while others have specific times for men and women to use the sauna separately. You’ll likely be able to wear your bathing suit, but a quick call couldn’t hurt. Your towel shouldn’t get too wet, but it will get sweaty if you have it wrapped around you.
Allison says
Hey Kath,
I tried to make pumpkin pancakes the other day by simply adding the pumpkin to my standard pancake mix and using less water. Problem is, the pancakes NEVER got done! They had WET batter inside, no matter how long I cooked them. I would love to try it again. Any tips?
Thanks!
Kath says
Mine were a BIT more doughy on the inside. I liked that, but if you didn’t (or yours were just too wet) I’d just add less pumpkin.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Those pancakes are epic!
Also I’m jealous that your gym has a sauna! I could probably be persuaded to go swimming if my gym had one! 😛
Hannah says
I think I just died. Looks SO GOOD. Just as well I’m going out to dinner tonight at a nice restaurant – I’ll definitely need something ridiculously over-the-top at dessert to make myself feel better about not having these pancakes! 😀
Marika says
I love saunas but I agree that it’s boring to sit there by yourself! Where I live (Estonia) going to the sauna is usually a social activity, not just something you do at the gym (but of course people use saunas in gyms as well!).
Heidi - apples under my bed says
These look so so so delicious!
Heidi xo
jenna says
why must you alwaysss have the best breakfasts!? hah.
jenna