If you’re anything like me and adore all things pumpkin in the fall, you’re going to absolutely love this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe. It’s super easy to throw together and delivers waffles that are tender, perfectly spiced, and packed with that cozy pumpkin flavor we all crave. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these waffles have a way of stealing the show every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples plus pumpkin puree for easy prep.
- Perfect Pumpkin Spice Flavor: The pumpkin pie spice is the real game-changer for that nostalgic fall taste.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: You’ll find these waffles crisp on the outside yet tender inside every single time.
- Versatile and Freezable: Great for make-ahead meals and quick breakfasts during busy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe are straightforward and really complement each other beautifully. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and that lovely autumn flavor, while the pumpkin pie spice blends in perfect warming spices. Let’s break down the essentials so you can shop smart and get started.
- All-purpose flour: Your classic base for guaranteeing that right fluffy waffle consistency.
- Baking powder: This helps the waffles rise and stay light; don’t skip it!
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor that plays nicely with the pumpkin.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend that brings cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves together for that signature fall taste.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- Eggs: Key for structure and tenderness.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): I love using whole milk for creaminess, but almond or oat milk works wonderfully too.
- Neutral oil: Keeps waffles tender and helps them crisp up nicely without overpowering the flavor.
Variations
I like to shake things up sometimes with this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe to keep it exciting. You can easily customize it depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs. It’s one of those flexible recipes that makes it super fun to experiment.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and honestly, no one even noticed the difference!
- Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs and a plant-based milk; the waffles still came out delightfully fluffy.
- Extra Spice Boost: I’ve tried adding a pinch more cloves and ginger when I want an extra punch of warmth—works like a charm.
- Add-ins: Chocolate chips or chopped pecans stirred into the batter add some delicious texture and surprises.
How to Make Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly
First things first, preheat your waffle iron to high heat so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until everything is well combined. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, giving you that perfect rise and consistent flavor throughout every waffle.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and neutral oil. I always make sure the wet ingredients are well unified before mixing with the dry to avoid any lumps in the batter. That smooth batter is the secret to beautifully even cooking. Once combined, pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk vigorously—don’t worry if a few small lumps remain, this is totally fine.
Step 3: Grease and Cook Your Waffles
I like to lightly brush oil onto my waffle iron before ladling in the batter; it really helps prevent sticking. For a standard waffle maker, pour just over half a cup of batter into the center, or about 1 ¼ cups if you’re using a Belgian-style waffle iron. Close the lid and cook according to your machine’s instructions, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the waffle and place it on a baking sheet—don’t stack them right away or they’ll lose crispness!
Step 4: Keep Waffles Warm or Serve Fresh
If you’re making waffles for a crowd or just want to keep them warm while finishing the batch, pop them into a 250°F oven on a baking sheet. This keeps everything nice and toasty without drying them out. Freshly made or warmed, these pumpkin waffles always come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—exactly how I like them.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I learned that mixing just enough to combine the ingredients helps keep waffles tender, avoiding a tough or rubbery texture.
- Right Amount of Batter: Use the recommended batter amount per waffle size to prevent overflow or underfilled waffles.
- Preheat Your Waffle Iron Well: A properly heated waffle maker ensures a crispy surface and evenly cooked interior every time.
- Keep Waffles Crisp: Place finished waffles on a single layer in the oven instead of stacking to maintain their beautiful crispness.
How to Serve Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these waffles with a pat of butter and a gentle drizzle of pure maple syrup—simple and classic. For a little extra decadence, dollops of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans bring in lovely texture contrasts. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a fresh burst that balances the warm spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for crispy bacon or a side of scrambled eggs alongside these waffles, giving a nice balance to the sweet and savory components of the meal. A warm cup of coffee or chai latte complements the pumpkin pie spices beautifully and rounds out the breakfast perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to stack a few waffles high and layer in between with pumpkin-spiced cream cheese frosting or mascarpone—a total crowd-pleaser! A dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon adds that pretty finishing touch. Adding edible flowers during fall brunch gatherings has become one of my favorite little touches for a seasonal wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any waffles left over after breakfast? No worries—I usually cool them completely and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly good and reheat nicely without losing too much crispness.
Freezing
Freezing is where this recipe really shines for me. I lay cooked waffles flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then slide them into a plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible (I once learned a trick using a straw to remove air). This prevents freezer burn and helps them keep their texture.
Reheating
To reheat frozen waffles, I love popping them straight into a toaster. It revives their crisp exterior and warms them through perfectly in just a couple of minutes. If you don’t have a toaster, a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes works great too.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree for this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe?
I don’t recommend using canned pumpkin pie filling because it’s already sweetened and spiced, which can throw off the balance of flavors and sweetness in your waffles. Pure pumpkin puree is neutral and gives you full control over the spice and sugar levels.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Can I substitute it?
Absolutely! Pumpkin pie spice is just a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can easily substitute 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves to replicate that cozy spice mix.
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How do I get my waffles crispy and not soggy?
The key is to preheat your waffle iron fully before adding batter and not overloading it. After cooking, place each waffle on a single layer in a warm oven instead of stacking directly, which helps keep them crisp while you finish the batch.
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Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes! I’ve had great results swapping all-purpose flour for an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for best texture.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients came together to create such a memorable breakfast treat. My family goes nuts over these waffles every fall morning, and honestly, it’s become a tradition I look forward to sharing. You’ll enjoy how quick it is to mix up and how deeply comforting they taste. So grab your pumpkin puree, dust off that waffle maker, and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles (4 standard or 2 large Belgian waffles)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pumpkin Waffles bring the cozy flavors of fall right to your breakfast table. Made with pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spices, these waffles are tender, fluffy, and perfect for a comforting weekend brunch. They’re simple to prepare using just a waffle iron, making them a delightful treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice* (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup neutral oil
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Set your waffle iron to the high heat setting and allow it to fully preheat so the waffles cook evenly and develop a crisp exterior.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined for an even distribution of flavors.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and neutral oil until smooth and well combined, creating a homogeneous liquid mixture.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and whisk vigorously until the batter is mostly smooth with minimal lumps, ensuring a light texture in your waffles.
- Prepare Waffle Iron: Lightly brush oil onto the preheated waffle iron to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook Waffles: Pour the batter into the center of the waffle iron (about 1 ¼ cups for a Belgian waffle maker or a little over ½ cup for a standard waffle maker). Close the iron and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm or Serve: Remove the cooked waffles carefully and place them on a baking sheet without stacking. You may serve them immediately or keep warm in a 250°F oven until all waffles are ready.
- Storage and Reheating: Freeze any leftover waffles in a plastic bag with the air removed using a straw before sealing. Reheat by lightly toasting from frozen in a toaster for a quick breakfast fix.
Notes
- You can substitute the pumpkin pie spice with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves for a homemade spice blend.
- Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the lightest flavor. Avoid strongly flavored oils that might overpower the pumpkin.
- Do not stack cooked waffles to keep them crisp; rather, keep them warm in the oven until serving.
- To store, freeze waffles in an airtight bag and toast before eating for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg