Harvest Morning Waffles with Pumpkin, Cider and Maple Butter

Wake up to cozy fall flavors with these Harvest Morning Waffles made with pumpkin puree, apple cider, and a drizzle of maple butter. These homemade waffles are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and filled with the comforting taste of autumn. 

Harvest Morning Waffles with Pumpkin, Cider and Maple Butter

The mornings here are crisp and and the leaves are starting to turn which has me yearning for a warm, homemade breakfast — the kind that fills your kitchen with the scent of browned butter and spiced pumpkin. I stumbled across a gorgeous waffle recipe on Pinterest from Half Baked Harvest, and it immediately set the mood for a cozy autumn weekend. I decided to try her flavor combination but didn’t have everything on hand, so I made a few tweaks using what I had in my pantry — a splash of Vermont boiled cider, a hint of pure maple syrup, and plenty of pumpkin purée.

One of my favorite touches in this recipe is the Vermont Boiled Cider — a rich, syrupy concentrate made by slowly reducing fresh apple cider until it becomes thick, glossy, and deeply flavorful. It’s like the essence of an autumn orchard captured in a bottle. Just a spoonful adds a subtle tang and warmth that deepens the pumpkin and spice notes in these waffles. If you’ve never used it before, think of it as maple syrup’s apple-forward cousin — sweet, tart, and perfectly at home in cozy fall baking.

The result? These Harvest Morning Waffles with Pumpkin, Cider and Maple Butter are everything I love about fall on a plate — golden and crisp at the edges, soft and fragrant inside, with a buttery maple drizzle that soaks into every little pocket. Serve them with a mug of hot coffee or tea, and you’ve got the perfect start to a slow, golden morning.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

These waffles come together with simple, comforting ingredients — each one adding its own layer of cozy fall flavor.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and that irresistible golden crispness when browned. Pumpkin Purée: The heart of this recipe — creamy, earthy, and naturally sweet. It gives the waffles their beautiful color and tender texture.

• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and light; you can use whole, 2%, or even a non-dairy option like oat milk.

• Vermont Boiled Cider: This secret ingredient deepens the apple notes and enhances the pumpkin spice — pure autumn in a spoonful.

• Eggs: Help bind the batter and give the waffles structure while keeping them fluffy inside.

• Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that ties in perfectly with the maple butter topping.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the spices.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that keeps everything balanced and fluffy.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Give the waffles their rise — ensuring that perfect, airy texture.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that smells like fall in the kitchen.

• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and spice.

For the Maple Butter:

• Unsalted Butter & Maple Syrup: Whipped together for a creamy, caramel-like topping that melts right into the waffles.

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Milk: Swap for almond milk, oat milk, or even buttermilk for a tangy twist.

• Vermont Boiled Cider: I use this one. For an alternative use a tablespoon of apple cider concentrate or a mix of 2 tablespoons of apple cider with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.

• Butter: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

• Pumpkin Purée: Sweet potato purée or even mashed roasted butternut squash make great alternatives.

Variations:

• Apple Harvest Waffles: Add finely diced apples or a spoonful of apple butter to the batter for extra orchard flavor.

• Pumpkin Maple Pecan Waffles: Stir in chopped pecans and drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate for a dessert-like treat.

• Whole Grain Twist: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for a heartier, rustic bite.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Brown the Butter: Don’t skip this step — it adds a nutty, caramel depth that makes these waffles stand out.

• Let the Batter Rest: A short 10-minute rest allows the flour to hydrate and the leavening to activate, giving you light, crisp waffles.

• Preheat the Iron Well: A hot waffle iron ensures even cooking and those beautifully crisp edges.

• Keep Waffles Warm: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch — this keeps them crisp instead of soggy.

• Serve It Up: These waffles are best fresh, with a generous spoonful of maple butter and a drizzle of warm syrup — maybe even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a farmhouse touch.

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