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If you’re looking to cozy up your mornings with a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, fluffy waffles infused with rich pumpkin and autumn spices, paired with a decadent maple syrup that’s been luxuriously enhanced by nutty brown butter. It’s a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for any time you want to bring a little extra magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making these waffles truly shine. Each one plays an essential role, from adding moistness and spice to creating the perfect golden texture that will have you coming back for more.
- Buttermilk (3/4 cup): Adds a tangy richness that tenderizes and balances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): The star that delivers deep, earthy flavor and vibrant color without extra moisture.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds gentle sweetness and caramel notes that enhance the pumpkin’s natural taste.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the waffles moist and ensures a soft crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the waffles structure.
- Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tablespoon): A fragrant touch that elevates all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): The backbone of the batter, providing the proper texture.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1/2 tablespoon): A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that wraps the waffles in warmth.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the waffles rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with the buttermilk to create lightness and tenderness.
- Nonstick cooking spray or coconut oil: Essential for greasing the waffle iron and achieving a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Pecans (6 tablespoons, coarsely chopped): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast as a garnish.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup): For browning and flavoring the maple syrup.
- Pure maple syrup (1/3 cup): The luscious natural sweetener for drizzling.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the syrup with that unmistakable fall flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the syrup’s richness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a final fragrant note to the syrup.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Waffle Batter
Start by whisking together buttermilk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla in a medium bowl until completely smooth. This combination brings together moisture, sweetness, and gentle egginess that forms the base of your waffles.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gently whisk the dry mix into the wet ingredients without overmixing. A few lumps are perfectly fine here—they actually help maintain a fluffier texture.
Step 3: Chill the Batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness. This resting step helps deepen the flavors and can improve the waffle’s texture by allowing the ingredients to meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Butter Maple Syrup
Melt the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Keep swirling the pan as it cooks until the butter turns a beautiful golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately stir in the maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, then let it come to a gentle boil for about a minute.
Step 5: Finish the Syrup
Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, adding a final aromatic boost. Set the syrup aside to cool slightly—it will thicken and intensify in flavor as it rests.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Lightly grease it with nonstick spray or coconut oil to prevent sticking. Pour in your chilled batter and cook the waffles until they’re crispy and golden brown. This recipe yields about four satisfying large waffles—perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the hot waffles to a serving plate, top them with chopped pecans for crunch, and drizzle generously with your warm brown butter maple syrup. Enjoy these comforting Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe creations immediately for the best experience—each bite melts delightfully in your mouth.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped pecans aren’t just decorative—they add a wonderful crunch that contrasts the softness of the waffles. For a little extra flair, lightly dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle a few cinnamon-dusted whipped cream dollops to enhance the cozy vibe.
Side Dishes
Serve these waffles alongside crisp apple slices or a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. For heartier options, crispy bacon or spicy breakfast sausage make lovely companions, balancing sweet and savory deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the waffles into a tall tower and pour brown butter maple syrup over in slow, syrupy ribbons for a jaw-dropping presentation. Or arrange them with seasonal fruits like sliced pears or pomegranate seeds to add vibrant colors and contrasting flavors that celebrate autumn perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover waffles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it super easy to enjoy your Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe even on busy mornings.
Freezing
To keep waffles fresh longer, freeze them individually on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen waffles can last for several weeks and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a speedy, delicious meal.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover waffles is by popping them into a toaster or toaster oven. This method crisps up the exterior while warming the inside perfectly, restoring the delightful texture and making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of the waffles. Pure pumpkin puree gives you complete control over the spices and sweetness.
Do I have to refrigerate the batter overnight?
While you can cook the waffles immediately, chilling the batter for at least 2 hours or overnight improves the texture dramatically, yielding a more tender, flavorful waffle that holds its shape well.
Can I substitute the brown butter maple syrup with regular maple syrup?
Absolutely! Regular maple syrup will still taste great, but brown butter adds a rich, nutty complexity that elevates this recipe to a whole new level.
Is there a way to make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly and ensure the mix contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.
How can I make these waffles vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice, replace the egg with a flax egg or chia egg, use coconut oil instead of butter for the syrup, and choose maple syrup without additives.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make the Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe, it will become your go-to for weekend mornings and special occasions alike. The combination of pumpkin’s warmth and the rich, nutty syrup creates a breakfast that feels like a celebration of seasonal joy, straight from your own kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up that waffle iron, and treat yourself—you deserve it!
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Print
Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 large waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spiced Pumpkin Waffles are a perfect fall breakfast treat featuring a tender, fluffy texture infused with pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spices. Paired with a luscious brown butter maple syrup and crunchy pecan garnish, they bring a delightful mix of cozy flavors and textures ideal for a seasonal brunch or special occasion.
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
For Cooking
- Nonstick cooking spray or coconut oil (for the waffle maker)
Toppings
- 6 tablespoons pecans, coarsely chopped
Brown Butter Maple Syrup
- 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 extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Gently whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay for a tender texture.
- Refrigerate Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours or overnight to develop better texture and flavor.
- Prepare Brown Butter Maple Syrup: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add Syrup Ingredients: Stir in the maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the browned butter. Let the mixture boil gently for about 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Finish Syrup: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the syrup aside to cool slightly while you make 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 coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffles: Pour the chilled batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until the waffles are crispy on the outside and golden brown, typically until the waffle iron signals doneness.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked waffles to a plate or keep them warm in a low oven while cooking the remaining waffles to serve all hot.
- Serve: Plate the waffles and top with coarsely chopped pecans. Generously drizzle the warm brown butter maple syrup over the waffles and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Refrigerating the batter allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in lighter, crispier waffles.
- Use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste and texture.
- Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor; watch carefully to avoid burning it.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Waffles are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven for up to 30 minutes.
- These waffles freeze well; reheat them in a toaster or oven for best crispiness.
