I absolutely love sharing this Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe because it’s such a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a treat without any guilt. When the weather turns crisp and pumpkin starts popping up everywhere, these waffles bring all that autumn warmth right into your kitchen in a light, grain-free way. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself craving these tender, flavorful waffles on chilly mornings.
One thing that makes this Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe stand out is the way coconut flour adds a subtle nuttiness and perfect texture without weighing you down. Plus, you’re using natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients that support a paleo lifestyle, making it ideal for anyone looking to ditch gluten and refined sugars. I’ve made these for family breakfasts and brunches, and they always get rave reviews—even from the waffle traditionalists!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nut-free and Paleo friendly: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, using coconut flour and arrowroot starch keeps waffles fluffy without gluten.
- Easy and quick prep: You only need about 5 minutes to mix the batter and minimal hands-on time cooking.
- Rich pumpkin flavor with warm spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg complement the pumpkin beautifully, making each bite feel seasonal and comforting.
- Great for meal prep: These waffles freeze well and reheat easily, keeping your mornings stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key here—each one works together to create a light but moist waffle with classic pumpkin spice vibes. Shopping tip: look for organic pumpkin puree and coconut sugar, which add to the recipe’s wholesome quality.
- Coconut flour: This flour is highly absorbent and gives waffles a tender crumb without gluten.
- Arrowroot starch: Adds lightness and fluffiness to balance coconut flour’s density.
- Coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that enhances the pumpkin flavor without overpowering.
- Paleo baking powder: Make sure it’s aluminum-free and paleo-approved for best results.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground is best for fragrant spice notes.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to your pumpkin waffles.
- Salt: Highlights the sweetness and spices.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the batter together.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor.
- Avocado oil: A neutral-flavored oil that keeps waffles moist without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Variations
One thing I love about this Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe is how versatile it can be. Feel free to tweak the spices or swap oils to make it truly your own. I enjoy experimenting depending on the season or what I have on hand.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves amps up the festive pumpkin spice notes—my family adores this version around the holidays.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a spoonful of almond or cashew butter before cooking for a rich twist that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
- Maple Sweetened: Swap coconut sugar for pure maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness and moisture.
- Mini Waffle Bites: Use a mini waffle maker to create bite-sized waffles; they’re perfect for dipping and kid-friendly.
How to Make Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Waffle Iron
First things first, plug in your mini waffle iron and let it heat thoroughly while you mix the batter. For these waffles, I keep the oven on at 200°F to keep cooked waffles warm and crisp when the batch is done. This step saves so much frustration—no more soggy waffles waiting on the counter!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly
In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, arrowroot starch, coconut sugar, paleo baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even spice distribution and prevents lumps. I always take a moment here to sniff the cinnamon—it makes the kitchen smell amazing and gets me even more excited to cook.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Let Batter Thicken
Now add the eggs, pumpkin puree, avocado oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Whisk until combined, then let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time is key because coconut flour absorbs moisture gradually, and the batter will thicken into the perfect consistency. If it feels too thick when you check, adding a splash of almond milk or water helps loosen it up without losing structure.
Step 4: Cook and Keep Warm
Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto your preheated waffle iron for each waffle. Cooking time varies by waffle maker, but generally, it takes around 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through—look for that golden crust and a clean fork test. I transfer the waffles to a wire rack inside the warm oven as I cook the rest to keep them crispy instead of soggy, which is a trick I discovered after many trial runs.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Keep cooking with the rest of your batter, making sure to scrape every last bit from the bowl. These waffles are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they’re so good that I often make a double batch to freeze for lazy mornings!
Pro Tips for Making Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe
- Resting the Batter: Letting your batter sit for 5 minutes is crucial for coconut flour to absorb moisture and thicken, resulting in better texture.
- Don’t Overfill the Waffle Iron: Using about 1/4 cup per waffle prevents overflows and ensures each waffle cooks evenly with a nice crisp edge.
- Keep Waffles Warm and Crispy: Using a wire rack inside a low oven keeps waffles crispy and prevents sogginess while you finish cooking the batch.
- Use Pure Pumpkin, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling: This avoids added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance.
How to Serve Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these pumpkin waffles with a dollop of dairy-free whipped coconut cream and a drizzle of pure maple syrup—it adds a luxurious sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin spice. Fresh berries or chopped pecans are also my go-to for some crunch and freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top just because.
Side Dishes
For a complete breakfast, I usually serve these waffles alongside crispy bacon or a couple of scrambled eggs made with fresh herbs. A bright fruit salad or a smoothie on the side balances their richness wonderfully. It turns the morning meal into a satisfying and energizing feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, I like to stack these mini pumpkin waffles high on a platter, interspersed with layers of coconut yogurt and fresh fruit. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a festive, crunchy touch. They’re also fun served with little skewers of glazed fruit for dipping—kids and guests always get a kick out of that!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These waffles store beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When I find myself with leftovers, I line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep their texture intact.
Freezing
Freezing is a game changer for this Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe. I let the waffles cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a zip-top bag. This way, they don’t stick together and keep their shape perfectly for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the waffles straight from the freezer into a toaster or toaster oven to regain crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crust—the toaster is my secret for making them taste freshly made again.
FAQs
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Can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour?
Almond flour behaves quite differently from coconut flour because it’s less absorbent and has more fat. If you substitute almond flour, you will need to adjust the moisture and possibly the eggs, and the texture will be denser. For this recipe, coconut flour is key to the right lightness and structure.
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Why do my coconut flour waffles turn out dry?
Coconut flour absorbs a lot of moisture, so it’s important to measure carefully and not skip the resting time. If they feel dry, try adding a little more pumpkin puree or an extra tablespoon of oil. Also, avoid overcooking, which can dry out the waffles quickly.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs to bind the batter and provide structure, so making it fully vegan would require a different approach with flax eggs or other binders. However, results vary, and coconut flour can be tricky without eggs, so it’s best to try a vegan-specific recipe designed for coconut flour waffles.
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What’s the best way to store leftover waffles?
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers in the fridge, or freeze individually before bagging. This helps keep them from sticking and preserves texture for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Paleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it manages to feel indulgent and nourishing all at once. It’s become a staple for cozy weekend mornings and holiday brunches with friends and family. If you’re looking to enjoy the flavors of fall without compromising your diet or spending hours in the kitchen, you’ll love how easy and delicious these waffles turn out. Seriously, give them a try—I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your breakfast rotation, just like they are in mine!
PrintPaleo Pumpkin Waffles with Coconut Flour Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 7 miniature waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
These Paleo Pumpkin Waffles are a delicious and nutritious breakfast treat made with coconut flour and arrowroot starch. Naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these waffles are moist, fluffy, and perfect for a cozy fall morning. Made with wholesome, paleo-friendly ingredients including pumpkin puree and avocado oil, they are a grain-free alternative to traditional waffles.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut flour (40g)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot starch (35g)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp paleo baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (120g)
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Waffle Iron: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F to keep the waffles warm once cooked. Plug in the mini waffle iron to allow it to reach the proper cooking temperature.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the coconut flour, arrowroot starch, coconut sugar, paleo baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, avocado oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture until fully incorporated and a batter forms.
- Let Batter Thicken: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the coconut flour absorb the moisture, thickening the mixture to the right consistency for waffles.
- Cook Waffles: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is done and golden, typically a few minutes depending on your waffle iron’s settings.
- Keep Waffles Warm: Transfer the cooked waffle onto a wire cooling rack positioned inside the warm oven set to 200 degrees F. This keeps the waffles warm and crisp while you finish cooking the remaining batter.
- Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches, placing finished waffles on the wire rack in the oven until all batter is used.
Notes
- Letting the batter rest is key to allowing the coconut flour to absorb moisture and thicken properly.
- Use a wire rack in the warm oven to keep waffles crisp and prevent sogginess.
- You can adjust the amount of coconut sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
- If you don’t have a mini waffle iron, a regular waffle iron works just as well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster or oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 miniature waffle
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg