Spiced Pumpkin Waffles

Experience the ultimate autumn delight with these incredibly moist and perfectly spiced Pumpkin Waffles. Infused with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of pumpkin puree, they offer a tender, fluffy interior complemented by an irresistibly crisp exterior. Ideal for a cozy fall breakfast or a festive holiday brunch, these waffles promise a comforting and delicious start to any day.

Why You’ll Adore These Homemade Pumpkin Waffles

Get ready to fall head over heels for these truly exceptional pumpkin waffles. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of warm pumpkin flavor and fragrant pumpkin pie spice, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and signals the arrival of autumn. The magic lies in their texture: wonderfully crispy on the outside, giving way to a soft, tender, and incredibly fluffy interior. These aren’t just waffles; they’re an autumn dream, a seasonal celebration on a plate!

Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a special holiday brunch, or even a delightful “brinner” (breakfast for dinner), these pumpkin waffles are incredibly versatile. Elevate your serving experience by topping them with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream or a luscious whipped topping. A sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice and a handful of chopped nuts—pecans or walnuts work beautifully—add a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of cozy flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into such a comforting and delicious creation; it’s truly an experience the whole family will cherish.

The Magic of Pumpkin in Your Morning Meal

If you’ve always reserved pumpkin puree for the traditional pumpkin pies and various fall baking endeavors, prepare to have your culinary world expanded! Pumpkin puree is an absolute game-changer for breakfast foods, bringing an incredible amount of moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle earthy flavor that complements a wide array of morning favorites. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a touch of vegetable goodness and a beautiful golden hue to your dishes.

Think beyond the pie! Have you tried Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins? They’re an absolute classic for a reason – the pumpkin keeps them moist and flavorful. And for pancake lovers, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are an undeniable treat, turning an ordinary morning into something special. For a heartier, nutritious option, my Pumpkin Banana Pancakes are a must-make, packed with wholesome goodness. But the star of this season? My easy and utterly delicious pumpkin waffle recipe, guaranteed to become a family favorite that everyone will request year after year. Pumpkin truly transforms breakfast into an autumnal feast!

Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Waffle Board for Gatherings

Elevate your hosting game and make any gathering truly memorable with a stunning Pumpkin Waffle Board. This creative and interactive presentation turns breakfast or brunch into an exciting culinary event, perfect for friends and family alike. Imagine a beautifully arranged spread featuring these warm, fragrant pumpkin waffles as the star, surrounded by an enticing array of complementary flavors and textures. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that encourages connection and joy.

Beyond the delightful pumpkin waffles themselves, a well-curated board can feature an abundance of amazing elements. Consider adding warmly sautéed apples with a hint of cinnamon, crunchy cinnamon sugar pecans, crispy baked bacon, or even savory sausage for a balanced spread. Fresh berries, a variety of syrups (maple, caramel, chocolate), and different whipped toppings can add color and choice. The visual appeal alone is enough to excite everyone at the table, making your gathering feel extra special and ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate. A waffle board transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable feast, embodying the spirit of generous autumn entertaining.

Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Stellar Pumpkin Waffles

(See the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise measurements and detailed instructions.)

To create these delectable pumpkin waffles, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and a few key pieces of kitchen equipment. Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference in achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Key Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the fundamental structure of your waffles, providing the necessary body and shape. For those with dietary considerations, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used as a direct substitute. Alternatively, whole wheat flour can impart a nuttier flavor and added fiber, if preferred.
• Light brown sugar: Offers a delicate sweetness with a hint of warm molasses, beautifully complementing the pumpkin and spices. It ensures the waffles are perfectly sweet without being overly sugary, making them ideal for breakfast. Dark brown sugar can be used for a slightly richer, deeper flavor profile.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The quintessential blend for fall, this spice mix typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. It’s an effortless way to infuse deep, cozy warmth into every bite. You can easily craft your own custom blend with my homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe for unparalleled freshness.
• Baking powder: The primary leavening agent, crucial for creating that wonderful lift and ensuring a tender, fluffy waffle texture. Don’t skip this for airy results!
• Baking soda: Another vital leavening agent that reacts with the natural acidity in the pumpkin puree. This reaction helps create the delightful puffed texture within the waffle, contributing to its airy yet substantial feel.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing every single flavor in the waffle, particularly bringing out the aromatic notes of the pumpkin spice.
• Canned pure pumpkin: The star ingredient! This adds incredible moisture, a rich pumpkin flavor, and contributes to the waffles’ soft, dense, and satisfying texture. It’s the heart of the recipe, making these waffles feel like a wholesome indulgence. Ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Whole milk: Imparts a lovely richness and helps thin the batter to the perfect consistency. The slightly higher fat content in whole milk contributes to a more luxurious, tender waffle, though any milk variety can be used effectively.
• Large eggs: Act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together, providing structure, and assisting the waffles in rising beautifully as they cook. Lightly beating them beforehand ensures even distribution.
• Unsalted butter: A key player for richness, tenderness, and flavor. Melted butter helps create that desirable dense, moist interior and, critically, contributes to the wonderfully crisp exterior that defines a great waffle.
• Pure vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a sweet, aromatic warmth that beautifully complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Whipped topping or Homemade Whipped Cream, for serving: Essential for that classic, decadent waffle experience.
• Maple syrup, for serving: A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is non-negotiable for serving, adding natural sweetness and a sticky glaze.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnishing: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, completing the autumn aesthetic.

Essential Supplies:

• Waffle iron: The most important tool for achieving perfect waffles. A Belgian waffle iron is recommended for deep pockets.
• Large mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two for separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: For thoroughly combining ingredients and achieving a smooth batter.
• Cooking spray: To prevent sticking and ensure easy release from the waffle iron.
• Baking sheet (optional for keeping waffles warm): Useful for holding cooked waffles in a warm oven while the rest of the batter is used.

How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful pumpkin waffles is a straightforward process, ensuring you can enjoy a warm, homemade breakfast without any fuss. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful waffles every time.

• Begin by preheating your Belgian waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s specific directions. This ensures the iron is at the optimal temperature for even cooking and achieving that desirable crisp exterior.
• In a spacious large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, fragrant pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening agents or salt.
• In a separate bowl, prepare your wet ingredients. Whisk together the canned pure pumpkin, whole milk, lightly beaten large eggs, melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

• Now, gently combine the two mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until they are *just* combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a more tender waffle. The resulting batter will be noticeably thick.
• Lightly spray your preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring full coverage to prevent sticking. Ladle approximately 1/3-cup of the pumpkin waffle batter onto each side of the waffle iron. Close the lid and allow the waffles to bake for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are wonderfully crisp on the outside. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron model.

• As each waffle cooks, carefully remove it from the iron and transfer it to a baking sheet that has also been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. If you’re making a larger batch, you can place the cooked waffles in a warm oven (around 200°F / 95°C) while you continue to cook the remaining batter. This keeps them warm and slightly crisp until you’re ready to serve.

• Serve your exquisite pumpkin waffles immediately! Drizzle generously with pure maple syrup, add a cloud of whipped topping or homemade whipped cream, a final dash of pumpkin pie spice for extra aroma, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for a delightful crunch. Enjoy this ultimate autumn breakfast!

Tips for Storing and Reheating for Lasting Enjoyment

Don’t let any of these delicious pumpkin waffles go to waste! Proper storage and reheating techniques mean you can enjoy their comforting flavor days, or even weeks, after they’re first made. This makes them perfect for meal prepping a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

To Store Leftover Waffles: Once completely cooled, place leftover waffles in an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Ensuring they are fully cooled before storage is key to preventing sogginess.

To Freeze Waffles: For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, ensure the waffles are completely cool. I highly recommend letting them sit on a cooling rack for a while to ensure all steam has dissipated. Then, you can either flash-freeze them on a baking sheet until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container, or place parchment paper between each waffle layer in a container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Freezing them individually prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to grab just what you need.

To Reheat for Optimal Crispness: The best way to bring frozen or refrigerated waffles back to life with their original crispy exterior is to toast them. Simply pop them into a toaster or toaster oven, just as you would toast. This method works wonders, reviving their delightful crispness and warmth.

To Reheat Several Waffles in the Oven: If you’re reheating a larger batch of leftover waffles simultaneously, the oven is your best friend. Arrange the waffles in a single layer on a baking rack or directly on the oven racks (to allow air circulation for crisping). Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Reheat for approximately 5-10 minutes. Waffles directly from the refrigerator will likely need less time (around 5-7 minutes), while those from the freezer will require closer to 8-10 minutes to heat through and crisp up. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

There’s truly nothing quite like the cozy embrace of a homemade pumpkin waffle, especially during the crisp autumn months. I hope these Pumpkin Waffles bring as much warmth and joy to your home as they do to mine. Their perfect balance of spices, moist interior, and crispy exterior makes them an unforgettable breakfast treat. If you decide to whip up a batch of my Pumpkin Waffles, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your culinary masterpieces. If you’re a Facebook user, consider joining my vibrant Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community where we connect, share our love for food, and exchange all the fun and yummy recipes you make from my collection! I genuinely get so much joy from seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every delightful bite!

With much love and happy cooking,

Print Recipe

Pumpkin Waffles

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  Author: The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 5 minutes
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  Cook Time: 30 minutes
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  Total Time: 35 minutes
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  Yield: 12 waffles

Print Recipe

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Description

Pumpkin puree adds moisture and sweetness to these lightly spiced Pumpkin Waffles. With a soft and fluffy inside and a crisp exterior, they make the perfect autumn breakfast.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin (1 and 3/4 cups)
• 1 and 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• whipped topping, for serving
• pumpkin pie spice, for serving
• maple syrup, for serving
• chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnishing

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Instructions

1. Preheat a Belgian waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
5. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and add 1/3-cup waffle batter to each waffle side. Close the waffle iron lid and let bake for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
6. Remove to a baking sheet that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Place cooked waffles in a warm oven while you cook remaining waffle batter.
7. Serve with maple syrup, whipped topping, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and chopped nuts.

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