Pumpkin Waffles

When it comes to breakfast treats, it’s hard to beat warm, crispy waffles, especially when they’re flavored with pumpkin puree and warming spices. Compared to a standard waffle recipe, this pumpkin waffle recipe requires only a few extra ingredients to add that wonderful layer of spice. They cook up just as quickly as regular waffles and taste particularly festive on a cool fall morning.

Pumpkin Waffle Ingredients

• Flour: We use two types of flour to give the pumpkin waffles an ideal texture. All-purpose flour helps them stay light and chewy, while whole wheat flour adds density and a nutty character.
• Brown sugar: A few tablespoons of brown sugar gives these waffles a rich flavor and a slightly sweet edge.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents help the waffles rise so they turn out light and airy.
• Spices: A fall-inspired recipe isn’t complete without spices! Ground cinnamon, cloves and ginger add warmth and flavor to the pumpkin waffles recipe, while salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Eggs add moisture to the waffle batter. Make sure to use room-temperature eggs, as they will blend more easily into the batter.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds acidity, which reacts with the baking soda and helps the waffles become fluffy and tender as they cook.
• Pumpkin: We generally recommend using canned pumpkin vs. fresh pumpkin. The canned variety has a smoother texture and a stronger pumpkin flavor.
• Butter: Butter adds richness to this pumpkin waffle recipe, but you can certainly swap in a neutral oil like canola oil.
• Maple syrup: We like to finish these waffles with maple syrup to accentuate their sweetness. Use the best maple syrup from the grocery store, or try swapping in one of these homemade syrup recipes.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients

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In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, salt and cloves.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

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In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, pumpkin and melted butter.

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Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened.

Step 3: Bake the waffles

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Bake the waffles in a preheated waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. If desired, serve with butter and syrup.

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Recipe Variations

• Add chocolate: Chocolate and pumpkin taste fantastic together! After combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a rubber spatula to fold dark, milk or white chocolate chips into the batter.
• Include fun mix-ins: Walnuts, pecans and dried cranberries are all great options for giving this pumpkin waffles recipe that extra pop of flavor.
• Try other toppings: Maple syrup and butter may be our go-to toppings for waffles, but you have plenty of options if you want to switch it up. Try using homemade pancake syrup, or lean into fall flavors with gingerbread syrup. If you’re feeling extra-festive, bourbon whipped cream is a fantastic extra touch.

How to Store Pumpkin Waffles

It’s best to eat these pumpkin waffles fresh to enjoy their crisp texture. That said, the leftovers will last up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze pumpkin waffles?

Pumpkin waffles freeze exceptionally well and maintain a better texture than refrigerated waffles. To freeze the waffles, first let them cool completely. Freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour, then pack them into a resealable bag or freezer-safe container. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop the frozen waffles directly into the toaster oven.

How do you reheat frozen waffles?

We recommend reheating pumpkin waffles in a toaster. The microwave also works, but a toaster is better at restoring the waffle’s crisp exterior.

Pumpkin Waffle Tips

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Can you make pumpkin waffles without buttermilk?

You can make waffles with regular milk instead of buttermilk, but we love how tangy buttermilk combines with the pumpkin puree to create fluffy, tender waffles. If you don’t want to run out to the store, try using a buttermilk substitute like yogurt or sour cream. You can also make your own buttermilk by combining milk with lemon juice or white vinegar to give it that zing of acid.

Can you make pumpkin waffles with regular waffle mix?

We make our pumpkin waffle recipe from scratch, but you can definitely use a store-bought waffle mix as a shortcut. Simply prepare the waffle mix as directed and fold in the pumpkin puree and spices.

What can you serve with pumpkin waffles?

Serve our pumpkin waffles recipe with fried eggs and air-fryer bacon to create a filling fall breakfast. For a fun twist, try cutting the pumpkin waffles into quarters and use them to make a crowd-friendly breakfast board. If you’re looking for drink ideas, serve fluffy buttermilk pumpkin waffles with a warm chai tea latte or pumpkin spice latte.