This fall, transform your breakfast routine into an extraordinary culinary experience with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Pumpkin Waffles with Candied Walnuts. Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden-crisp waffle, infused with warm pumpkin spice, perfectly complemented by a sweet, crunchy topping of cinnamon apples and candied walnuts. It’s more than just breakfast; it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds, reminiscent of a five-star brunch right in the comfort of your home.
These aren’t your average, boring breakfast pastries. We’re elevating them to dessert status, making every single bite a moment to savor. The rich, earthy notes of pumpkin puree blend harmoniously with aromatic spices, while the homemade batter ensures a truly superior texture that store-bought mixes simply can’t achieve. The star of the show, however, might just be the irresistible candied walnuts, adding that perfect sweet crunch and depth of flavor that makes these waffles utterly unforgettable. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a breakfast that tastes like a dream!
For those who love starting their day with something sweet and comforting, you might also enjoy my Cinnamon Swirl French Toast or my hearty Veggie Hashbrown with Eggs!
Why These Pumpkin Waffles Will Become Your Fall Favorite
Prepare to fall in love with these pumpkin waffles for a multitude of reasons:
- An Explosion of Fall Flavors: Every bite delivers a symphony of cinnamon, pumpkin, and apple, crowned with the delightful sweetness of maple syrup. The blend of these classic fall ingredients creates an incredibly comforting and luxurious taste experience that perfectly captures the essence of the season.
- Irresistible Candied Walnut Topping: Forget plain syrup! Our signature topping features tender, spiced apples combined with crunchy candied walnuts. This sweet and savory combination adds an incredible textural contrast and a layer of gourmet sophistication, transforming a simple breakfast into an absolute treat.
- Superior Homemade Waffle Mix: Once you taste waffles made from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes. This recipe yields light, airy, and wonderfully golden waffles with perfectly crispy edges – a texture that’s simply unparalleled and incredibly satisfying. You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality in every batch.
- Surprisingly Easy and Quick to Prepare: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you; these waffles are remarkably simple to make. With just about 15 minutes of active preparation time, you can whip up the batter and the delicious topping, taking these delightful waffles from your pantry to your breakfast table in no time. Ideal for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a festive fall brunch, looking for a comforting weekend breakfast, or simply craving something sweet and special, these pumpkin waffles fit the bill. Their dessert-like quality makes them suitable for special occasions, while their ease of preparation means you can enjoy them anytime.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Waffles
For the Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our waffle batter. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure to create a light yet sturdy waffle. Avoid using cake flour, which has a lower protein content and can result in a more delicate, less crispy waffle.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the batter, balancing the richness of the pumpkin and spices. It also contributes to the golden-brown crispness of the waffles.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for achieving that signature fluffy texture. It reacts when mixed with wet ingredients and heat, creating air pockets that make the waffles light and airy. If you happen to be out, cream of tartar can sometimes be used as a substitute in specific ratios when combined with baking soda, but baking powder is ideal here.
- Pumpkin Spice: The heart of the fall flavor! A pre-made pumpkin spice blend is convenient and widely available. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice for an even fresher aroma.
- Salt: A small pinch of salt is essential. It doesn’t make the waffles salty, but rather enhances and brightens all the sweet and savory flavors, making them pop.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding richness, structure, and helping to create a tender crumb. The size of the eggs isn’t critical for this recipe, just ensure you use the specified number.
- Milk: I personally prefer whole milk for baking due to its fat content, which adds moisture and richness. However, plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk work beautifully too, offering a dairy-free option without compromising on texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter provides incredible flavor and moisture, contributing to the tender interior and crisp exterior. Always opt for unsalted butter when baking to control the overall salt content in your recipe.
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe – just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. It infuses the waffles with that signature pumpkin flavor and a beautiful orange hue.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the pumpkin and spices. If possible, use pure vanilla for its superior flavor compared to imitation extracts.
For the Cinnamon Apple Candied Walnuts Topping:
- Butter: For the topping, either salted or unsalted butter works well as we’ll be adding other sweet components. It helps caramelize the apples and creates a rich sauce.
- Tart Apple: I highly recommend using a tart apple variety, such as a Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Their natural acidity provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar and candied walnuts, creating a balanced flavor profile. Slice them thinly for quick cooking.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar offers a deeper, more molasses-like flavor compared to light brown sugar, which enhances the autumnal notes of the topping. It also helps create a wonderfully sticky, caramelized sauce.
- Cinnamon: This spice is paramount for that cozy, fall taste! A generous dash of cinnamon elevates the apple and walnut flavors, making the topping truly irresistible.
- Candied Walnuts: While you can certainly make your own candied walnuts for an extra touch of homemade goodness, buying a bag online or from your local grocery store is a convenient option that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Waffles
Follow these simple steps to create a breakfast masterpiece:
- Prepare Your Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, combine all your wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until thoroughly combined and smooth. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt. Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a more tender waffle. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough waffles.
- Cook Your Waffles to Golden Perfection: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once hot, lightly spray the grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron – this quantity will vary depending on your specific waffle maker model. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, usually 3-5 minutes. The waffle maker’s indicator light will often signal when they are ready. Remove the cooked waffles and set aside on a wire rack while you prepare the rest.
- Create the Irresistible Topping: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the dark brown sugar and stir continuously until it dissolves and combines with the butter, creating a fragrant, syrupy base. Add the thinly sliced apples and cinnamon to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly but still retain a bit of their crispness, about 3-5 minutes. Finally, fold in the candied walnuts and toss everything together gently to ensure the apples and walnuts are evenly coated in the spiced brown sugar sauce.
- Assemble and Serve with Joy: Place your freshly cooked pumpkin waffles on a plate. Generously spoon the warm cinnamon apple candied walnuts topping over each waffle. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup according to your preference. Serve immediately and enjoy every luxurious bite!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Waffles Every Time
Achieve waffle perfection with these handy tips:
- Milk Choices: While I prefer dairy milk for its richness, feel free to use your favorite non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk. They work wonderfully and maintain the delicious texture.
- Candied Walnuts Hack: Save time by purchasing pre-made candied walnuts from your local grocery store or online. They are a fantastic shortcut if you’re in a hurry and still deliver that essential sweet crunch.
- Apple Selection Matters: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for your topping. Their tanginess provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar and candied walnuts, preventing the dish from being overly sweet.
- Always Preheat Your Waffle Iron: This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly crispy waffles. A properly preheated iron ensures even cooking and prevents the waffles from sticking.
- Prevent Sogginess: Once cooked, don’t stack your waffles directly on top of each other. This traps steam and can make them lose their beautiful crispness. Instead, place them on a wire rack to allow air circulation. If you’re serving a crowd, keep cooked waffles warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until you’re ready to serve.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, chewy waffles rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Check Waffle Iron Instructions: Every waffle iron is a bit different. Refer to your specific appliance’s manual for the ideal batter quantity and cooking times for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Waffles
Homemade Waffle Mix vs. Store-Bought: Is There a Big Difference?
Absolutely! Making waffles from scratch is surprisingly easy and offers significant advantages over store-bought mixes. When you make your own, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no unwanted preservatives, artificial flavorings, or excessive sugars. Our recipe, for instance, starts with a classic waffle base and then introduces the comforting warmth of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. By mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them, we achieve a perfectly smooth batter that yields superior flavor and texture every time. The minimal extra effort is truly worth the reward of fresh, wholesome, and delicious waffles.
What Else Can I Serve on These Pumpkin Waffles?
While the cinnamon apple candied walnut topping is phenomenal, these pumpkin waffles are versatile and welcome a variety of delicious additions. Here are a few topping ideas to inspire you:
- Melted Butter: A classic for a reason. A pat of melted butter slowly seeping into the warm crevices of a waffle is pure comfort.
- Berry Jam or Compote: A vibrant berry jam or a homemade compote (strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry) adds a fruity, tangy counterpoint to the pumpkin spice.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream provides a light, airy, and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the rich waffles.
- Chocolate Fudge Sauce: For the ultimate dessert-like indulgence, a drizzle of warm chocolate fudge sauce turns these into an irresistible treat.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and a touch of extra sweetness.
- Toasted Pecans or Almonds: If walnuts aren’t your preference, other toasted nuts can provide a similar crunch.
- Caramel Sauce: A swirl of caramel sauce would perfectly complement the fall flavors.
Can I Make These Waffles Ahead of Time?
Yes, these pumpkin waffles are excellent for making ahead and freezing! Simply allow the cooked waffles to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in freezer-safe plastic bags or airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can pop individual frozen waffles directly into a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy. This is a fantastic solution for meal prepping breakfasts or enjoying a quick, gourmet-quality meal on busy weekdays.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Puree?
Absolutely! While canned pumpkin puree is incredibly convenient, using fresh, roasted pumpkin puree will bring an even richer, more authentic flavor to your waffles. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from your homemade puree to ensure your batter isn’t too thin.
Are There Any Gluten-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The results are usually quite good, though the texture might vary slightly. Ensure all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Explore More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed these pumpkin waffles, be sure to check out some of my other delightful breakfast and brunch creations:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Pancake Bites
- Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice French Toast
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
- Savory Spinach and Feta Scramble
I genuinely hope you cherish every recipe I share, and this Pumpkin Waffles recipe is no exception. Give it a try, savor its amazing flavors, and don’t forget to rate it and share your experience with your loved ones!
If you recreate this fantastic recipe and love it, please use my hashtag to share your creation with me on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in my story! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST to stay updated with all my latest social posts and exciting new recipes.
Print Recipe
Pumpkin Waffles
Ingredients
DRY INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbps pumpkin spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
WET INGREDIENTS:
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
CINNAMON APPLE CANDIED WALNUTS TOPPING:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tart apple, sliced (e.g., Granny Smith, Fuji)
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts.
Instructions
For the Waffles:
- In a bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients (eggs, milk, melted butter, pumpkin purée, vanilla extract).
- In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients well (flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, salt) then pour over the wet ingredients.
- Whisk very well until you obtain a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix.
- Preheat and spray your waffle maker. Pour in enough batter based on your waffle maker instructions and cook until golden and crispy.
- Remove cooked waffles and place on a wire rack to keep them crispy while you make the topping.
To make the Cinnamon Apple Candied Walnuts Topping:
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and mix to combine well until it forms a sauce.
- Add the apple slices and cinnamon to the pan and cook them together until apples are soft, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the candied walnuts and toss everything together well to coat.
- Serve the warm topping generously over the pumpkin waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup to your preference and enjoy!
Notes
- I like using dairy milk, but oat milk or almond milk work great too.
- You can skip making your own candied walnuts and buy your own, they are available in most grocery stores.
- When it comes to apples, I like to use tart ones as they balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Make sure you preheat your waffle iron.
- Don’t stack your waffles on top of each other as they’ll lose their crispness. If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep your waffles warm by placing them in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.
Nutritional info does not include the maple Syrup or Toppings. These are optional and based on preference.
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!