If you’re looking to cozy up your breakfast game this fall, you’re absolutely going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe. I remember the first time I whipped these up—the aroma of warm spices filling my kitchen was enough to make anyone smile. Plus, these waffles are delightfully fluffy, packed with pumpkin goodness, and just sweet enough to hit that comfort spot without being overpowering. Stick around because I’m going to share all my secrets so you can nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of spice and pumpkin: The pumpkin pie spice adds just the right warmth without overwhelming the pumpkin flavor.
- Fluffy texture every time: Using both all-purpose and whole wheat flour gives these waffles a tender crumb you’ll love biting into.
- Quick and easy prep: You can get these on the table in under 15 minutes, which is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Family favorite: My crew goes crazy for these waffles—they’re always asking me to make them again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe come together simply, but each one plays a key role to create the perfect waffle. Using a combination of flours gives a lovely texture, while the pumpkin puree keeps things moist and full of flavor. And here’s a little tip: if you can find fresh pumpkin puree or make your own, it really takes these waffles to the next level.
- All-purpose flour: The base for fluffy, tender waffles; it creates structure without being too dense.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a subtle nutty depth and wholesome flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- Sugar: Just enough to gently sweeten without overpowering the pumpkin spice flavor.
- Baking powder: Your secret weapon for light, airy waffles that rise beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves that brings those cozy fall vibes.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness and spices.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the batter’s perfect consistency.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show—adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful autumn color.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the waffles tender and prevents sticking.
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to the waffles.
- Butter: For greasing the waffle iron, so your waffles come out perfectly crisp.
Variations
One of the best things about this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love playing around with add-ins and swaps to suit different dietary needs or just to keep things interesting. You should definitely try what feels right for your taste buds and kitchen pantry!
- Gluten-free variation: Substitute the flours with a gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get that wonderful waffle texture.
- Vegan option: Swap the egg for a flax egg and use a plant-based milk; I tried this and was surprised at how well it worked!
- Extra crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist that’s great with the pumpkin spice.
- Sweet surprise: Add chocolate chips or swirl in some maple syrup into the batter for an extra indulgent breakfast.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients with Love
Start by combining your flours, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk these dry ingredients together first to distribute the spice evenly—no one wants a bite full of cinnamon alone! This step is key in setting the stage for consistent flavor throughout the waffles.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Mixing these separately helps you achieve a smooth wet batter which, when combined with the dry, prevents over-mixing—a mistake I made on my first try and learned leads to tough waffles. Stir these until just blended and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Batter
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and gently fold together until just moistened. You’ll still see a few lumps here and there—that’s perfectly okay! Over-mixing will make the waffles dense, so resist the urge to stir more. From experience, keeping it light gives you that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 4: Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Iron
Set your waffle iron to heat up while you prep. Once it’s hot, grease it with butter to ensure your waffles come out crisp and don’t stick. I find the butter adds a lovely flavor on the edges too—worth the extra step!
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the waffle iron. I usually go with about a 1/4 to 1/3 cup per waffle to keep the size just right—big enough to enjoy without being too heavy. Cook until golden brown on both sides; this usually takes around 4-5 minutes depending on your waffle maker. When the waffle easily lifts off, you know it’s done.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: It’s tempting to make the batter perfectly smooth, but a few lumps keep your waffles tender and airy.
- Preheat Your Waffle Iron Thoroughly: A hot waffle iron ensures crispy edges and even cooking every time—my biggest game-changer.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If you can, homemade pumpkin puree adds a fresh intensity that canned just can’t beat.
- Don’t Skip Greasing: Butter or oil your waffle iron before each batch; it prevents sticking and helps the waffles brown beautifully.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing my Pumpkin Spice Waffles, I keep it simple but delightful. A generous pat of butter melting into the hot waffles is a must, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup for that classic fall sweetness. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for texture and a little dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt when we’re feeling fancy. It’s those little touches that turn breakfast into a special moment.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these waffles are crispy bacon or breakfast sausage because the saltiness balances the sweet spices perfectly. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also pairs beautifully, adding freshness and a pop of color. And of course, a warm cup of coffee or chai makes the whole experience feel like a treat you deserve.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches, I like stacking the waffles with layers of cream cheese frosting and drizzled caramel sauce—a total crowd-pleaser and unexpected twist on Pumpkin Spice Waffles. Sometimes, I’ll cut the waffles into bite-sized pieces and serve them with mini skewers alongside a festive fruit salsa. Presentation is a simple way to amp up the fun and make your guests smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If I have any waffles left over (rare but it happens!), I let them cool completely before storing. I use an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay lovely for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat to bring back some of that fresh-off-the-iron crispness.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver for busy mornings. I arrange cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together. These freeze well for up to a month—perfect for quick breakfasts on the go.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated waffles, I use a toaster or toaster oven to restore that crispy exterior without drying out the inside. If you don’t have one, a warm oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes works too. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make waffles soft, so I try to avoid it when possible.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a time saver. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars that’ll throw off the recipe balance.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Can I make my own?
You can easily mix your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. About 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and ginger, and a pinch of cloves will get you close to that classic pumpkin pie spice flavor.
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How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the waffle iron?
Greasing your waffle iron well with butter or oil before each batch is key. Also, make sure the iron is properly preheated so the batter cooks quickly and releases easily.
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Can I make these waffles ahead for a brunch party?
Definitely! You can make them the day before, keep them refrigerated, and reheat in a toaster or oven just before serving. For larger batches, freezing works great and helps you prep in advance without stress.
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Are these waffles healthy?
They’re a balanced treat! Using whole wheat flour adds fiber, and pumpkin brings in vitamins and moisture. While they do have some sugar and oil, the recipe isn’t overly sweet or heavy, so enjoy them as part of a wholesome breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly captures the essence of fall in such a simple breakfast. I love how it fills the house with warmth and brings everyone to the table eager to dig in. If you’re someone who enjoys that cozy, nostalgic feeling with every bite, you really should give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you’ve had these waffles, they’ll become a go-to in your breakfast rotation—and maybe even a family favorite for years to come.
Print
Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the cozy flavors of autumn with these fluffy Pumpkin Spice Waffles, perfectly spiced and easy to make. Combining all-purpose and whole wheat flours with pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spice, these waffles offer a nutritious and delicious breakfast or brunch option that’s golden brown and flavorful.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Dash of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 egg
For Cooking
- 2 tsp butter (for greasing the waffle iron)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a dash of salt. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just moistened. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay for tender waffles.
- Prepare Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffles: Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, drop dollops of batter (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup each) onto the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown on both sides and crisp, usually a few minutes per batch depending on your waffle iron.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or additional pumpkin spice.
Notes
- Delicious pumpkin spice waffles to satisfy your seasonal cravings!
- For extra crispiness, carefully adjust cooking time depending on your waffle iron.
- Substitute milk with any plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
- Waffles can be kept warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg