Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups buttermilk (or 2 tablespoons vinegar + enough whole milk or 2% milk to equal 2 cups)
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly + more for cooking, if desired
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice blend* or (1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves)
½ teaspoon salt

To a large bowl, add the buttermilk. If using the vinegar plus milk option, let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the milk to turn to buttermilk.

Add the pumpkin, eggs, butter, and vanilla and stir with a whisk to combine.

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Pour the dry ingredients over the wet and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Let batter rest for about 5 minutes.

Heat a non-stick griddle to 325 degrees or set large frying pan over medium heat. Melt a little butter on the cooking surface, spreading it evenly, if desired (if the surface is non-stick, you may not need to do this). Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter onto the griddle or into the frying pan. The pancakes are ready to flip when they look a little dry around the edges and start to form little bubbles, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until golden brown and completely cooked through, 1 to 2 more minutes.

Serve topped with butter and maple syrup, if desired.