If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast treat, this Pumpkin Waffles Recipe is seriously a game-changer. I absolutely love how these waffles come out fluffy, perfectly spiced, and just the right hint of pumpkin flavor that isn’t overpowering. Whether you’re making a family brunch or just want something special to kick off your morning, I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: The recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
Perfectly Spiced: Pumpkin pie spice adds that classic fall warmth without being too sweet or heavy.
Versatile Batter: You can easily swap milk or oil types to suit your dietary preferences without compromising taste.
Freezer Friendly: Make extras ahead and freeze them for a quick weekend breakfast that tastes fresh.

A white plate holds a round golden waffle cut into three large pieces. On top of the waffle, there is a thick layer of brown nut butter with small chunks of nuts spread evenly in the center. The waffle's deep square pockets hold a dark syrup, filling some squares with a shiny texture. A gold fork is stuck into a small bite-sized piece of the waffle near the right edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a blue cloth near the bottom left corner and a red apple and orange pumpkin softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Waffles, Pumpkin Waffles Recipe, Fall Breakfast Ideas, Easy Waffle Recipes, Cozy Pumpkin Breakfasts

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this Pumpkin Waffles Recipe are straightforward and easy to find. I love that you don’t need any fancy stuff, just good quality basics that come together to make a rich, tender waffle bursting with fall flavor.

Flat lay of a small mound of all purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white bowl containing vibrant orange pumpkin puree, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of pale golden neutral oil, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a small white bowl holding a golden-brown mixture of pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of kosher salt arranged neatly beside the spice bowl placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Pumpkin Waffles, Pumpkin Waffles Recipe, Fall Breakfast Ideas, Easy Waffle Recipes, Cozy Pumpkin Breakfasts

All purpose flour: The base of your waffle batter—make sure it’s fresh for the fluffiest results.
Baking powder: This gives your waffles that light rise; don’t skip it.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and a bit of moisture.
Pumpkin pie spice: The magic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes these waffles feel like autumn on a plate.
Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness.
Pumpkin puree: Use canned or homemade—just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Milk of choice: Dairy or non-dairy works, so pick what you like best.
Neutral oil: Helps keep the waffles tender and moist; I usually use canola or vegetable oil.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve found that this Pumpkin Waffles Recipe is super flexible and you can easily make it your own. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, want a bit more spice, or just want to mix in some fun extras, here are a few of my go-to variations.

Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend—I’ve done this plenty, and the texture is just as fluffy.
Extra Spice Kick: Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or dash of cardamom if you like your waffles a bit more fragrant.
Chocolate Chip Love: Toss in some mini chocolate chips into the batter just before cooking for a sweet surprise your kids will adore.
Dairy-Free Delight: I always use almond or oat milk and coconut oil if I want to keep things dairy-free, and it works flawlessly.

How to Make Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Waffle Iron and Dry Ingredients

Before you start mixing, preheat your waffle iron to the high heat setting. This is key because a hot waffle iron helps create that crispy, golden crust we all love. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until everything is evenly combined. I like to take a moment here because it prevents any clumps and ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Smoothly

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and neutral oil. You want the eggs well beaten and the pumpkin fully incorporated so the batter is smooth. When I first made these waffles, I found that vigorous whisking here really helped prevent lumps and kept the batter light.

Step 3: Combine and Cook Immediately

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk vigorously until the batter looks mostly smooth—some tiny lumps are fine; overmixing can make waffles tough. Brush a little oil on your waffle iron to prevent sticking, then pour about 1¼ cups of batter (for Belgian waffles) or a little over ½ cup (for a standard waffle iron) into the center. Close the lid gently and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions. Remove the waffle carefully and place on a baking sheet without stacking to keep them crisp.

Step 4: Serve or Keep Warm

To make waffles to order, continue cooking and serving right away. If you want to keep them warm, place cooked waffles in a 250°F oven on a wire rack or baking sheet. This way they stay crispy without getting soggy while you finish up the batch.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Don’t Overmix: I learned that whisking just enough to combine ingredients keeps waffles tender, while overmixing makes them chewy.
Use Fresh Pumpkin Pie Spice: Freshly mixed spice blends pack so much more aroma and flavor—your kitchen will smell incredible.
Keep Waffles Crispy: Use a wire rack in your warm oven so steam doesn’t get trapped and soften the waffles.
Freeze with Air Removed: I discovered sucking air out of freezer bags with a straw avoids freezer burn and keeps waffles tasting fresh.

How to Serve Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Two thick waffle pieces with a golden brown color sit on a white plate with a thin blue rim. The waffles have a textured grid pattern filled with syrup and a dollop of nut butter on top, which looks creamy and slightly chunky. A silver spoon with syrup is pouring a thin stream of syrup onto the front waffle, making it glisten. A white-handled fork rests next to the waffles. The background is blurred with warm tones and some fruits in soft focus. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Waffles, Pumpkin Waffles Recipe, Fall Breakfast Ideas, Easy Waffle Recipes, Cozy Pumpkin Breakfasts

Garnishes

When it comes to toppings, I keep it simple but seasonal: a pat of butter, a drizzle of real maple syrup, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries when I want a bit of brightness. You’ll find that these little extras make the waffles feel even more special.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these pumpkin waffles with crispy bacon or a side of scrambled eggs for protein balance. Roasted apples or a simple fruit salad with citrus adds freshness and complements the spice beautifully. For a brunch crowd, sausage links and a fresh green salad work surprisingly well, adding variety to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to stack the waffles into a tall tower layered with whipped cream and caramel sauce, then sprinkle with toasted pecans. It’s like a breakfast cake that makes a statement. Ribboning caramelized apple slices around the plate or placing individual waffles in mini cast-iron skillets for each guest adds that cozy, restaurant-quality feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover waffles store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that keeping them in a single layer with parchment paper between to prevent sticking really helps when you want to reheat just a few at a time.

Freezing

Freezing is my go-to for busy mornings. I let the waffles cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze hard before transferring to a plastic bag. Sucking out excess air with a straw is a little trick that keeps freezer burn at bay. These freeze well for up to a month.

Reheating

Reheating is a snap: pop frozen waffles straight into a toaster. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute bake at 350°F on a wire rack in the oven crisps them right back up without drying. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make waffles rubbery, which nobody wants.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you roast and puree your fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s well strained and thick to match the consistency of canned puree. Using fresh pumpkin can add a lovely, natural sweetness and flavor.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

Not a problem! You can easily mix your own by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. It’s simple and tastes just as amazing.
How do I keep my waffles crispy after cooking?

Place cooked waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking them. If you need to keep them warm, put them in a 250°F oven to help maintain crispness without steaming.
Can I make these waffles dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and neutral oil instead of butter. For a vegan egg substitute, try flaxseed meal mixed with water, but note it may change the texture slightly.
How long does it take to make this Pumpkin Waffles Recipe?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes: 10 minutes to mix and prep, and another 10 minutes to cook waffles to order.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Waffles Recipe quickly became a favorite in my household because it hits that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and comforting pumpkin flavor. It’s straightforward enough to whip up on busy mornings but special enough to feel like a treat. I hope once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for pumpkin puree even when it’s not technically fall—because, honestly, who says pumpkin is just for one season?