Pumpkin Waffles

Give your breakfast game a Fall flair with these Pumpkin Waffles! This easy, homemade recipe takes traditional Belgian waffles and adds in some pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice for an irresistible flavor. You’ll be whipping up this quick recipe all season long—just don’t forget the maple butter.

Homemade Pumpkin Waffles

In the Fall, you’ll find pumpkin spice EVERYWHERE! And why not? The flavor perfectly reflects the mood of the season. It’s warming, earthy, and everything we want when there’s a slight chill in the air (or, if you’re in Texas, wishing for a chill in the air!).

So, why not add it to some waffles?! Better yet, mix in some real pumpkin purée too, and what you’ll get is this delightful Pumpkin Waffle.

I knew it would be good, but y’all, this breakfast is ah-mazing. 

As I was devouring another waffle, I felt an irresistible urge to grab some ankle boots and a sweater (but not really because Texas stays too hot for too long).

And don’t even get me started on the maple cinnamon butter. I’m practically looking for things to add it to.

But for real, this just might be my new favorite way to start a crispy, Fall morning. 

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make these easy pumpkin waffles include:

• Flour. Both all-purpose flour and a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend will work in this recipe. It depends on your personal preference. I would avoid whole wheat flour or other grainy varieties, though.
• Sugar. You’ll need a ¼ cup of white or brown sugar. But, you can sub in a more natural sweetener if you prefer, like coconut sugar.
• Leavening agents. Both baking powder and baking soda work together to give these waffles a decadent, fluffy texture.
• Seasonings. Whip up your own homemade pumpkin pie spice or grab a jar at the store. You’ll also need some extra cinnamon along with salt to go with the warm spices.
• Eggs. Two large eggs are needed for this recipe. Opt for free-range, natural eggs for the most health benefits.
• Milk. You can choose regular dairy milk or stick with a plant-based variety, like almond milk, if needed.
• Pumpkin purée. It’s actually pretty simple to make your own pumpkin purée from sugar or pie pumpkins. Or, you can grab a can at the grocery store. Be sure to avoid pumpkin pie filling!
• Maple syrup. This natural sweetener adds to the fall flavor of the recipe.
• Vanilla extract. Don’t miss this simple ingredient in the batter.
• Maple cinnamon butter. While not required, this is the perfect topping to these waffles. You only need butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon to whip it up.

How to Make Pumpkin Waffles

Below you’ll find the steps to make these fluffy pumpkin waffles:

Make the Butter

The first step (that you can also do a day or two beforehand) is to make up the maple cinnamon butter, if you’re using it.

Simply add the maple syrup, ¼ to ½-tsp cinnamon, and the room temperature butter to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat the ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it’s nice and fluffy. You can also mash the ingredients together with a fork until well combined.

Set aside, or keep in the fridge.

Mix the Batter

Allow the waffle iron to heat up for at least 3 minutes before adding the batter.

Add the dry ingredients—the flour, sugar, baking powder and soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt—to a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is combined.

In another medium bowl, stir together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. 

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, then mix with a spatula until it’s just combined. A few clumps are okay.

Cook the Waffles

Mist the waffle iron with a non-stick cooking spray. 

After the iron is fully heated, pour in the waffle batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Each iron is different, so you’ll have to figure out the exact amount needed.

If you haven’t made the butter, now is the time!

Serve the Waffles

Once the homemade waffles are done cooking, serve them on a plate with some of the maple cinnamon butter, more maple syrup, and toasted pecans, if desired. For a special treat, try Cinnamon Sugar Pecans! You can go with any of your favorite toppings, like whipped cream or even chocolate chips, too.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: While the batter won’t keep, you can make the waffles a day or two early. You can also whip up the butter a few days early, as well.
• How to store: Keep leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
• How to freeze: This recipe freezes fantastically. Place waffles in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 to 4 months.
• How to reheat: A toaster oven is the best method for crispy waffles, or you can use a skillet or microwave if preferred.

Can I add pumpkin purée to waffle mix?

Technically, you can add pumpkin purée to a waffle mix. However, you’ll need to adjust the other wet ingredients to make up for the extra moisture in the batter.

Can I freeze pumpkin waffles?

Pumpkin waffles freeze exceptionally well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 to 4 months. This is an excellent recipe to make a big batch ahead of time and pull out on busy mornings.

What goes with pumpkin waffles?

Breakfast foods like scrambled eggs and bacon all go well with pumpkin waffles. You can also keep it light with some fresh fruit. The options are endless!

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Stick with a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend.
• Sugar-free: Choose a natural sweetener, like coconut sugar.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• DIY. It’s so easy to make your own pumpkin pie spice, and you’ll have it on hand for future recipes.
• Pay attention. Don’t overfill the waffle iron or you’re in for a big mess.
• Add everything. Be sure to include all of the ingredients for the best results.
• Make it work. You can use either regular flour or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend when making these waffles.
• Top ’em off. Don’t forget the maple cinnamon butter when serving.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Waffles

If you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast, serve these waffles with any of these recipes.

For some protein, go with Healthy Spinach Egg Muffins, Egg White Bites, or Breakfast Egg Muffin Cups. Of course, you can Bake Bacon or make Air Fryer Bacon.

You can also make a Fruit Smoothie.

More Sweet Breakfast Recipes

Whether you’re craving waffles, pancakes, or muffins, we’ve got you—and the whole family—covered.

If you’ve never had a Dutch Baby Pancake, you have to try it. You can also make Blueberry Pancakes or Pumpkin Pancakes.

Or, whip up some Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes or Chocolate Banana Muffins.