If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall morning, the Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe is exactly what you need. These waffles bring together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and classic autumn spices, creating a tender, fluffy breakfast treat that’s perfectly complemented by a luxurious, nutty brown butter maple syrup. Each bite is bursting with warmth and richness, making it an irresistible way to start your day or impress your guests with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these spiced pumpkin waffles just right depends on a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role from the moist texture to the vibrant fall flavor and that beautiful golden color we all love.
- Full-fat buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the waffle batter for fluffy results.
- Pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Offers natural sweetness and that signature autumn flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the waffles moist and helps them crisp up nicely.
- Large egg: Binds the batter and contributes to a light texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with a warm aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the waffle without weighing them down.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The essential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bringing that signature autumnal warmth.
- Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo for perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Nonstick cooking spray or coconut oil: Keeps your waffle iron clean and waffles crispy.
- Pecans (for garnish): Adds a crunchy contrast to the soft waffles.
- Unsalted butter: For browning into that nutty, fragrant base of the syrup.
- Pure maple syrup: Classic sweetness with rich flavor, the perfect syrup partner.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Waffle Batter
Start by whisking together full-fat buttermilk, pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. This mixture creates the moist, flavorful foundation of the waffles. Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients—flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda—just until combined. A few lumps are totally fine here; overmixing can toughen the waffles.
Step 2: Chill the Batter
Cover the batter with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or even overnight. This step might feel like extra patience, but it’s the secret to a waffle with a superb texture and more developed flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Brown Butter Maple Syrup
While your batter chills, melt unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook the butter until it turns a golden brown color and you catch that irresistible nutty aroma—about 4 to 5 minutes. Then whisk in pure maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt, letting it simmer for a minute. Once off the heat, stir in vanilla extract. This syrup takes your waffles to a whole new level of decadence.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and grease it lightly with nonstick spray or coconut oil. Pour in enough batter for each waffle, then cook until golden brown and crisp on the outside. This recipe makes about four large waffles, with the perfect balance of soft inside and crunchy exterior.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Transfer your freshly cooked waffles to a warm plate or keep them in a low oven while you finish cooking the batch. Top each waffle with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch, then drizzle generously with your homemade brown butter maple syrup. Serve immediately for an unforgettable flavor experience.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped toasted pecans are a natural choice for garnish, lending a satisfying crunch and toasted flavor contrast. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some fresh berries to brighten the plate and add layers of texture and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with classic breakfast sides like crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterpoint. Alternatively, a fresh fruit salad or warm spiced apples complement the autumnal vibe and keep the meal feeling light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, stack the waffles into a little tower layered with extra syrup and cream. Or create individual waffle sandwiches by sandwiching whipped cream and spiced apple compote between two waffles. The Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe is versatile and fun to serve in any style you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any waffles left (which might be tough), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as they rest!
Freezing
Want to enjoy these waffles later on? Let them cool completely, then place individual waffles on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months, ready for a quick and cozy breakfast anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, use a toaster or toaster oven for best results—this helps maintain crispness on the outside while warming through. Avoid microwaving if possible, because it can make waffles soggy.
FAQs
Can I substitute canned pumpkin pie filling for the pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree, not the pie filling, because canned pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that can affect the flavor and texture of the waffles.
Is it necessary to chill the batter for a few hours?
Chilling the batter isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It improves the waffle’s texture by allowing the flour to hydrate fully and the flavors to meld, giving a fresher and more tender result.
Can I make the brown butter maple syrup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the syrup ahead of time and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before serving so it’s pourable and the flavors shine through.
Are these waffles gluten-free?
The original Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make a gluten-conscious version.
What’s the best way to keep waffles crispy if serving to a crowd?
Keep cooked waffles warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the batch. This low heat keeps them crisp without drying them out before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen with the joy of fall and start your day with something both comforting and a little indulgent, the Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe is your new go-to. The combination of tender pumpkin waffles and that golden, nutty syrup feels like pure magic on your plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
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Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 large waffles (serves 4)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously spiced pumpkin waffles paired with a rich brown butter maple syrup, perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or brunch. These waffles boast a tender crumb with subtle pumpkin pie spice flavors, complemented by a nutty, caramelized butter syrup with a hint of vanilla and pecan garnish for extra crunch.
Ingredients
Waffle Batter
- 3/4 cup full-fat buttermilk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (135g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Nonstick cooking spray or coconut oil (for the waffle maker)
Toppings and Syrup
- 6 tablespoons pecans, coarsely chopped (for garnish)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Pumpkin Waffle Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Gently whisk to combine, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps in the batter are normal and will ensure tender waffles.
- Refrigerate the Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting period improves the texture, giving you perfectly fluffy waffles.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Maple Syrup: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, swirling occasionally. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Syrup Ingredients: Stir in the maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil and cook for about 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Finish the Syrup: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the syrup aside to cool slightly while you prepare the waffles.
- Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray or brush with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the chilled batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until the waffles are crispy on the outside and golden brown, typically about 4 to 6 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
- Keep Waffles Warm: Transfer the cooked waffles to a plate or keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining waffles.
- Serve: Serve the waffles immediately topped with chopped pecans and a generous drizzle of the brown butter maple syrup for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your cozy fall treat!
Notes
- For best texture, allow the batter to rest refrigerated for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Ensure the brown butter does not burn; watch closely while cooking and swirl the skillet frequently.
- Waffles are best served fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for up to 20 minutes.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for accurate flavor and consistency.
- Pecan garnish adds a nice crunchy texture but can be omitted or substituted with walnuts.
