Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Waffles

Welcome to your new favorite fall breakfast tradition! This **Pumpkin Waffles Recipe** promises a delightful experience, delivering waffles that are wonderfully crispy on the outside, incredibly soft and fluffy inside, all infused with the perfect amount of warming pumpkin spice.

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The Pumpkin Waffle Recipe You’ll Crave All Season Long!

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of pumpkin and warm spices filling your kitchen, especially on a crisp autumn morning. These homemade Pumpkin Waffles are, without a doubt, my family’s ultimate fall and winter breakfast indulgence. They even give my beloved homemade cinnamon rolls a run for their money – it’s a constant delightful tie!

I dedicated time to perfecting my classic waffle recipe, infusing it with those comforting autumn flavors by adding rich pumpkin puree and a carefully balanced blend of spices. The result? These light, flavorful waffles with perfectly crisp edges and a truly authentic pumpkin-spice taste. For an extra touch of decadence, pile them high with homemade whipped cream and my signature vanilla sauce. Get ready to experience breakfast heaven!

The Joy of Homemade Pumpkin Waffles: A Fall Breakfast Essential

As the leaves change color and the air grows cooler, our cravings naturally shift towards warm, comforting flavors. Pumpkin waffles are the quintessential fall breakfast, embodying everything we love about the season in one delicious bite. Imagine waking up to the inviting scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger wafting through your home, promising a plate of golden, fluffy goodness.

Beyond being incredibly delicious, making waffles at home is a fun and rewarding experience. This recipe simplifies the process, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. Whether you’re planning a cozy family brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply treating yourself to a delightful morning meal, these pumpkin spice waffles are guaranteed to impress. They offer a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your diet, transforming a simple breakfast into a memorable culinary event.

Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles

Crafting the perfect pumpkin waffle starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving that ideal crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture and rich flavor:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our waffles. Using white all-purpose flour provides the right structure. Always level your measuring cups by scraping off any excess with a straight edge for precise results, ensuring your waffles aren’t too dense or too crumbly.
• Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing and enhancing all the sweet and spicy flavors. It prevents the waffles from tasting flat, making every bite more vibrant.
• Fresh Baking Powder: This leavening agent is the secret to wonderfully fluffy waffles. It reacts with moisture and heat to create air bubbles, giving your waffles their signature light texture. To ensure your baking powder is still active, test it by mixing a teaspoon into a small bowl of hot water. If it fizzes vigorously, it’s good to go! If not, it’s time for a fresh can.
• Ground Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: These are the stars of our fall flavor profile. Cinnamon offers warmth and a subtle sweetness, while pumpkin pie spice (a blend typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) delivers that quintessential autumn aroma and taste that makes these waffles so comforting. Don’t skimp on fresh, fragrant spices!
• Light Brown Sugar: Beyond adding sweetness, brown sugar contributes moisture to the batter, resulting in a more tender waffle. Its molasses content also provides a subtle caramel note, complementing the pumpkin and spices beautifully. Pack it firmly into your measuring cup for accuracy.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and consistency of your waffles. Pure pumpkin provides natural moisture and that rich, earthy pumpkin flavor we’re looking for.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness and a tender crumb to the waffles. Its fat content contributes to a more luxurious texture and flavor. For best results, ensure your milk is at room temperature before mixing.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and deepens the complex spice notes, adding another layer of aromatic warmth to your pumpkin waffles.
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the waffles’ structure and fluffiness. Using room-temperature eggs is vital because they incorporate more evenly into the batter, preventing clumps and resulting in a smoother, more uniform texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps create those coveted crispy edges. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe. Ensure it’s melted and then cooled slightly before adding it to the batter.

Pro Tip: Room Temperature is Key!

One of the most crucial tips for fluffy waffles is to use room-temperature wet ingredients (eggs, milk, and cooled melted butter). When ingredients are at different temperatures, they don’t emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy batter and potentially denser waffles. Running cold eggs under warm water for a few minutes or gently warming milk in the microwave can quickly bring them to the ideal temperature.

How To Make the Best Pumpkin Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delicious pumpkin waffles is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps carefully for a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by melting your unsalted butter and setting it aside to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents it from scrambling the eggs when added. Similarly, gently warm your milk in the microwave for a few seconds or let it sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature. For eggs, either let them sit out for an hour or carefully place them (still in their shells) in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes. Ensuring all wet ingredients are at a consistent, room temperature is critical for a smooth batter that won’t clump.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This prevents pockets of unmixed spice or soda in your finished waffles.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin puree, room-temperature milk, vanilla extract, and room-temperature eggs to the well. Use a whisk to gently combine these wet ingredients with the dry, starting from the center and gradually incorporating the flour from the sides. Mix just until a shaggy batter forms.
4. Add Melted Butter: While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the cooled, melted butter. Whisk until the batter is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough waffles. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Rest the Batter (The Secret to Fluffiness!): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest on the counter for at least 10 minutes, or even up to 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, the flour to fully hydrate, and the baking powder to activate properly, resulting in significantly fluffier and more tender waffles.
6. Cook Your Waffles to Golden Perfection: While the batter rests, preheat your nonstick waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly preheated waffle iron is essential for crispy edges and even cooking. Once hot, pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter (or the amount recommended by your waffle maker for each cavity) onto the center. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown, crispy on both sides, and cooked through in the center. The steam will usually subside, and many waffle irons have a “ready” light or sound indicator.

Pumpkin Waffles Recipe Tips for Unbeatable Results

To ensure your pumpkin waffles are nothing short of spectacular every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: This tip cannot be stressed enough! Using room temperature eggs, milk, and cooled melted butter is foundational for a smooth, homogenous batter. Ingredients at varying temperatures can cause the butter to seize or the batter to become lumpy, preventing the uniform texture we’re aiming for. This small step makes a significant difference in the final product’s fluffiness.
• Do Not Over-Mix the Batter: Once you’ve added the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until everything is combined and a smooth batter forms. Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to dense, chewy, and less tender waffles. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and often indicate you haven’t overdone it.
• Always Fully Preheat Your Waffle Iron: Patience is a virtue when it comes to waffle making. A scorching hot waffle iron is the key to achieving those coveted crispy exteriors and preventing sticking. If you pour batter onto a lukewarm iron, your waffles will likely be soft, pale, and stick stubbornly. Wait for the “ready” indicator light, or give it an extra minute or two after it signals it’s hot.
• Invest in a Quality Waffle Iron: The right equipment truly makes a difference. A good waffle iron heats evenly and has a reliable nonstick surface. If you’re in the market for a new one, this is the waffle maker I personally use and highly recommend. It consistently produces perfectly cooked, crispy, and fluffy waffles every single time, making your waffle-making experience a breeze.
• Don’t Peek Too Early: Resist the urge to lift the lid of your waffle iron too soon. Opening it before the waffle is ready can cause it to tear or stick. Wait for the steam to dissipate or for your iron’s indicator light to signal that it’s done.
• Keep Waffles Warm & Crispy: If you’re making a big batch and want to serve them all warm and crisp, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). As each waffle finishes cooking, place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and transfer it to the warm oven. This keeps them from getting soggy while you finish the rest of the batch.

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin Waffles

Once your beautiful pumpkin waffles are cooked to perfection, it’s time for the fun part: toppings! While they are fantastic on their own, a few additions can elevate them to an extraordinary breakfast experience.

• Classic Maple Syrup: A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is always a winner. Its natural sweetness perfectly complements the warming spices of the pumpkin waffles.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, airy, and delicately sweet, homemade whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence. Its cool creaminess provides a lovely contrast to the warm waffles.
• Vanilla Caramel Sauce: My favorite vanilla sauce (which can easily be made into a caramel sauce with brown sugar) is a phenomenal pairing. Its rich, buttery, and sweet profile creates a truly decadent experience.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, berries, or even sautéed apples with a touch of cinnamon can add freshness and a tangy counterpoint.
• Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: For a more indulgent treat, sprinkle chocolate chips over the waffles as they come off the iron, letting them melt slightly.

Pumpkin Waffles

By Chelsea Lords

With wonderfully crispy edges and an irresistibly cakey, soft center, these sweet, cinnamon-infused Pumpkin Waffles are the absolute perfect breakfast or brunch to celebrate the autumn season!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 12 waffles

Equipment

• Waffle iron (see Note 1 for recommendation)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 4 teaspoons fresh baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (or granulated sugar)
• 2/3 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For Serving (Optional)

• Syrup (see Note 2 for homemade vanilla caramel sauce recipe)
• Homemade whipped cream
• Fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients to Temperature: Melt the unsalted butter and set it aside to cool completely to room temperature. Gently warm the whole milk in the microwave for a few seconds or allow it to reach room temperature naturally. Place uncracked eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes to bring them to room temperature. It is crucial that all wet ingredients are at the same temperature to prevent the batter from becoming lumpy.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl or directly on top of the dry ingredients, add the pumpkin puree, room-temperature milk, vanilla extract, and room-temperature eggs. Whisk these wet ingredients together, then gently incorporate them into the dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Incorporate Cooled Butter: While continuing to whisk gently, slowly drizzle in the cooled melted butter into the batter. Whisk until the batter is smooth with no large lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make waffles tough.
4. Rest the Batter: For the fluffiest waffles, cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes on the counter. This allows the ingredients to fully hydrate and the leavening agents to activate. (For an even faster and tastier breakfast, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Stir gently in the morning before cooking.)
5. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your nonstick waffle iron according to its manufacturer’s instructions until it is fully hot. Once heated, pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter (or the appropriate amount for your waffle maker’s cavities) onto the hot iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown, crispy on both sides, and cooked through in the center (steam will usually stop, or the iron’s indicator light will signal readiness).
6. Serve Immediately or Keep Warm: Serve your delicious pumpkin waffles immediately with your choice of toppings. If cooking a large batch, keep cooked waffles warm and crispy by placing them on a wire rack set over a baking pan in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the remaining batter (see Note 3).

Recipe Notes

• Note 1: Waffle Iron Recommendation: A good waffle iron makes all the difference for achieving the perfect waffle texture. My favorite and highly recommended waffle iron ensures consistent, excellent results every time.
• Note 2: Homemade Vanilla Caramel Sauce: To make a simple and delicious syrup, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a medium pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the syrup slightly thickens, which usually takes about 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
• Note 3: Keeping Waffles Warm and Crispy: To prevent waffles from getting soggy while you finish cooking the batch, place them on a cooling rack set over a large baking pan. Put the pan in a preheated 200°F (95°C) oven. This method allows air to circulate, keeping them crisp and warm.
• Note 4: Overnight Batter for Convenience: For an even faster and more flavorful breakfast, prepare the waffle batter the night before. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, give it a gentle stir and cook it in your preheated waffle maker. This resting period enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Storage & Reheating: Allow pumpkin waffles to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze with wax paper between layers for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave – no need to thaw!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

• Serving: 1 waffle
• Calories: 187 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24.2 g
• Protein: 5.4 g
• Fat: 7.7 g
• Cholesterol: 77.7 mg
• Sodium: 132 mg
• Fiber: 1.1 g
• Sugar: 4.2 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pumpkin Waffles

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your pumpkin waffle-making experience is a huge success:

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?

No, it’s highly recommended to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and often other ingredients that will significantly alter the flavor, sweetness, and consistency of your waffles. Our recipe carefully balances its own spices and sugar, so using pie filling would throw that balance off.

My waffles aren’t crispy; they’re soft. What went wrong?

The most common reasons for soft waffles are an insufficiently preheated waffle iron or over-mixing the batter. Ensure your waffle iron is piping hot before adding the batter. Also, avoid over-mixing, as this develops gluten, leading to tougher, less crispy waffles. Using a good quality waffle iron also helps greatly.

Can I make these waffles gluten-free or dairy-free?

While this specific recipe is not formulated for gluten-free or dairy-free diets, you can experiment with substitutions. For gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum). For dairy-free, substitute whole milk with an unsweetened plain dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or soy milk) and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Keep in mind that results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.

How can I achieve extra fluffy waffles?

Beyond using room-temperature ingredients and not over-mixing, letting your batter rest is key! The 10-minute rest period allows the flour to fully hydrate and the baking powder to start its work, yielding a much fluffier waffle. For even better results, try the overnight rest method mentioned in the recipe notes.

What’s the best way to serve these pumpkin waffles for a crowd?

When serving a crowd, prepare all your toppings in advance. As you cook the waffles, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep them warm and crispy. This way, everyone can enjoy hot, fresh waffles at the same time.