Name: Simple Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1-2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 large eggs; 1 1/3 cups milk; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 3 tablespoons oil (or melted butter); 1 cup canned pumpkin (not a full 15 oz can)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 90 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast that feels like autumn on a plate, this Simple Pumpkin Waffles Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Packed with warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a perfect crisp on the outside, these waffles are just the right balance of sweet and fragrant. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special treat on a chilly morning, these waffles invite you to indulge in seasonal goodness with ease and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of four thick, golden-brown waffles sits centered on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface underneath. The waffles have a slightly rough texture with deep square pockets. On top of the stack, there is a dollop of smooth, creamy white butter that is melting slightly. A warm amber syrup is being poured from a white jug, flowing down over the waffles and butter in shiny streams. In the background, blurred white and orange pumpkins and some cinnamon sticks in the foreground add a cozy touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create such a deliciously tender and flavorful waffle. Each addition is essential, bringing its own magic to the batter — from the fluffiness and lift of the flour and baking powder to the warmth of the pumpkin spice blend, and the moisture and sweetness coming from pumpkin and maple syrup.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your waffles, providing structure and a light crumb.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and enhances the waffles’ golden-brown color.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create lightness in the batter.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1-2 teaspoons pumpkin spice: A perfect blend of warming cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg – the heart of pumpkin flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds extra depth to the spice profile.
3 large eggs: Provide richness, color, and help bind the batter together.
1 1/3 cup milk: Keeps the waffle batter smooth and tender.
1/4 cup maple syrup: Imparts natural sweetness and a classic autumn flavor.
3 tablespoons oil (or melted butter): Adds moisture and crispy edges.
1 cup canned pumpkin: The star ingredient – lends moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.

How to Make Simple Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by stirring together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mixing the dry ingredients first makes sure your spices and leavening are evenly distributed, giving your waffles consistent flavor and rise.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate measuring jug or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, oil (or melted butter), and canned pumpkin until perfectly smooth. This wet mixture will bring warmth and moistness to your waffle batter, helping it cook up tender and rich.

Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t worry about a few lumps — overmixing can make waffles tough, so a gentle hand is key for fluffy results that stay light and airy inside.

Step 4: Cook Your Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and cook the waffles on medium heat. I find that cooking them a little longer than usual ensures they’re cooked all the way through and achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior, making every bite delightful.

How to Serve Simple Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

A close-up image of a piece of golden brown waffle held by a woman's hand with a silver fork, topped with a dollop of white cream and light brown cinnamon powder, with honey dripping over the waffle's textured surface. Below, a white plate holds more golden waffles with a generous swirl of white cream sprinkled with cinnamon and honey drizzled over them. The background is a soft white marbled surface with blurred elements like a white bowl of cream and a glass of amber liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your pumpkin waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch, add chopped toasted pecans or a handful of fresh berries – these little extras bring texture and bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

Simple pumpkin waffles pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or warm spiced apples also add lightness and freshness to your plate, making breakfast feel special without extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn these waffles into a brunch centerpiece? Layer them with mascarpone and pumpkin butter between stacked waffles for a decadent waffle cake. Or shape them into smaller rounds to serve as waffle sliders filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover waffles, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out, so you can enjoy that pumpkin goodness again without remaking the batter.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen waffles keep wonderfully for up to two months, making mornings easier when you need a quick breakfast fix.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your pumpkin waffles is in a toaster or toaster oven so they stay crisp on the outside and soft inside. Microwaving works too but may soften the texture, so keep that as a last resort.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you absolutely can. Just be sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth before measuring out a cup to use in the recipe. Canned pumpkin is just a convenient shortcut, but fresh adds an extra layer of freshness.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

No worries! You can simply mix ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg in equal parts to mimic that classic pumpkin spice flavor perfectly. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

How do I get my waffles extra crispy?

Cooking your waffles a little longer on medium heat helps develop a crispier outside while keeping the inside moist. Adding a touch of oil or melted butter to the batter also improves crispness and browning.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Of course! Fold in your favorite extras like chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips right at the end before cooking. Just be careful not to overfill the waffle iron so they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Simple Pumpkin Waffles Recipe a try and see how effortlessly it brings cozy fall flavors to your breakfast table. It’s such a joyful way to celebrate the season with ingredients you likely already have, and the results are simply delicious. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Simple Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need