Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe because it brings that cozy autumn feeling to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice creates waffles that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, just right for breakfast or brunch. Whenever I’m craving something comforting but want to keep things simple, this recipe never disappoints.

What I really appreciate about this Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe is how user-friendly it is, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to fuss with complicated measurements. Using a buttermilk pancake mix as the base saves you from mixing a dozen separate ingredients, making it ideal for busy mornings or impromptu weekend breakfasts. You’ll find that these waffles crisp up nicely on the outside while staying soft inside — it’s become a favorite in my family, especially when topped with maple syrup and toasted pecans.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients blend classic fall flavors with pantry staples, making this recipe both accessible and delicious. Using a good buttermilk pancake mix helps the waffles stay fluffy and tender, while the pumpkin puree and spices add that irresistible seasonal touch.

• Buttermilk pancake mix: I use Trader Joe’s brand for great texture and flavor, but any quality mix will work.
• Brown sugar: Adds just enough sweetness and a hint of caramel that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star spice mix that brings warm, comforting notes.
• Cinnamon: Enhances the spice blend and adds depth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and lifts the flavors.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right flavor and moisture.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter and give the waffles structure.
• Neutral oil: I’ve tried olive oil, canola, and avocado oil – all work beautifully, just avoid using melted butter here.
• Water: Keeps the batter the right consistency for crisp but tender waffles.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe based on what I have on hand or the occasion. Whether you want to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or jazz it up for a holiday brunch, there’s plenty of room to customize.

• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pancake mix and add a bit more water for a tender waffle; I tried this and was amazed at how well it worked!
• Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk instead of water – the texture is a little different, but still tasty.
• Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries add texture and extra flavor – my family goes crazy when I sneak in some toasted pecans.
• Spice Levels: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the spice mix for a bit more warmth and complexity.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your buttermilk pancake mix, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Doing this ensures the spices and sugar are evenly distributed so your waffles have consistent flavor. I find that taking this extra minute helps avoid any overly sweet or bland bites.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, egg, oil, and water. Whisk these together until smooth and well blended. The pumpkin gives moisture and richness, so don’t skip this step. When I first tried mixing dry and wet all at once, the batter was lumpy, so trust me — keep them separate before combining.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, then gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix here; it’s okay if a few lumps remain. Overmixing can make waffles tough, so take it easy — you want light, fluffy results. You’ll notice the batter is a bit thicker than regular waffle batter due to the pumpkin, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Preheat Your Waffle Maker and Cook

Turn on your waffle iron and let it heat fully (most have a ready light). Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the batter onto your preheated waffle maker. Cook according to your machine’s instructions, or until the waffles are lightly golden and set through. My waffle maker takes about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don’t peek too early or flip—the steam escaping tells you when they’re done.

Step 5: Repeat and Serve

Keep going until all your batter is used. You’ll get about 15 mini waffles or fewer larger ones depending on your waffle maker size. Serve these fresh and warm with butter and pure maple syrup—I promise your family will be asking for seconds. Adding chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar elevates these into something special.

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my pumpkin waffles with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup because it highlights the warm spices and pumpkin flavor. Sometimes, I add toasted pecans or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips right on top — this combo is a total crowd-pleaser in my house!

Side Dishes

These waffles pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a hearty meal. On chillier mornings, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, I stack mini pumpkin waffles with layers of whipped cream and cinnamon sugar, turning them into a fun pumpkin waffle tower. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving morning or a special treat for guests. You can also use cookie cutters to shape waffles into pumpkins or leaves—my kids adore this for Halloween brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover waffles, I recommend letting them cool completely before storing in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, making it easy to enjoy them later without wasting food.

Freezing

Freezing pumpkin waffles is a game-changer for busy mornings. I place the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents sticking and lets me grab just what I need. They freeze beautifully for up to a month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the waffles straight into a toaster or toaster oven to keep them crispy—microwaving can make them soggy. I usually toast them for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisped. This way, they taste almost as fresh as when first made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends simplicity with that nostalgic fall flavor everyone loves. It’s become my go-to when I want a quick, comforting breakfast that feels homemade but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all morning. I truly hope you enjoy making (and eating) these as much as my family does — once you try it, I bet you’ll keep it in your breakfast rotation for years to come.

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