This Might Be The Exact Date IHOP's Pumpkin Pancakes Return In 2022

"Brace yourselves. Pumpkin flavored everything is coming," warns Imminent Ned in one of the many versions of the "Game of Thrones" meme. To some, pumpkin spice season is indeed a fate worse than winter. From Peeps to Spam, nothing is safe from being pumpkinized. In fact, PSL lovers spent $511 million on pumpkin products in 2019, proving the fall flavor is anything but basic. The smell and taste of pumpkin spice stir up the nostalgia of times past and excitement for the holiday season. "So come August, we're like fall is kind of around the corner, we're anticipating all the good things that are coming," said Richard Lopez, a psychology professor at Bard College, in an interview with CNN.

Good things await for the PSL obsessed, like enjoying a stack — or two — of IHOP pumpkin pancakes. "Every year, our guests eagerly await the return of our seasonal pancakes," said Brad Haley, IHOP's chief marketing officer, in a 2018 press release. Made with real pumpkin and a blend of fall spices and topped with whipped cream, these fluffy flapjacks are reminiscent of freshly baked pumpkin pie — and we all love eating pie for breakfast.

Pumpkin spice season starts earlier and earlier each year, so when will pumpkin pancakes be back on IHOP's menu?

While Dairy Queen might be serving up its pumpkin spice lattes in August, IHOP isn't in a hurry to say goodbye to summer. According to Thrillist, in 2021, IHOP's pumpkin pancakes returned on September 13 along with other limited-edition items, including Caramel Apple a la Mode pancakes and Reese's Pieces pancakes, and yes, IHOP served apple pie in pancake form topped with ice cream.

IHOP pumpkin pancakes are usually available through early January, but in 2016 and 2018, the festive flapjacks stuck around for just a little over a month. If you miss out or want to experience fall warmth during the summer, try our easy recipe for pumpkin pancakes which you can enjoy all year round. 

When IHOP's pumpkin pancakes do come back around, if you want the complete hearty autumn breakfast experience, you can make it a combo with two eggs, bacon or sausage, and hash browns.