I absolutely love this Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe because it combines the cozy flavors of fall with the convenience of a quick breakfast fix. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weekday morning or enjoying a relaxed weekend brunch, these waffles are a total game-changer. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and richness that just makes every bite feel like a special treat.
When I first tried making pumpkin waffles, I was surprised by how simple it was to transform a basic pancake mix into something so festive and flavorful. You’ll find that the warm spices complement the pumpkin perfectly, and the batter comes together in just minutes. If you’ve ever wanted a fuss-free way to bring autumn vibes to your breakfast table, this Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe is exactly what you need.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Uses a simple pancake mix so you don’t have to start from scratch.
- Rich Pumpkin Flavor: Pumpkin puree and warm spices bring that classic fall taste.
- Kid-Friendly: My family goes crazy for these waffles, especially with some maple syrup on top.
- Versatile: Perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together wonderfully to balance sweetness, spice, and moisture in your Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe. I always keep pumpkin puree and pancake mix on hand during fall—it makes a quick weekend breakfast feel a bit more special.
- Buttermilk pancake mix: This is your waffle base, adding fluffiness and a slight tang.
- Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evoke that fall feeling.
- Cinnamon: Extra cinnamon boosts that cozy spice factor.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling—just pure pumpkin—to add moisture and flavor.
- Large egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds structure.
- Neutral oil: Keeps waffles moist; I use olive oil, but canola or vegetable oil works well too.
- Water: Thins the batter to the perfect waffle consistency.
Variations
I love mixing it up depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to customize this Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe—there’s plenty of room for creativity here, and I encourage you to make it your own.
- Add-ins: My kids adore when I toss in mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans right into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the buttermilk pancake mix with a dairy-free version and use coconut oil instead for a vegan-friendly waffle.
- Spice It Up: Use fresh grated nutmeg or add a pinch of ginger for a little zing—I’ve done this and it’s delicious.
- Make It Sweeter: Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an indulgent treat that still feels wholesome.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the pancake mix, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed, which ensures every waffle bursts with flavor. I like to take my time here because unevenly mixed spices can lead to some bites being bland.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, oil, and water. Seeing the vibrant orange pumpkin combine with the other liquids is always a fun part of the process for me. This step is key because mixing the wet ingredients separately before combining with the dry keeps your batter smooth and avoids overmixing, which can make waffles tough.
Step 3: Combine and Stir Gently
Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, then stir just until combined. Don’t overdo it — a few lumps are okay. I learned that overmixing can take the airiness out of the batter, leading to denser waffles, so I always keep it light.
Step 4: Heat Your Waffle Maker
Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s hot, spoon about a 1/4 cup of batter onto the center. This measurement helps keep waffles the perfect size and cooks evenly without underdone centers.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden
Close the waffle maker and cook until the waffles turn a lovely golden brown and feel cooked through—usually about 4-5 minutes depending on your appliance. If you open the lid too soon, waffles might stick or break, so I wait patiently even if I’m hungry!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your waffles and add a pat of butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for the classic finish. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top for an extra special touch. These waffles are the perfect combination of fluffy, moist, and spiced just right.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree works great, but fresh pumpkin adds an even richer flavor—roast and puree your own for a fun weekend project.
- Don’t Overmix: Lumps in the batter are okay; overmixing can make your waffles dense and tough.
- Control Your Heat: Adjust the waffle maker’s temperature if waffles are browning too fast or cooking unevenly—every machine heats a little differently.
- Add Texture with Toppings: Mix in nuts or chocolate chips for crunch and flavor that keeps things interesting bite after bite.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
I often keep it simple with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup because it’s a classic combination that never disappoints. For a little extra flavor and crunch, I like sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a handful of mini chocolate chips on top — they melt ever so slightly and add an indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
These waffles pair beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage if you want a savory balance. On days I’m feeling lighter, a side of fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait works perfectly to brighten the plate and keep things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like stacking the waffles with layers of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar in between to make a fun waffle “cake.” Topping with caramel sauce and candied nuts turns it into a festive dessert worthy of any holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge and find that they stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To keep them crisp, I separate layers with parchment paper instead of stacking directly.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver with this recipe. After the waffles have cooled, I flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully and make grab-and-go breakfasts a breeze during busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop frozen or refrigerated waffles into a toaster or toaster oven. This method crisps the outside nicely while keeping the inside soft and moist—way better than the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
-
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Using the filling could throw off the sweetness and texture of your waffles.
-
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the buttermilk pancake mix for a gluten-free pancake mix, and make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe will still taste fantastic and keep the same texture.
-
How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the waffle maker?
Make sure your waffle maker is properly preheated and lightly greased before adding batter. Also, avoid opening the waffle maker too early while cooking, as this can cause sticking and breakage.
-
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t overwork the batter.
-
How many waffles does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 15 mini waffles, serving roughly 5 people. The exact number will depend on the size of your waffle maker and how much batter you use per waffle.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe has become one of my go-to breakfasts whenever the weather starts cooling off. I love how it combines seasonal flavor with minimal effort, and it’s always a hit whether I’m feeding family or hosting friends. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious way to celebrate pumpkin season (or anytime you want a cozy morning treat), I really encourage you to give this recipe a try—I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy and satisfying it is!
PrintEasy Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 mini waffles (serves 5)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Pumpkin Waffles are a delicious and comforting fall breakfast treat, featuring warm spices and pumpkin puree for a moist, flavorful waffle. Perfect for a cozy morning, they come together quickly using a pancake mix and can be topped with butter, maple syrup, pecans, or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup buttermilk pancake mix
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (olive, canola, vegetable, avocado, or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk pancake mix, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, neutral oil, and water until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined to form a batter. Avoid over-mixing for fluffier waffles.
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Turn on your waffle maker and allow it to fully preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Waffles: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, spoon the batter onto the hot waffle maker. Close and cook according to your waffle maker’s recommended settings or until the waffles are lightly golden and cooked through.
- Repeat: Continue the process until all the batter is used. The number of waffles depends on the size and shape of your waffle maker; this recipe yields about 15 mini waffles.
- Serve: Serve warm with a pat of butter and pure maple syrup. Optional toppings include pecans or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 15 mini waffles, serving about 5 people.
- The exact number of waffles will depend on the size of your waffle maker.
- Trader Joe’s buttermilk pancake mix was used, but any good quality pancake mix should work.
- Olive oil was used, but canola, vegetable, avocado, or melted coconut oil are suitable substitutes. Melted butter has not been tested.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mini waffles
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg