Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

If you love fall as much as I do, you’ll understand why I whip out this pumpkin waffles recipe as soon as I see even one leaf change colors!

Close your eyes and say the words, “pumpkin waffles.” Doesn’t your mind instantly fill with flashes of orange, gold, and red, hayrides, corn mazes and leaves crunching under your feet? Just me?

Well, you don’t even have to love pumpkin-spice everything to appreciate this classic breakfast food with a seasonal twist. 

Pumpkin waffles are a nice blend of brunch staple and fall-favorite flavor,  perfect for chilly autumn mornings. They are instantly comforting with their warm, fluffy texture, and the aromatic spices will make your house smell amazing. While other people are all fired up over fall candle scents, you could just make these all season long for the same effect!  

And if you’re not the biggest pumpkin fan, but want a fall waffle, try these apple cinnamon waffles instead!

What to serve with pumpkin waffles

One of the best things about waffles is their versatility. Even though these incorporate pumpkin puree and distinct spices, there are still plenty of ways to dress them up, if you want. You can keep it simple with a drizzle of maple syrup or go all out with a lot of toppings. 

Topping Options

For a nutty crunch, sprinkle on some chopped pecans. Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a cool, rich touch, or make it simple and delicate with a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar. These baked apple slices would be the ultimate pairing of fall flavors.

You could take things up a notch and try some new flavor combinations with apple butter, almond butter, cranberry compote, dark chocolate chips or bourbon-infused caramel sauce. On that note, you could really have fun with these by doing a waffle bar and letting your family or guests customize their waffles with a variety of toppings and sauces.

Best Breakfast Sides

Any breakfast items go great with these pumpkin waffles, especially savory standards like crispy bacon, breakfast sausages, and eggs prepared however you like them. This bacon and cheese quiche with spinach is another great option. You could also add fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or blueberries, whether as a topping or on the side. 

If you are serving a large breakfast meal for family and friends, consider adding this delicious overnight breakfast casserole … and perhaps some sausage balls, too. They’re both great for feeding a slightly bigger bunch.  

Build a Full Brunch Menu

Beyond breakfast foods, you can add some heartier options for an autumn-themed brunch, like a savory sausage and apple stuffing, roasted vegetables, or a hearty butternut squash soup. The flavors in these dishes are complementary to the warm spices of the waffles and make for an unexpectedly tasty combination.

Do Dessert

Beyond the brunch table, pumpkin waffles can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert. They’re yummy on their own, or you can use them as a starting point for something more decadent, like a pumpkin waffle sundae. To make them, layer waffle pieces with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, crushed pecans and whipped cream.

You could follow the same layering approach to make a pumpkin waffle trifle. Use the waffles as the base and layer them with pumpkin spice pastry cream, whipped cream, and gingersnap cookies. Serve with some a pumpkin spice latte for a fully rounded treat!

Ingredients needed to make pumpkin waffles

Below are the key elements of the recipe and a bit about how each makes these waffles so delicious.

• Eggs: Gives the waffle batter structure and moisture while binding it together.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps create tender, fluffy waffles.
• Butter: Contributes richness and a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pairs well with pumpkin spice to enhance the overall flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: Gives the waffles their signature pumpkin flavor and adds moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Complements the pumpkin puree with a warm, cozy flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds another layer of warmth on top of the other spices.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note for depth of flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Works with the baking powder to leaven the batter.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness to enhance the overall flavor.

A couple of alternative ingredients to try

For variations on the recipe below, nutmeg and cloves are two ingredients that come to mind to enhance the flavor of these pumpkin waffles in different ways. A pinch of nutmeg along with the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon will further elevate the warm, cozy flavor (and smell). You have to love the distinct taste of cloves to try this, but adding a small amount to the batter complements the pumpkin and other spices.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Large glass measuring cup
3. Waffle maker

Frequently asked questions about pumpkin waffles 

Leave a comment if you have a question you don’t see covered here, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Is it better to make waffles with oil or butter?

Using butter in waffle batter gives the waffles a richer flavor and a slightly softer texture. Oil can work too, but the waffles won’t have the more classic, traditional taste people know so well.

How do you keep homemade waffles from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy waffles, place the cooked waffles on a wire rack in a single layer. This allows the steam to escape and prevents moisture from building up.

Preparing waffles in batches allows for proper cooking and ensures that each waffle achieves a desirable crisp texture. This technique is especially useful when making large quantities for gatherings or meal prepping.

How do I make waffles fluffy?

When preparing your batter, using separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients is essential. Whisk together your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, while combining wet ingredients in a separate large bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined. This method helps prevent over-mixing, ensuring light, fluffy waffles.

What is the best way to store homemade waffles?

You can store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster for a crispy texture.

You can also freeze waffles for up to three months. Just allow the waffles to cool, then freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container with parchment between the layers.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen waffle, simply pop it into the toaster or toaster oven until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?

Yes! By swapping traditional ingredients with plant-based or gluten-free alternatives, you can customize it to suit your family or guests’ needs. You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You should also ensure that all other ingredients used, such as baking powder and spices, are also certified gluten-free.

For a dairy-free version, replace the buttermilk with non-dairy milk like almond milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. While the unsalted butter in the traditional batter provides a rich, buttery taste, a good dairy-free alternative is coconut oil, which lends a hint of natural sweetness.

For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax or chia seed eggs, substitute the buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with a touch of vinegar, and again, opt for vegan butter or coconut oil.

What if I don’t have a waffle iron?

You can use this recipe to make pumpkin pancakes instead. Utilize the same ingredients and instructions, but cook the batter on a griddle or frying pan, adjusting the amount of buttermilk for consistency, if needed.

More Grandma-approved recipes

If you loved this recipe for overnight sausage breakfast casserole, here are a few other recipes you should try! They are all delicious and grandma-approved.

• Apple Cinnamon Waffles
• Easy Banana Bread Recipe
• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Chocolate Chip Muffins With Sour Cream
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes