If you’re anything like me, fall just isn’t complete without that cozy hit of warm spices and pumpkin flavor. That’s why this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe is a total game-changer! It’s quick to whip up, perfectly spiced, and has just the right amount of pumpkin to keep things moist and delicious without overwhelming the waffles. I absolutely love how this recipe strikes the balance between fluffy waffles and that irresistible autumn vibe. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail these—you’ll be serving up waffle breakfasts your family goes crazy for in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and pumpkin puree you can find year-round.
- Perfect Autumn Flavors: The pumpkin spice blend brings that classic holiday comfort to your breakfast table.
- Quick to Make: Just 15 minutes total, so no long waits for those cozy waffles.
- Family Favorite: My kids can’t get enough of the fluffy texture and warm spices every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe brings together a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for just the right texture and nuttiness, while pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice give it that unmistakable fall flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want on hand — plus a few handy tips I always keep in mind when shopping.

- All-purpose flour: Your base for light, tender waffles; I recommend sifting it for extra fluffiness.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds a lovely nutty depth and boosts fiber without making waffles heavy.
- Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance spices without overpowering.
- Baking powder: Key for that perfect rise and crisp edges.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star seasoning blend—think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, even in sweet recipes.
- Milk: Whole or 2% works best for moist waffles; I sometimes swap with oat milk for dairy-free.
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin (not pie filling!) for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps your waffles tender and helps with browning.
- Egg: Binds everything and contributes to fluffy texture.
- Butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and adds buttery richness.
Variations
The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe is how customizable it is! I like to tweak it depending on what I have or the occasion. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- Gluten-Free: I swapped in a gluten-free flour blend once, and it worked wonderfully—just expect a slightly different texture.
- Vegan: I’ve replaced the egg with a flax egg and used almond milk instead of dairy milk with success; the spices and pumpkin still shine through.
- Extra Spicy: When my family wanted a bit more kick, I added an extra ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice—deliciously warming.
- Add-ins: Chopped pecans or chocolate chips folded in before cooking add an extra fun twist.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. I like to whisk these together to make sure the baking powder and spices get evenly distributed—that way, every bite tastes consistent and perfectly spiced.
Step 2: Beat Together Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree until smooth. I learned that mixing the wet ingredients separately helps prevent overmixing once combined with the dry mixture, which keeps the waffles fluffy rather than dense.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Don’t overmix here—it’s okay to have a few lumps! This little trick keeps your waffles tender instead of rubbery.
Step 4: Heat & Grease Your Waffle Iron
Heat up your waffle iron and brush it lightly with melted butter. Using butter instead of spray adds a lovely flavor and helps prevent sticking without creating an unhealthy chemical taste.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour about ¼ to ⅓ cup of batter onto the waffle iron per waffle. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the edges, usually about 4-5 minutes depending on your machine. Resist the urge to lift the lid too early — the waffles need that time to set and get crispy.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Leaving some lumps helps keep your waffles from turning tough—I learned this the hard way with dense waffles that nobody enjoyed.
- Fresh Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use fresh or homemade pumpkin pie spice if you can—pre-ground blends can lose their punch over time, and fresh always tastes better.
- Grease That Iron Well: Butter works better than sprays for greasing; it’s tastier and stops sticking without any weird aftertaste.
- Timing Matters: Wait until the waffle iron signals it’s done or the steam stops before lifting; your waffles will be perfectly crisp every time.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

Garnishes
My go-to garnishes are a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup—classic and divine. Sometimes I add crushed pecans or a spoonful of spiced apple compote for some texture and extra autumn flavor. You’ll find these toppings really elevate the experience and make your waffles look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serving these waffles alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage is a winning combo at my house. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries really complement the spice warmly, making this meal balanced and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like stacking the waffles tall with layers of pumpkin butter and whipped cream in between, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It becomes a beautiful centerpiece that gets compliments every time. You can even create waffle ‘sandwiches’ stuffed with cream cheese frosting and pumpkin jam for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftover waffles cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them from getting soggy, so you can enjoy their textures later without a fuss.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver! I pop cooked waffles on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks when you’re in a rush.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop frozen waffles straight into a toaster or toaster oven—they come out crisp and warm, almost like freshly made. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch, as that tends to make them chewy instead of crispy.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin pie filling often contains added sugars and spices that could throw off the flavor and texture balance of your waffles. Using plain pumpkin puree keeps your batter perfectly spiced and not too sweet.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. I usually combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves to mimic that cozy pumpkin pie spice flavor.
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How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and swap milk for your favorite plant-based milk. Also, use oil instead of butter for greasing your waffle iron. I’ve done this many times, and the flavor stays amazing.
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Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While you can mix the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, I find the waffles turn best when cooked fresh. If you refrigerate, give the batter a gentle stir before using, but avoid overmixing to keep the waffles fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings that warm, comforting feel of fall right to the breakfast table—without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, these waffles always deliver that perfect blend of fluffy texture and autumn flavor. I seriously recommend you give it a try—I promise, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every fall (and honestly, sometimes beyond). Enjoy the cozy vibes and happy cooking!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Waffles are a delightful seasonal treat combining the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with the hearty texture of whole wheat and all-purpose flours. Perfect for a cozy autumn breakfast, they are fluffy, flavorful, and easy to prepare using a waffle iron.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Dash of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp butter for greasing the waffle iron
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a dash of salt. Mix these ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly, then add the milk, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Whisk the mixture until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is just moistened. Avoid overmixing to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Once hot, grease the surface with butter using a brush or paper towel to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook Waffles: Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, drop dollops of batter (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup each) onto the hot waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until waffles turn golden brown on both sides and are cooked through, typically several minutes depending on your waffle iron model.
Notes
- These waffles are perfect for autumn and can be served with maple syrup, whipped cream, or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
- For an extra moist waffle, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you prefer a homemade spice blend.
- To make these waffles gluten-free, substitute the flours with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but adjust liquid amounts slightly as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg


