There’s something absolutely magical about waking up to the aroma of pumpkin waffles on a crisp fall morning. These Easy Pumpkin Waffle Recipe waffles are the perfect way to celebrate the season with their warm spices, fluffy texture, and that unmistakable cozy pumpkin flavor that makes you feel like autumn is wrapping you in a warm hug.
I’ve been making these waffles for years now, and they’ve become a beloved tradition in our household. What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The secret is using pure pumpkin puree and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that work together to create that quintessential fall flavor we all crave.
These waffles are wonderfully versatile too. You can serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or even go savory with a creamy sauce. I often make a batch and freeze them so I can have a quick breakfast ready throughout the week. They reheat beautifully in the toaster and taste just as delicious as the day they were made.
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. All-purpose flour, eggs, milk, and of course, pumpkin puree are the stars of the show, but it’s the combination of spices and a touch of vanilla extract that really elevates these waffles from ordinary to extraordinary. If you’re looking for other cozy autumn recipes to complement these waffles, you might enjoy making comfort food sides or trying something like hearty mains for dinner.
One of my favorite things about this pumpkin waffle recipe is how it brings people together. Whether you’re making them for a special weekend breakfast, a fall-themed brunch with friends, or just a cozy morning at home, these waffles have a way of making everyone smile. The warmth of the spices combined with the tender, fluffy texture creates a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.
I always recommend having your toppings ready before you start cooking, as these waffles are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the waffle iron. Some of my favorite toppings include a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, a spoonful of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, toasted pecans, or even some pickled garnishes if you’re feeling adventurous. For a more gourmet presentation, you can add some roasted peppers or other seasonal toppings.
This recipe makes about 8-10 waffles depending on your waffle iron size, which is perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for the rest of the week. The batter comes together in about 10 minutes, and once your waffle iron is preheated, you’ll have fresh, hot waffles on the table in no time. According to Bon Appétit, the key to perfect waffles is ensuring your waffle iron is properly preheated and that you don’t overmix your batter. I’ve found that a light hand when combining the wet and dry ingredients results in the fluffiest, most tender waffles.
For those looking to expand their breakfast repertoire, Serious Eats has excellent resources on waffle iron techniques and variations. You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even swapping in other pureed fruits. New York Times Cooking also offers great insights into seasonal baking and how to adapt classic recipes for fall and winter months.
The pumpkin in this recipe provides natural moisture and richness, which means you can use slightly less oil or butter than you might in traditional waffle recipes. This makes these waffles a bit lighter while still maintaining that wonderful, indulgent texture. The pumpkin also adds natural sweetness, so I’ve kept the added sugar moderate to let the spices and pumpkin shine through.
One pro tip I’ve learned over the years is to let your batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the leavening agents to begin their work, resulting in even fluffier waffles. Also, make sure not to open your waffle iron too early – let each waffle cook until the steam has mostly stopped coming out, which indicates they’re cooked through and crispy on the outside.
These pumpkin waffles are perfect for meal prep too. Simply cool them on a wire rack, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just pop them in the toaster and they’ll be ready in minutes. It’s like having a delicious fall breakfast waiting for you any time you need it.
Whether you’re a pumpkin spice enthusiast or someone who loves cozy autumn flavors, this Easy Pumpkin Waffle Recipe is sure to become a fall favorite in your home. The combination of simplicity, incredible flavor, and versatility makes it a recipe worth making again and again. So grab your waffle iron, preheat it, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these absolutely delicious pumpkin waffles!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Nonstick cooking spray or additional butter for greasing waffle iron
- Optional: maple syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, pecans, or chocolate chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy – do not overmix. Overmixing will result in tough, dense waffles.
- Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate and creates fluffier waffles.
- Once your waffle iron is fully preheated, carefully pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter into the center of the waffle iron, depending on your iron’s size. Adjust the amount based on how full your iron gets.
- Close the waffle iron lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the steam has mostly stopped coming out from the sides and the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully open the waffle iron and remove the waffle using a fork or wooden fork to avoid scratching the nonstick surface. Place on a wire rack or serve immediately.
- Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron between each batch if needed.
- Serve the waffles warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, toasted pecans, or fresh fruit.
Pro Tips
Pumpkin Puree Quality: Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. Pure pumpkin will give you better control over the flavor profile.
Waffle Iron Tips: Different waffle irons cook at different rates and temperatures. Start checking your first waffle at the 3-minute mark and adjust cooking time accordingly for subsequent batches.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. The batter may thicken slightly, so add a splash more milk if needed before cooking.
Freezing Method: Cool completely on a wire rack, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Transfer frozen waffles to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly in the toaster or toaster oven.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you prefer a more pronounced pumpkin spice flavor, you can use slightly more cinnamon and nutmeg. Some people enjoy adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice for extra depth.
Topping Ideas: Classic maple syrup is always wonderful, but also consider whipped cream infused with vanilla, a drizzle of caramel sauce, candied pecans, crushed gingersnaps, or a dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions: These waffles are best enjoyed immediately while still warm and crispy on the outside. If you need to hold them, place finished waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep them warm without making them soggy.
Recipe Scaling: This recipe doubles easily if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Simply double all ingredients and prepare the batter in a larger bowl.
Dietary Notes: For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk and use dairy-free butter. The waffles will be just as delicious.