Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
As autumn sweeps in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with these warm and spiced Pumpkin Waffles. They’re the perfect blend of cozy pumpkin flavor and fluffy texture, making them an ideal choice for crisp Fall mornings.
Top these waffles with a generous dollop of whipped honey butter, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, and a drizzle of rich maple syrup. Every bite delivers the delightful balance of sweet and spiced notes that complement the pumpkin perfectly.
Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed weekend breakfast or treating yourself to a special weekday morning, these Pumpkin Waffles bring the comforting taste of Fall right to your plate.
Pumpkin Waffles Recipe: Key Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, bringing rich, earthy sweetness and a beautiful golden hue to each bite, making these waffles the essence of Fall.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and fluffiness, creating waffles that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend that infuses each waffle with a fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, enhancing the seasonal flavors.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, ensuring a creamy texture that balances the spices and pumpkin.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the batter for a silky, rich finish, giving the waffles their delicious golden crisp.
Recipe Tips for Pumpkin Waffles
- Avoid Over-Mixing the Batter: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, be gentle and avoid over-mixing. The batter should still be slightly lumpy. Over-mixing can cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop, leading to dense and chewy waffles instead of the light and fluffy texture you desire.
- Customize Your Sweetness and Spice Levels: If you like your waffles on the sweeter side, add an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup to the batter. For a more robust pumpkin spice flavor, consider adding an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Adjusting these elements allows you to tailor the waffles perfectly to your taste.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing eggs, milk, and melted butter to come to room temperature before mixing them into the batter ensures a smoother, more uniform mixture. This helps the batter come together evenly, leading to waffles that cook consistently. Plus, it prevents the butter from solidifying when mixed with cold ingredients.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Waffles
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The savory saltiness of crispy bacon or sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced flavors of these pumpkin waffles. The combination of rich, smoky meat with the warm spices of the waffles makes for a well-rounded breakfast plate that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
- Yogurt and Fresh Fruit: A side of creamy Greek yogurt topped with fresh seasonal fruit like apples, pears, or berries is a refreshing complement to the richness of the waffles. The tanginess of the yogurt balances the sweet notes, while the fruit adds a fresh, juicy contrast.
- Hot Apple Cider or Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair your pumpkin waffles with a warm cup of apple cider or a homemade pumpkin spice latte to keep the autumn vibes going. The warm spices in the drink will enhance the flavors in the waffles, creating a cozy and satisfying breakfast experience.
FAQ
- Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, give it a gentle stir before ladling onto your waffle iron to ensure the ingredients are well distributed. - Can I freeze leftover waffles?
Absolutely! Place cooked waffles on a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven until they are warm and crisp. - How can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will maintain the same fluffy texture and structure in the waffles, so you can enjoy them without any gluten. - What other toppings can I use besides maple syrup?
In addition to maple syrup, try topping these waffles with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a spoonful of nut butter can also add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
These Pumpkin Waffles, accompanied by whipped honey butter, toasted pecans, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup, offer a warm and delightful start to brisk Fall mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree preferably Libby’s brand
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour measured accurately (or use a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 Tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, adjusting for your desired level of browning.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until they are thoroughly combined. Add the pumpkin puree, whole milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Gently whisk in the melted butter until it is just blended into the batter. The mixture will have some lumps—avoid over-mixing.
- Lightly coat the waffle iron plates with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the center of the preheated and greased waffle iron. The quantity may vary depending on your waffle iron’s capacity, with Belgian-style waffle makers requiring a larger amount of batter. Cook each waffle for approximately 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Serve hot, topped with maple syrup or your choice of waffle toppings.
Notes
Yields 8 standard-sized waffles using a classic 4-square waffle iron, with about 1/3 cup batter per waffle.
