Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast, you’re going to absolutely love this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe. I’ve made these waffles countless times throughout pumpkin season, and every single time they come out perfectly fluffy, warmly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re new to pumpkin baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become your go-to for weekend mornings or holiday brunches. Trust me, once you try these waffles, your family and friends will be begging for more!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe is in the balance of ingredients that build flavor and texture without overwhelming you. I always recommend fresh pumpkin pie spice if you can find it, but a ready-made blend works wonderfully too. Whole wheat flour adds a comforting nuttiness, while all-purpose flour keeps the waffles tender and light. Here’s the scoop on each component:

• All-purpose flour: Provides that classic waffle structure and soft crumb.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds heartiness and a gentle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the pumpkin spice notes.
• Baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend that brings warmth and holiday vibes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture for tender waffles.
• Pumpkin puree: The key seasonal ingredient — I use canned pumpkin for convenience and consistency.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps with a crisp outside.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds lift.
• Butter (for greasing): Essential for preventing sticking and adds a wonderful aroma while cooking.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe is! Depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs, you can tweak it a bit. I’ve played around with some variations that turned out amazing, and it’s a great way to keep it fresh if you’re making it often.

• Gluten-Free Variation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend and keep the whole wheat flour out to make a gluten-free version that still tastes fantastic.
• Vegan Option: Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and substitute milk with almond or oat milk. I tried this for a friend’s breakfast, and the waffles still came out deliciously fluffy.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a surprising crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft waffle.
• Spice it Up: Boost the pumpkin pie spice by a half teaspoon if you like a bolder spice flavor — it’s a family favorite in my house!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients Carefully

I like to start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. Getting your dry ingredients well-mixed first means the spices and leavening agents spread evenly, which is key for perfect waffles. Don’t skip this step—uneven mixing can cause clumps or uneven rising.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Care

In a separate bowl, beat the egg slightly before adding in the milk, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. I usually whisk these together until smooth and creamy. You’ll notice how the pumpkin puree adds a lovely thickness; that’s exactly what helps your waffles stay moist without being heavy.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Just Until Moistened

This is a crucial tip I learned the hard way—when you mix your wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is moistened. Over-mixing can make waffles tough and chewy, which is the last thing you want! A few lumps are perfectly fine; they’ll disappear during cooking.

Step 4: Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Iron

Heat your waffle iron to a medium-high temperature and grease it generously with butter. I’ve found that butter not only prevents sticking but also imparts a slight nutty flavor to the waffle crust—you’ll notice the difference right away. If you skip this step, your waffles might tear when you try to remove them.

Step 5: Cook Your Waffles to Golden Perfection

Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, drop dollops of batter (around 1/4 to 1/3 cup) into the center of your waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown on both sides. Most waffle irons take about 4-5 minutes per waffle—try to resist the temptation to peek too early, or you might interrupt the cooking process.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping these waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes, I add chopped toasted pecans for crunch or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or spiced apples also bring a fresh contrast to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

A classic side for me is crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, which pairs beautifully with the sweet, spiced waffles. For a lighter option, a simple fruit salad or a cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee complements the flavors perfectly. My kids love it with yogurt on the side for some tangy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like a fall brunch or holiday breakfast, I stack these waffles and layer between each with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone cheese mixed with a little honey. Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top and a few edible flowers for a stunning look that tastes just as fantastic as it looks. It always impresses my guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover waffles, I let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each waffle and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge. They usually keep well for 2-3 days without losing texture or flavor.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool the waffles fully, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. I find they keep up to 3 months and thaw wonderfully when you’re ready.

Reheating

For reheating, my favorite method is popping frozen waffles straight into the toaster or toaster oven – it crisps them right back up without drying them out. If reheating fresh waffles, a quick 1-2 minutes in a 350°F oven works well. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crispy edges intact!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe fills the kitchen with warm aromas and delivers cozy, tender waffles every time. Making these waffles has become a treasured fall ritual in my home that never fails to bring smiles. If you want a recipe that’s quick, forgiving, and packed with that comforting pumpkin spice flavor we all crave, give this one a try—you’ll enjoy every bite, I promise.

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