Pumpkin Cinnamon Butter

I was making cinnamon roll pancakes (which are now a family favorite for weekend breakfasts) and I realized that we are running super low on butter.  (Side note:  I know that Lynn and Acacia just flipped out a little because the last time that they saw my butter drawer, it was totally full and we had a long conversation about how couponing leads to buying too much but I promised that I was going to use it all and not let it go to waste.  I swear we are down to the last three tubs of butter and we did use them for cooking, baking and my son's great toast habit).  I had a tub of Country Crock pumpkin butter that I haven't used and could never figure out how I was going to use it.  Well, I found the use!!!

I melted it down and it was a little more pumpkin-y thick than normal butter but it still looked good and melted down to over 1 1/2 cups so I doubled my normal cinnamon bun filling recipe.

I added in the brown sugar which filled the measuring cup a little full.  I was starting to think that I needed a bigger container but it mixes in really easily and makes sure that I only dirty one container :)

Then I used the last of my cinnamon from Amish country!!!  I am going to have to dig in the cupboards and see if there is anymore but I think that was the bottom of the stash.  I was doubtful that there was a difference between spices but using Amish cinnamon changed my mind.  I am addicted and I love this stuff!!!  Check out that empty container :(  Of course, it lead to the wonderful mixture sitting next to it.

I also had the whole family in on the help.  The little man got a little too excited so Daddy had to help so that the counter wasn't covered with the yummy mixture.

I highly recommend trying it because it added little more flavor even though the pumpkin was barely able to be tasted.  It was still super cinnamon-y.  Three thumbs up from our house.  I hope that you try it out soon.  To find the pancake recipe and more details, check out the original post here.  I hope that your family enjoys it as much as mine did.

Notes:

*This recipe can be used to add directly to any pancake mix.  Just make sure that it bubbles and is almost ready to flip before adding the cinnamon butter or you will have a bigger mess :)  We use the pancake mix when I get it super cheap and just adding water makes it a fast alternative to making the pancake mix from homemade (although the homemade is better tasting if you have never tried, check out the recipe)

**Any leftovers can be put in a sealed bag and frozen until the next time you want these yummy treats.  It heats up even better the second time around so I like to make a double batch if I have the supplies.

FILLING RECIPE

1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients and add to pancakes!!!