If you crave cozy autumn mornings or want to whisk a bit of fall magic into your next weekend brunch, Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup are about to become your new staple. Imagine waffles that are crisp and golden on the outside, tender on the inside, brimming with warm pumpkin and spice, and drizzled with a dreamy sauce that tastes like caramel and maple had a lovechild. Whether you make these for a holiday breakfast or a lazy Saturday, you’ll find them irresistibly good and comforting any time of year.

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need to make these waffles is simple and accessible, but each ingredient is crucial for that signature flavor and luscious texture. Every part plays a role, from building a pillowy interior to creating the ultimate golden crisp, and of course, infusing those layers of cozy spice.

All-purpose flour: Essential for soft, tender waffles that still hold their shape for syrupy goodness.
Brown sugar: Adds not just sweetness but a subtle molasses depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Baking powder: Helps your waffles rise to fluffy, light perfection.
Baking soda: Teams up with baking powder to make the waffles extra airy and moist.
Salt: Just the right amount to balance out sweet and spicy flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The backbone of that quintessential autumn aroma and warmth.
Ground ginger: Offers a little zip and intrigue to the spice mix.
Ground nutmeg: Adds fragrant, sweet nuttiness for that classic fall flavor.
Ground cloves: Intensifies the spiced undertones and rounds everything out.
Canned pumpkin purée: The star ingredient for moist waffles and rich, natural pumpkin flavor.
Large eggs: Binds the batter and creates a delightfully soft interior.
Buttermilk: Gives the batter wonderful tang and helps with tenderness and rise.
Melted butter or vegetable oil: Delivers richness and a lovely crisp crust on your waffles.
Vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with sweet, fragrant complexity.
Unsalted butter (for the syrup): Browned to nutty, aromatic perfection for a sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup marries so well with the brown butter, adding lush flavor and sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (syrup, optional): A pinch sends the syrup straight into cozy comfort territory.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup

Step 1: Make the Brown Butter Maple Syrup

Start by transforming a simple breakfast syrup into something extraordinary! Place the unsalted butter in a small saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Let it bubble and foam, stirring or swirling the pan occasionally, until golden and fragrant with that unmistakable nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning. Once it’s browned, remove from heat and—being careful of splatters—stir in the maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon if you wish. Set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Use a whisk to ensure all those warming spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture—nobody wants a bite of plain flour or a clump of clove!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. This vibrant, creamy mixture is what will make your Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup impossibly moist and flavorful, so don’t skimp on a thorough mix here.

Step 4: Combine and Gently Mix

Pour your wet ingredients over the dry and gently fold them together. Try not to overmix; a few lumps are absolutely fine—this is your ticket to tender waffles. As soon as the flour just disappears, set your bowl aside and get that waffle iron ready for action!

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Preheat and lightly grease your waffle maker (a quick spray or smooth of butter works wonders). Spoon in the batter to just cover the surface, then cook according to your machine’s instructions until the waffles are puffed, crisp, and a deep golden brown. The aroma of pumpkin and spice wafting up will make it nearly impossible to wait for breakfast.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Syrup

Quickly stack your fresh, hot waffles and drizzle them generously with that gorgeous brown butter maple syrup. Get ready for a moment of pure bliss—they’re at their peak right from the iron, and the syrup soaks into every crisp cranny. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make these Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup truly show-stopping. Try a flourish of toasted pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a swirl of whipped cream for an ultra-indulgent breakfast. Craving a little crunch? Sprinkle on some pepitas or granola. Every bite will be its own celebration.

Side Dishes

For a heartier meal, serve these waffles alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage links—the salty edge is a dream with sweet, spiced waffles. For something lighter, a tangy fruit salad or sliced apples pairs beautifully, offering bursts of freshness next to the rich flavors on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn breakfast into an event? Cut leftover waffles into “dippers” for brunch boards, or layer them parfait-style with Greek yogurt and roasted fruit. If you’re hosting, present a stack on a chic cake stand, drizzling the syrup tableside for a bit of flair. However you serve Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup, they steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Don’t worry if you made extra—these waffles reheat beautifully! Let any leftovers cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container or zip-top bag. Pop them in the fridge, and you’ll have a ready-made breakfast or snack for up to 3 days. The syrup can be stored separately in a jar in the fridge as well.

Freezing

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup are damn near perfect for freezing. Simply place cooled waffles on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the syrup in a little container—just thaw and gently warm before serving.

Reheating

For that just-cooked crispness, toast your leftover waffles straight from the fridge or freezer. A toaster or toaster oven does the trick; avoid the microwave if you want to keep the outside snappy. Warm the syrup gently in a small saucepan or zap for a few seconds in the microwave, stirring to recombine if needed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade purée is smooth and not too watery. Excess liquid can make the batter thin, so you may want to drain or blot the purée if needed before using in Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you’re fresh out of buttermilk, don’t fret. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for five minutes—voilà, homemade buttermilk that works perfectly in your waffles.

Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The flavor and spices in Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup still shine bright, and your gluten-free guests will be thrilled.

How do I avoid soggy waffles?

For crisp edges, preheat your waffle iron thoroughly and don’t stack fresh waffles—they steam and soften each other. Lay them on a wire rack in a warm oven until ready to serve for best texture.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips are superb stirred into the batter for extra bursts of flavor and fun in each bite. These additions are right at home in Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly inviting about making a big batch of Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup and letting everyone gather around to dig in. The aroma, the golden stacks, the pool of warm syrup—it’s all pure happiness. Give this recipe a try and I promise, it will quickly become a beloved part of your breakfast or brunch lineup.

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles with Brown Butter Maple Syrup Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 waffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these Spiced Pumpkin Waffles topped with a luscious Brown Butter Maple Syrup. Perfect for a cozy and delicious breakfast or brunch treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Waffles:

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
2 large eggs
1¾ cups buttermilk
⅓ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brown Butter Maple Syrup:

½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Make the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon. Keep warm.
Make the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined—do not overmix. Lightly grease your waffle iron and pour batter in, cooking according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden brown and crisp. Serve waffles warm, drizzled with brown butter maple syrup.