If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that bursts with fall flavors, this Pecan Pumpkin Waffles Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine biting into fluffy waffles infused with real pumpkin and warm pumpkin pie spice, complemented by crunchy toasted pecans and a subtle touch of maple syrup sweetness. These waffles are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a celebration of texture and aroma that will fill your kitchen with that comforting, seasonal feeling you’ve been longing for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward waffle perfection. Each one plays a special role — from the flour providing structure to the pumpkin and spices adding vibrant color and irresistible warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a light and tender waffle crumb.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional): Adds gentle sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your waffles rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: A cozy mix that brings that quintessential autumn aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 3 large eggs (separated): Egg yolks enrich the batter; beaten egg whites make the waffles extra airy.
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and tender crumb while reacting with baking powder for lift.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin: The star ingredient that lends moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Introduces richness and helps with a crisp exterior.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth, perfect for cozy mornings.
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans: Adds the perfect crunch and nutty contrast in every bite.
How to Make Pecan Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by placing all the dry ingredients—flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt—into a large bowl. Mixing them well now ensures that every waffle will have an even distribution of spice and sweetness.
Step 2: Whip Egg Whites and Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; this step is crucial because it creates that light, fluffy texture so loved in waffles. In a separate bowl or jug, whisk together the egg yolks, buttermilk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and maple syrup until smooth. Then, carefully fold in the whipped egg whites to keep the batter airy and delicate.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Add Pecans
Gently fold the wet ingredients into your dry mixture just until you no longer see flour—don’t overmix here to avoid dense waffles. Some lumps are perfectly fine and help maintain that tender texture. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans with two or three gentle folds, so they don’t break up too much but evenly disperse.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cook the batter in batches. For irresistibly crisp waffles, place the finished ones on a wire rack set over a low oven while you cook the rest. That little trick keeps them warm without getting soggy—a game changer for serving.
How to Serve Pecan Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Top your waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate each bite. Toasted pecans sprinkled on top add texture and a visually appealing crunch that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or warm sausage links to balance the sweetness with savory richness. A side of fresh fruit, like cinnamon-sprinkled apples or juicy berries, keeps things fresh and vibrant on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, stack the waffles and tuck in a few roasted pecans and miniature pumpkins as seasonal decor. Or try layering waffles with yogurt and fruit parfaits to transform this recipe into a stunning layered dessert that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Lining the container with paper towels helps absorb any moisture and keeps your waffles from getting soggy.
Freezing
This Pecan Pumpkin Waffles Recipe freezes beautifully. Lay waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy these autumn-inspired treats anytime.
Reheating
The best way to bring back crispy waffles is to reheat them in a toaster or oven rather than a microwave. Toasting restores the crunch while warming through the tender inside, ensuring each bite tastes as fresh as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth before measuring out one cup. Keep in mind canned pumpkin has a consistent moisture level, so fresh may slightly alter your batter’s texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using in the recipe.
Are these waffles gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary, especially with the texture and rise.
How do I make the waffles crispier?
Cooking the waffles a little longer in the iron and then placing them on a wire rack in a low oven helps keep them crisp. Avoid stacking waffles while warm to prevent steam from softening the crust.
Can I omit the pecans?
Yes, pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor, but if you have nut allergies or prefer no nuts, simply skip them or substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Pecan Pumpkin Waffles Recipe is like inviting a warm slice of autumn right to your breakfast table. With every bite, you experience the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch that’s sure to become a beloved tradition. Give this a whirl on your next cozy morning—you won’t regret turning simple ingredients into something spectacular!
Print
Pecan Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Pumpkin Waffles are a delightful blend of warm spices and nutty crunch, perfect for cozy mornings or festive brunches. Fluffy and tender with a subtle sweetness from pumpkin and maple syrup, they offer a comforting seasonal twist on classic waffles.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed, optional for sweeter waffles)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs (separated)
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: Place all dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt) in a large bowl and whisk together until evenly combined.
- Prepare wet ingredients and egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another medium bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the remaining wet ingredients including egg yolks, buttermilk, canned pumpkin, melted butter, and maple syrup until smooth. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into this wet mixture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps in the batter are okay. Then fold in the chopped pecans with 2-3 gentle stirs for even distribution.
- Cook waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and cook the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crispy. To keep waffles warm and crisp while making the rest, place them on a cooling rack set inside the oven at its lowest temperature.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Beating egg whites separately and folding them in adds extra airiness to the waffles.
- Using canned pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, but fresh pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute.
- For crisper waffles, keep them warm on a rack inside a warm oven instead of stacking them.
- Adjust sweetness by including or omitting the optional brown sugar depending on your taste.
