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These Homemade Pumpkin Spice Waffles capture the cozy flavors of fall in every bite.
Made with real pumpkin puree and a warming blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, they’re a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce.
Nutritionally, these waffles offer a good balance of protein and fiber, with 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, helping to keep you full and energized throughout the morning.
The use of butter and milk adds healthy fats that contribute to a satisfying texture, while the moderate sugar content keeps sweetness just right.
Their quick preparation time and simple two-bowl method make them perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches alike.
Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking fresh, these waffles provide a comforting, wholesome start to your day that’s both festive and nutritious.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Waffle Iron
The cornerstone of this recipe, it cooks your batter into crisp, golden waffles with perfect ridges. A quality waffle iron delivers even heat and browning, essential for fluffy interiors and crunchy exteriors. Beyond waffles, many models double as sandwich presses or grill pans, adding versatility to your kitchen.
Mixing Bowls (Set of 2)
Using two bowls helps separate your dry and wet ingredients for better mixing control. Durable, easy-to-clean mixing bowls are kitchen staples for everything from baking to salad prep.
Whisk
Perfect for blending wet ingredients smoothly and aerating dry ones, a whisk speeds up mixing while avoiding overworking your batter. It’s a must-have for sauces, dressings, and baking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is key in baking, and accurate measuring tools ensure consistent results every time. A quality set makes portioning dry and wet ingredients straightforward and mess-free.
Spatula
Essential for scraping down bowl sides and gently folding ingredients without deflating your batter, a silicone spatula also works great for flipping waffles or removing them cleanly from the iron.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Equipment
- 1 Waffle iron
- 2 — Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- 1 Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons (various sizes)
- 1 Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice blend or combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree canned, not pumpkin pie filling
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup milk plus additional if batter is too thick
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Turn on your waffle iron to preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures a hot surface for perfectly cooked waffles.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add in the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, and milk. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Blend Batter: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture inside. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or spoon until just combined. The batter should be thick but still pourable—if it seems too dense, add a splash of milk to loosen it slightly. Be careful not to overmix to keep waffles tender.
- Cook Waffles: Pour the batter onto your preheated waffle iron in appropriate amounts (usually about ½ to ¾ cup depending on your iron size). Close the lid and cook until the waffles turn golden brown and crisp. This generally takes 3 to 5 minutes but follow your waffle maker’s instructions for best results.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the waffles carefully and place them on a cooling rack or plate. Serve warm topped with butter and pure maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice blend to your taste. Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can deepen the flavor complexity.
- Pumpkin Purée Tip: Use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid overly sweet or spiced batter.
- Batter Consistency: If the batter thickens after sitting, gently stir in a bit more milk before cooking.
- Waffle Iron Care: To prevent sticking, lightly grease your waffle iron with butter or cooking spray before each batch.
- Storage and Reheating: Cooked waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for longer. Reheat in a toaster or oven for crispiness.
Chef’s Secrets for Fluffy Waffles Every Time
Achieving perfectly fluffy pumpkin spice waffles starts with careful handling of the batter.
Mixing the wet and dry ingredients until just combined is key—overmixing can develop gluten in the flour and lead to tough waffles.
Using baking powder and baking soda together ensures a balanced rise and tender crumb.
Don’t skip melting the butter; it adds richness and helps create a crisp exterior.
When grating pumpkin pie spice from scratch, freshly ground spices provide a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.
If your batter feels too thick, adding a splash of milk will improve its pourability without sacrificing texture.
Preheating your waffle iron thoroughly guarantees even cooking and that coveted golden crust.
Lastly, using a cooling rack to rest waffles after cooking prevents sogginess, maintaining their crispness for serving or storage.
Serving Suggestions to Delight Your Tastebuds
These pumpkin spice waffles pair wonderfully with traditional maple syrup and a pat of melting butter, highlighting their warm spice profile.
For an indulgent twist, top with whipped cream and toasted pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or berries adds brightness and balances the richness.
For a protein boost, serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage.
If serving brunch guests, create a toppings bar with nuts, seeds, yogurt, and honey to allow everyone to customize their waffle experience.
These waffles also make a delicious base for dessert—try layering with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a seasonal treat.
Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness
Pumpkin spice waffles store well both refrigerated and frozen, making them excellent for meal prep.
Once cooled completely, place waffles in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days; reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispness.
For longer storage, freeze waffles individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag—this prevents sticking and allows you to reheat just what you need.
Avoid microwaving, as it often results in soggy waffles. Instead, a toaster or oven at medium heat crisps them back to perfection.
You can also freeze the batter for up to a week and cook fresh waffles as desired, adjusting with a little milk if it thickens after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Simply
1. Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but the texture may be slightly denser.
2. What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can easily make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, adding a pinch of cloves or allspice if desired.
3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Fresh pumpkin can work but requires cooking and pureeing first. Canned pumpkin puree is more convenient and consistent in moisture.
4. How do I keep waffles crisp when making ahead?
Cool waffles completely on a wire rack before storing and reheat them in a toaster or oven rather than the microwave.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.
This recipe is inspired by kyleecooks and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
