If you’re looking to cozy up your breakfast routine, I absolutely love this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe for bringing that warm, nostalgic fall flavor right to your kitchen any time of year. When I first tried these waffles, the mix of pumpkin puree and aromatic spices felt like a comforting hug on a chilly morning. Whether you’re an all-year-round pumpkin fan or just want something special for the season, you’ll find these waffles delightfully fluffy, perfectly spiced, and super easy to whip up — trust me, your whole family will go crazy for this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, making this pumpkin waffle recipe a breeze to prepare.
- Perfectly Spiced: The blend of pumpkin pie spice brings that classic autumnal taste that’s never overpowering, just right in every bite.
- Versatile and Quick: From weekday mornings to weekend brunches, these waffles come together in about 20 minutes, taste fantastic fresh or reheated.
- Family Favorite: My kids begged me to make these again and again, and I reckon you’ll hear the same comments from your crew!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe is how all the ingredients team up beautifully without any fuss. Each element plays a part in creating waffles that are tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet and spice. Here’s the rundown with a few tips from my kitchen:
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and fluff; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Baking powder: Your leavening hero—double-check it’s not expired for a light waffle.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show—it’s such an easy way to get that iconic flavor without measuring multiple spices.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all those cozy flavors.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help the batter rise nicely.
- Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade—just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the batter smooth; I like almond milk for a subtle nutty taste but any milk works.
- Neutral oil: Keeps waffles moist without overpowering the pumpkin flavor; vegetable or canola oil is perfect.
Variations
I love customizing this Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe to suit whatever mood or occasion is calling—feel free to make it your own by adding a twist or two. After all, the fun is in making this recipe really yours!
- Add-ins: I often toss in a handful of chopped pecans or chocolate chips for texture and extra flavor. My family especially loves the crunch pecans add.
- Dairy-free option: Just swap the milk for coconut or oat milk, and you’re all set—these waffles come out just as fluffy and tasty.
- Whole wheat upgrade: For a nuttier taste and more fiber, try substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour. It adds a wholesome note without losing that light texture.
- Spice mix tweak: If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves—you’ll still get all those cozy spice vibes.
How to Make Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Dry Ingredients Ready
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining your flour, baking powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that the spices and leavening distribute evenly throughout the batter, which means every bite has that warm, flavorful punch. I like to whisk them together for about 30 seconds until I see a uniform color—this little extra step makes a big difference.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in your pumpkin puree, milk, and neutral oil until smooth. Don’t worry about lumps in the pumpkin puree; they’ll blend right in. Keep the milk at room temperature if you can—that helps the batter come together beautifully. I sometimes give the pumpkin puree a quick stir in its container so it’s nice and smooth before mixing.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Without Overmixing
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients, then whisk vigorously until mostly smooth. You’ll want to stop just before the batter is completely lump-free—overmixing develops gluten and can make waffles tough, and I learned this the hard way! A few small lumps are totally fine and won’t affect how fluffy the waffles are.
Step 4: Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Iron
Set your waffle iron to high heat and let it fully preheat—this helps the waffles get that crisp exterior we all love. Once hot, lightly brush or spray the surface with oil to keep the batter from sticking. I like using a silicone brush for even coverage. Don’t skip this step—you’ll thank me when your waffles come off perfectly golden without a battle!
Step 5: Cook and Keep Warm
Pour about 1 ¼ cups of batter into the center if you’re using a Belgian waffle maker, or just over ½ cup for a standard maker. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions—usually about 4-5 minutes. Avoid opening the iron too soon, or you risk breaking the waffle. Once ready, carefully remove and place them on a baking sheet; don’t stack unless you want them soggy, trust me. I keep mine in a 250°F oven to stay warm if I’m making several batches.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
- Perfect Batter Consistency: Aim for a batter that’s thick but still pourable; add a splash more milk if it feels too stiff after mixing.
- Don’t Rush Your Waffles: Resist the urge to open the waffle iron early—waiting the full cooking time ensures crispness and fluffiness.
- Wipe and Re-oil: For multiple batches, wipe down the grill and brush with fresh oil between waffles to prevent sticking and burnt bits.
- Freeze with Care: When freezing cooked waffles, remove as much air as possible from the storage bag to keep them tasting fresh after reheating.
How to Serve Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Garnishes
One thing I adore about these pumpkin waffles is how wonderfully they pair with a variety of toppings. I’m a sucker for a drizzle of real maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream, plus a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch. Sometimes, I add a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar—it makes the waffles feel extra special, especially for guests. Don’t be shy to experiment!
Side Dishes
I love serving these waffles alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast, and a side of scrambled eggs for protein. For a lighter meal, a bright fruit salad with citrus notes balances the warm spices beautifully. My family really enjoys pairing these waffles with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches or celebrations, I’ve layered these pumpkin waffles with mascarpone and drizzled caramel sauce to create a fun dessert-style stack. Another fun idea is to cut the waffles into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers with fruit and whipped cream for a playful finger food. Little touches like edible flowers or cinnamon sticks add charm if you’re hosting friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftover pumpkin waffles, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, they hold their moisture without getting too soggy. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation inside the container.
Freezing
Freezing these waffles is a game-changer for busy mornings! I let them cool fully, then pop them in a freezer bag, pressing out the air with a straw before sealing. In my experience, they freeze really well and keep their flavor and texture nicely for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer toasters since they restore the crisp edges perfectly, but popping them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes works great too. Just avoid microwaving if you want to keep them from going limp!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If you want to make your own pumpkin puree, roast a small sugar pumpkin until tender and puree the flesh in a blender or food processor. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so your waffles don’t turn out too wet.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand?
No problem—you can easily mix your own with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (check the note in the recipe). This DIY blend works just as well and lets you adjust the spice levels to your liking.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap the oil for coconut oil if you like. Results may vary slightly in texture, but still delicious!
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How do I know when the waffles are done?
Your waffle iron will usually indicate when cooking is complete. If not, wait for the steam to stop rising significantly, and the waffle should release easily and be golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe is one of those little kitchen gems I’m so glad I discovered. It’s quick, forgiving, and yields waffles that feel special but aren’t fussy. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a festive holiday, these waffles bring a comforting warmth to the table that’ll have you making them again and again. So, go ahead—give it a try and let the cozy pumpkin spice magic work its way into your breakfast rotation!
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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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy pumpkin waffles are a delicious and festive breakfast treat, combining warm pumpkin pie spice with pumpkin puree for a moist, flavorful waffle. Perfect for a cozy fall morning, they cook up crisp on the outside and tender inside using a waffle iron.
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, and 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 to ensure a crisp texture on the outside of the waffles.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and neutral oil until smooth and well blended.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and whisk vigorously until the batter is mostly smooth and free of large lumps.
- Prepare Waffle Iron: Lightly brush a small amount of oil onto the surface of the preheated waffle iron to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffles: Pour batter onto the waffle iron—about 1 ¼ cups for Belgian waffle makers or just over ½ cup for standard waffle makers—then close and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden brown.
- Keep Warm: Remove cooked waffles and place them on a baking sheet without stacking. Keep warm in a 250°F oven if making waffles to order.
- Freeze and Reheat (Optional): To freeze, place cooled waffles in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible with a straw, seal, and freeze. Reheat by toasting directly from frozen in a toaster.
Notes
- You can substitute the pumpkin pie spice with a blend of 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves for a homemade spice mix.
- Use any milk you prefer, including dairy or plant-based varieties.
- For best texture, avoid stacking waffles as they cool to keep them from becoming soggy.
- Adjust batter quantity depending on the size of your waffle iron for perfect waffles every time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg