Fall is here, and that means we are shifting into cozy breakfasts. We love making homemade waffles or pancakes on the weekends in our house, and these pumpkin waffles are a favorite when there is a chill in the air.
While I usually like to add protein powder to my sweet breakfasts (like these pumpkin pancakes), I kept it simple to enjoy a classic waffle. They are light and fluffy, yet filling for a cozy fall breakfast. Plus, they are made with simple ingredients, lightly sweetened, and full of pumpkin flavor.
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A tip that I learned recently is to add a pinch of black pepper to help bring out the pumpkin spice flavors. It adds a little spice and brings out the cinnamon, ginger, and warming spices.
I love serving these pumpkin spice waffles with some eggs or chicken sausage for a full meal. And of course, topping them with my favorite toppings. I used both a mini waffle iron and square waffle iron for testing, and both come out great. Of course, you can use whatever waffle maker you have.
This pumpkin waffle recipe is also great for meal prep. Double (or triple) the batch and pop them in the toaster throughout the week for an easy breakfast. You can also freeze individually and reheat when a craving strikes!
Why you’ll love this pumpkin waffle recipe
- full of warming spices perfect for fall
- whole food ingredients – made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- recipe the whole family will love!
Are waffles healthy?
Typical waffles are high in carbs and sugar and low in protein. This spikes your blood sugar, causing it to fall fast and making you feel tired, sluggish, and craving more sugar. On the other hand, these pumpkin waffles are made from whole grains and lightly sweetened with honey for a healthier option. It’s also important to pair waffles with protein and fat to help balance your blood sugar.
Pumpkin waffles ingredients
- rolled oats
- pumpkin pie spice
- baking powder
- salt
- black pepper – this helps bring out the pumpkin spice flavors!
- pumpkin puree – make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling!
- large eggs
- milk
- honey – for a touch of sweetness
- vanilla bean paste
- oil or butter, for cooking
How to make pumpkin waffles
For the complete directions, ingredient amounts, serving size, and accurate nutrition breakdown, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Blend your oats.
Add rolled oats to your blender and blend for 30-60 seconds until they are broken down into a flour-like consistency.
Combine your dry ingredients.
Add processed oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl and mix well.
Mix your wet ingredients.
In a separate large bowl, add the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, honey, and vanilla bean paste, and whisk to combine.
Make waffles.
Grease the waffle iron, making sure to grease both sides. Pour batter into your waffle iron (the amount will depend on the size you are using) and cook until crispy and golden brown.
Combine ingredients.
Add your dry ingredients to your wet and stir until combined. Try not to overmix. Let the mixture sit while you heat your waffle iron.
Enjoy!
Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
What to serve with pumpkin waffles
- eggs
- bacon or breakfast sausage
- fresh fruit
- greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- ice cream – for the ultimate dessert!!
The amount of time it takes waffles to cook will depend on the size of your waffle maker. Once done, there should be little steam being released, they should be golden brown in color, and easily release from your waffle maker. Some waffle makers will have a light to indicate when they are done.
First, unplug your waffle maker and let it cool completely. Wipe away any crumbs and grease with a damp towel. If there are stuck-on pieces, you can gently scrub with a soft sponge and a little soap. If your waffle iron has removable plates, you can remove them and wash them.
Storage and reheating
Substitutions and additions
- rolled oats – if you don’t have a blender, you can use store-bought oat flour. I have not tried this, but it should work the same with using 100 grams. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. I have not tried all-purpose flour, but I would think it would work the same.
- pumpkin pie spice – if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice instead. You will need 1 tablespoon total.
- pumpkin puree – make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree.
- large eggs – I have not tried an egg substitute and am not sure if it will work.
- milk – I used whole milk, but any kind of milk should work (dairy or nondairy milk).
- honey – maple syrup will work instead.
- vanilla bean paste – vanilla extract will work the same.
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Pumpkin Waffles
equipment
ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (100 grams)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- pinch of black pepper (just a pinch!)
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (160 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- oil, butter, or nonstick spray, for cooking
- for topping – butter, greek yogurt, berries, sliced bananas, pecans, maple syrup, chocolate chips, nut butter, cinnamon…
instructions
- Blend your oats. Add rolled oats to your blender and blend for 30-60 seconds until they are broken down into a flour-like consistency.
- Combine your dry ingredients. Add processed oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl and mix well.
- Mix your wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, add the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, honey, and vanilla bean paste, and whisk to combine. Add your dry ingredients to your wet and stir until just combined. Try not to overmix. Let the mixture sit while you heat your waffle iron.
- Make waffles. Grease the waffle iron with a little butter, oil, or cooking spray. Make sure to grease both sides. Pour batter into your waffle iron (the amount will depend on the size you are using) and cook until crispy and golden brown. You may have to make them in batches depending on how big your waffle maker is. Make sure to grease it each time.
- Enjoy! Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
nutrition
Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by Sierra Inn
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