Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

I love how these waffles combine real pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie spice for plenty of seasonal flavor in every bite. The outside cooks up crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy, giving me the texture I want in a homemade waffle. I also appreciate how quickly the batter comes together with everyday baking ingredients. With different toppings and easy make-ahead storage options, I can enjoy these waffles for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon treat.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin Waffles:

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 ⅔ cups whole milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree , NOT pumpkin pie filling
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup light brown sugar , firmly packed
• 3 tablespoons butter , melted

Garnishes:

• candied walnuts , for garnish
• whipped cream , for garnish

Directions

1. I whisk or sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and fine sea salt in a medium mixing bowl, then set the mixture aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, I whisk together the whole milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, light brown sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined.
3. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding everything together without overmixing the batter.
4. I heat my waffle iron according to the appliance directions and generously coat it with cooking spray.
5. I add the appropriate amount of waffle batter for my particular waffle maker, since the exact amount varies depending on its size and brand.
6. I cook the waffles according to my waffle maker’s directions until the outside is crisp and the centers are cooked through.
7. I serve the waffles immediately with syrup, candied walnuts, and whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Yield varies depending on waffle maker size
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts directly to the batter when I want extra crunch. For a sweeter variation, I fold in mini chocolate chips, which pair especially well with pumpkin and warm spices. I can also add a little extra cinnamon when I want a stronger spice flavor.

For toppings, I like switching between candied walnuts, whipped cream, maple syrup, caramel sauce, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. When I want some freshness to balance the warm flavors, I serve the waffles with sliced apples, bananas, or berries.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pumpkin spice waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. I allow them to cool completely before storing them so they do not become overly soft from trapped steam.

I can also freeze cooked waffles for longer storage. When I am ready to eat standard-size frozen waffles, I reheat them directly in the toaster until hot and crisp. For thicker Belgian-style waffles, I prefer using a toaster oven or regular oven, watching them carefully as they reheat. I find that reheating waffles this way helps restore their crisp exterior better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No. I use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling because pie filling contains additional sweeteners and spices that can change the finished waffles.

Why should I avoid overmixing the waffle batter?

I gently fold the ingredients together because overmixing can develop too much gluten and make my waffles tougher instead of light and fluffy.

How do I make my pumpkin waffles crispy?

I make sure my waffle iron is thoroughly heated before adding the batter. I also avoid stacking freshly cooked waffles because trapped steam can soften their crisp surfaces.

How much batter should I put in my waffle maker?

I follow the directions for my particular waffle maker because capacity varies significantly between different sizes, styles, and brands.

Can I make these in a Belgian waffle maker?

Yes. I can use a Belgian waffle maker, although the number of waffles and cooking time may change because Belgian waffles are generally larger and thicker.

Can I freeze pumpkin spice waffles?

Yes. I let the cooked waffles cool completely before freezing them. I can then reheat standard waffles in a toaster or thicker waffles in a toaster oven or conventional oven.

How long do pumpkin spice waffles last in the refrigerator?

I store my leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What toppings go well with pumpkin spice waffles?

I especially enjoy syrup, candied walnuts, and whipped cream. I can also use pecans, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, sliced fruit, or additional pumpkin pie spice.

Can I make the waffles sweeter?

Yes. I can serve them with extra maple syrup or sweet toppings. I also sometimes add mini chocolate chips to the batter when I want a sweeter breakfast.

Why does the yield vary for this recipe?

I find that the number of waffles depends on the waffle maker I use. Standard and Belgian waffle makers have different capacities, so both the waffle size and total yield can vary.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Waffles are an easy way for me to bring cozy pumpkin flavor to the breakfast table. I love the combination of crisp edges, fluffy centers, real pumpkin puree, and warm pumpkin pie spice. Since the recipe takes only about 20 minutes to prepare and the cooked waffles store and freeze well, I can enjoy them for a relaxed weekend breakfast, seasonal brunch, or quick make-ahead morning meal.