If you’re looking to capture the spirit of autumn in your kitchen, these Pumpkin Waffles are a must-try. Fluffy on the inside, crisp at the edges, and packed with cozy spices, they turn any morning into a special occasion. Whether you’re craving a comforting family breakfast or want to treat yourself to something festive, this recipe brings together the rich flavor of pumpkin with classic warm spices for a truly irresistible dish. Pumpkin Waffles are perfect for chilly mornings, brunch gatherings, or whenever you need a little taste of fall magic—no leaf pile jumping required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Pumpkin Waffles lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each component not only plays a vital role in flavor and texture but also helps achieve that perfect golden color and scent that fills your kitchen with autumnal delight.

All-purpose flour: Gives the waffles structure while keeping them light and airy.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses sweetness and extra moisture.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps with browning.
Baking powder: Provides lift for fluffy waffles.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk or milk to tenderize and rise.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice for that classic pumpkin flavor.
Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
Ground nutmeg: Brings depth and a gentle nuttiness.
Ground cloves: Packs a punch of spicy aroma—use sparingly!
Large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and lends moisture; buttermilk works too for tang.
Pumpkin purée (not pie filling): Stars in the show, giving color, moisture, and earthy sweetness.
Melted butter: Makes the waffles tender and adds rich flavor.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices with a gentle, sweet aroma.

How to Make Pumpkin Waffles

Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron

Start by plugging in your waffle iron and letting it heat up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly preheated waffle iron ensures your Pumpkin Waffles will be crisp and golden right from the first batch—no sticking or pale waffles here!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This step is like creating the aromatic base for your Pumpkin Waffles, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed for every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and vibrant. This blend brings the real pumpkin flavor and that unmistakable creamy orange hue to your batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. This keeps your Pumpkin Waffles light and tender, not tough. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Lightly grease your waffle iron with cooking spray or a brush of melted butter. Scoop the batter onto the hot iron (amount may vary by model), close the lid, and cook according to your machine’s directions—usually 3 to 5 minutes—until your Pumpkin Waffles are golden, crisp, and oh-so-fragrant.

How to Serve Pumpkin Waffles

Garnishes

Dress up your Pumpkin Waffles with classic toppings like a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. A dusting of cinnamon or a few chocolate chips never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

To round out your breakfast table, serve Pumpkin Waffles with crisp bacon, breakfast sausage, or a fresh fruit salad. The sweet and savory combination is always a hit, and the fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the waffles high and add layers of caramelized apples or pears, or cut them into strips for dipping into a spiced yogurt sauce. If you’re feeling festive, create a waffle bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can personalize their Pumpkin Waffles masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, let the Pumpkin Waffles cool completely on a wire rack (to keep them crisp), then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for quick weekday breakfasts!

Freezing

These Pumpkin Waffles freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack with parchment between each and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Now you’ve got autumn on standby, ready to go!

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-iron crispness, pop leftover or frozen Pumpkin Waffles straight into the toaster or a preheated oven (350°F for about 5–7 minutes). Skip the microwave if you can—your waffles deserve their crunch!

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture of your Pumpkin Waffles. Pure purée ensures you control the sweetness and spice balance.

How can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get deliciously fluffy Pumpkin Waffles!

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For best results, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and store them in the fridge overnight. Combine them just before cooking to keep your Pumpkin Waffles light and airy, as the batter can thicken or deflate if left to sit too long.

What’s the secret to extra-crispy Pumpkin Waffles?

Letting your waffles cool on a wire rack (instead of stacking) keeps them crisp. For even more crunch, you can finish them in a hot oven (400°F for a few minutes) or add a bit more melted butter to the batter.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! This Pumpkin Waffles recipe doubles easily. Just be sure not to overfill your waffle iron, and keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the rest so everyone enjoys them hot and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Waffles are the ultimate celebration of fall flavors, and they’re so simple to whip up that you’ll want to make them all season long. Whether you’re serving a special brunch or just treating yourself on a weekend morning, these waffles promise comfort, warmth, and a whole lot of smiles. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 waffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pumpkin Waffles offer a perfect balance of warm autumn spices and rich pumpkin flavor, making them an ideal fall breakfast treat. Light, fluffy, and crisp on the outside, they’re easy to prepare using a waffle iron and pair wonderfully with maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped pecans for added texture and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Waffle Iron: Begin by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it’s ready when your batter is mixed.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined and evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
Prepare Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffles: Pour an appropriate amount of batter onto the waffle iron and cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions, typically 3 to 5 minutes, or until the waffles turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Serve: Remove waffles from the iron and serve warm topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped pecans for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Notes

For crispier waffles, allow them to cool on a wire rack instead of stacking to avoid moisture buildup.
Substitute buttermilk for regular milk to add a slight tang and enhance tenderness.
These waffles freeze well; reheat them in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast later.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American