Orange Cranberry Waffles (A Cozy Winter Breakfast)

 

These orange cranberry waffles use dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for a simple, cozy winter breakfast that’s perfect for holidays or weekends.

Orange Cranberry Waffles (A Cozy Winter Breakfast)

Picture this: it’s a cold winter morning, the house is still quiet, and you’re wrapped in a sweater with a warm mug in hand. Outside, it feels gray and chilly, but inside the kitchen is cozy and calm. It’s the kind of morning that calls for a real breakfast — something warm, comforting, and a little special, whether it’s a holiday morning or just a slow weekend in December.

The waffle maker heats up on the counter as the smell of orange zest starts to fill the room. Steam lifts when the lid opens, revealing golden waffles dotted with cranberries, crisp at the edges and soft in the center. Butter melts instantly, syrup drips into every pocket, and suddenly the whole kitchen feels warmer. It’s simple, familiar, and exactly what a winter morning should feel like.

These orange cranberry waffles are made for cozy breakfasts like this — easy enough for a weekend, but festive enough for a holiday morning. Bright citrus and tart cranberries add just the right balance, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that feels a little more special, without any extra fuss.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• All-purpose flour - The base of the waffles, giving them structure while keeping the texture light.

• Granulated sugar  -Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and bright citrus.

• Cornstarch - Helps create crisp waffle edges with soft, fluffy centers.

• Baking powder & baking soda - Work together to give the waffles lift and an airy texture.

• Salt - Enhances all the flavors and keeps the waffles from tasting flat.

• Dried cranberries - An easy, pantry-friendly option that adds tart pops of flavor without extra prep.

• Buttermilk - Adds richness and a slight tang, keeping the waffles tender.

• Eggs - Bind everything together and help create structure.

• Unsalted butter - Adds flavor and contributes to those golden, crisp edges.

• Orange zest - Brightens the waffles with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Simple Substitutions

• No buttermilk? - Use milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.

• Out of dried cranberries? - Swap in dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.

• Dairy-free option - Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.

• No orange zest? - Lemon zest works beautifully for a slightly different citrus note.

Variations

• Holiday Spice Waffles - Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.

• Nutty Orange Cranberry Waffles - Stir in finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Kitchen Notes and Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — a few small lumps help keep the waffles light.

• Let the waffle maker fully preheat for the crispiest results.

• Lightly grease the waffle iron between batches to prevent sticking.

• These waffles are best served hot, straight from the waffle maker.

• To keep waffles warm for a crowd, place them on a wire rack in a low oven.

• Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in a toaster for easy winter breakfasts.

Make Ahead & Freezing

• Make the batter ahead: The waffle batter can be mixed and stored, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a gentle stir before cooking.

• Cook ahead for guests: Waffles can be cooked earlier in the day and kept warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

• Freezing leftovers: I do this all the time! Let waffles cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Reheating: Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp — no need to thaw first.

• Perfect for busy mornings: Having a batch in the freezer makes cozy winter breakfasts easy, even on hectic holiday mornings.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread (Perfect for a Thanksgiving Breakfast Board)

 

Bake this Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread ahead of Thanksgiving and wake up to a cozy, stress-free breakfast board.

Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread (Perfect for a Thanksgiving Breakfast Board)

Thanksgiving morning should feel cozy, calm, and full of anticipation—not rushed or stressful. Between the oven timers, last-minute side dishes, and the smell of pumpkin pie in the air, it’s easy for breakfast to get lost in the shuffle. That’s why I love this Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread.

Baked ahead and stored in the freezer, this warm, spiced loaf can be sliced and ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Simply place it on the counter to thaw the night before Thanksgiving.  In the morning, you can slice it, warm it up, and place it on a board with butter, jams, fresh fruit, and nuts, and you’ve got a beautiful, stress-free breakfast spread that will delight everyone without adding to the day’s chaos.

It’s the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and cozy fall flavors, making it a small but meaningful way to start the holiday right—relaxed, happy, and full of anticipation for the feast to come.

Why This Bread Works

There are a few reasons this Applesauce Oatmeal Bread has become my go-to for Thanksgiving morning:

1. Easy to Prep
   The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly—flour, oats, applesauce, warm spices, and a handful of walnuts. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients takes just a few minutes, so even a busy weeknight or weekend morning is no problem.

2. Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly
   One of the biggest advantages is that you can bake this loaf ahead of time. Once it’s cooled, it freezes beautifully, wrapped tightly to lock in freshness. The night before Thanksgiving remove from the freezer and thaw overnight on the counter, and you’re ready to slice and serve—no extra kitchen stress required.

3. Warm, Cozy Flavors
   Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and oats give this loaf that quintessential fall flavor, while applesauce keeps it moist without being heavy. Each bite feels comforting and homey, making it perfect for a holiday morning.

4. Slices Beautifully for Serving
   Unlike some quick breads that crumble or fall apart, this loaf holds together well. That makes it ideal for a Thanksgiving breakfast board, where slices can be arranged alongside butter, jam, fresh fruit, and nuts for a simple but elegant presentation.

5. Versatile for Any Morning
   While it shines on Thanksgiving, this bread is just as wonderful for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even as an afternoon snack. Once you know the convenience of a make-ahead loaf, it’s hard to go back to scrambling on busy mornings.

Make-Ahead + Freezer Instructions

One of the best things about this Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is how perfectly it lends itself to make-ahead planning—which is a lifesaver on Thanksgiving morning. Here’s how to prep it in advance:

Baking Ahead  (I often make this the weekend before Thanksgiving)

• Prepare the loaf according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. (recipe below)

• Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection.

Freezing

• The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• If you like, slice the bread before freezing—this makes it easy to grab exactly how many slices you need without thawing the whole loaf. I often leave the loaf whole and thaw the entire loaf so we can eat it throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. (if there is any left!)

Thawing

• The night before Thanksgiving, remove the wrapped loaf from the freezer and place it on the counter to thaw overnight.

• If you prefer warm slices, place individual slices or the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

Breakfast Board Ideas

This Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is not just delicious—it’s beautifully versatile and makes a stunning centerpiece for a simple Thanksgiving morning breakfast board. Here are some ideas to turn your loaf into a festive, stress-free spread:

1. Sliced Bread as the Anchor

• Slice the loaf evenly and arrange the pieces on a board or platter.

• Sprinkle a few extra oats or chopped nuts on top for a rustic, cozy look.

2. Add Spreads and Toppings

• Butter & Softened Cream Cheese – classic and comforting.

• Jams or Fruit Preserves – try apple, pear, or spiced cranberry for a seasonal touch.

• Nut Butters – almond or walnut butter pairs beautifully with the flavors in the bread.

3. Fresh Fruit

• Seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, pears, or berries add color, freshness, and a natural sweetness.

4. Crunchy Accents

• A bowl of nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add texture.

• Mini granola clusters or lightly spiced roasted nuts also work well.

5. Extras for Variety

• Mini muffins, yogurt cups, or small pastries can complement the loaf.

• Warm drinks such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or spiced cider round out the board and make the table feel festive.

Pro Tip: Gather your other board items the night before if possible—you can place them in containers or ziploc bags and refrigerate those that require it. That way, Thanksgiving morning is as effortless as it is beautiful.

With these simple touches, your breakfast board will feel elegant, inviting, and stress-free, while letting your make-ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread shine as the star of the morning.

What Ingredients Do I Need

This Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread uses simple pantry staples and a few cozy, fall-inspired ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness without overpowering the warm spices

• Eggs – bind the loaf and give structure

• Vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist (I used canola oil)

• Vanilla extract or boiled cider – adds warmth and seasonal aroma (I used boiled cider - it adds a punch of apple flavor)

• Applesauce (unsweetened) – naturally sweet, adds moisture, and keeps the bread tender

Dry Ingredients

• Golden wheat flour – for a subtle, nutty flavor (this is white wheat flour)

• Unbleached all-purpose flour – adds structure

• Baking powder & baking soda – help the loaf rise perfectly

• Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg – warm fall spices that make this bread smell like the holidays

• Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor

• Quick-cooking oats – add texture and heartiness

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped walnuts – for crunch and extra flavor

• Extra oats or nuts for topping – make the loaf look rustic and festive

Note: Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry. The applesauce, spices, and nuts give this loaf its cozy, Thanksgiving feel without any complicated steps.

Kitchen Tips & Variations

Kitchen Tips

• Use unsweetened applesauce for the best texture and balanced sweetness — sweetened versions can make the loaf overly soft.

• Don’t skip the oats on top. They add a rustic, cozy finish that looks great for breakfast boards.

• Check for doneness early. Every oven is different — start testing at the 50-minute mark.

• Let it cool fully before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents crumbling, especially if you plan to freeze it.

Variations

• Cranberry Twist: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for a festive pop of color and tang.

• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a light maple icing over the cooled loaf for extra holiday sweetness.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap walnuts for pepitas or omit them altogether for nut free serving.

• Apple Chunk Upgrade: Add ½ cup small diced apples for more texture and extra juicy apple flavor.

Thanksgiving morning doesn’t have to feel rushed — especially when you’ve already baked something cozy, wholesome, and ready to slice. This Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is your little gift to yourself and your family: thaw it overnight, brew the coffee, and ease into the holiday with something homemade and stress-free.

If you build a breakfast board this year, I’d love to hear how you styled it! Share your ideas, your spreads, or photos of your board in the comments — especially if this bread becomes the anchor. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every slow, delicious moment of the morning.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Cider Pumpkin Waffles

Indulge in the cozy flavors of the season with Cider Pumpkin Waffles—warm spices, rich pumpkin, and a hint of apple cider in every golden, fluffy bite. Perfect for crisp autumn mornings or festive winter brunches!

Cider Pumpkin Waffles

Today's recipe tastes so good I know you are going to love them!  Cider Pumpkin Waffles are a cozy and flavorful breakfast treat that blends the essence of autumn and winter. These waffles are made with a rich batter incorporating smooth pumpkin puree and a splash of apple cider, and boiled cider for added oomph, creating a perfect harmony of seasonal flavors. Warm pumpkin pie spices infuse the waffles with a fragrant, spiced aroma reminiscent of a crisp fall morning or a festive winter holiday.

The waffles have a golden, slightly crisp exterior with a tender, fluffy interior. They pair beautifully with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkling of powdered sugar. For an extra indulgence, top them with caramelized apples or pecans to enhance their rustic charm. These waffles are ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch, celebrating the best flavors of the colder months.  Plus, they're easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress family and friends!  Make this large batch and freeze any leftovers for a warm comforting breakfast all through the season.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• Dairy
• Unsalted butter
• Large eggs

• Canned Goods
• Pumpkin puree

• Baking
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Kosher salt

• Pantry
• Vanilla extract
• Maple syrup

• Beverages
• Apple cider
• Boiled cider (optional) - can be purchased here

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Unsalted Butter: Use melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or unsweetened applesauce for a dairy-free or lower-fat option.

• Pumpkin Puree: Substitute with sweet potato puree

• Apple Cider: Use apple juice or a mix of water and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a similar flavor.

• Boiled Cider: Omit or reduce apple cider in a saucepan until thickened for a homemade substitute.

• Vanilla Extract: Swap with a small amount of maple flavoring.

• All-Purpose Flour: Replace with whole wheat flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend for dietary needs.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have pre-made spice.

• Kosher Salt: Use sea salt or table salt, but adjust the quantity (table salt is finer and saltier).

These swaps ensure flexibility without losing the warm, cozy flavor of the waffles!

Variations

• Top the waffles with caramelized apple slices or an apple compote.

• Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the batter for added crunch and flavor.

• Sprinkle extra nuts on top with a drizzle of maple syrup for serving.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients:  Bring eggs, butter, and other refrigerated ingredients to room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even cooking.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter:  Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to keep the waffles light and fluffy. Overmixing can make them dense.

• Preheat the Waffle Iron Properly:  Allow your waffle iron to heat thoroughly before adding batter for crispy exteriors. A properly heated iron also helps prevent sticking.

• Grease the Waffle Iron:  Even if your waffle maker is non-stick, lightly grease it with a brush or spray before each batch to ensure easy removal.

• Concentrate the Apple Cider Flavor:  The addition of Boiled Cider gives the dish a concentrated apple flavor plus it will last in your refrigerator up to 6 months.  If you are not using you can simmer apple cider on low heat to reduce it by half before adding it to the batter in addition to the regular called for apple cider.

• Freeze Extras:  Make a double batch and freeze leftovers. Cool waffles completely, wrap them in parchment, and store in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.

• Check for Doneness:  Don’t rely on the waffle iron’s indicator light alone. Peek inside to ensure the waffles are golden and crisp to your liking.

• Serving Ideas:  These waffles pair beautifully with seasonal toppings like whipped cream, toasted pecans, spiced apple compote, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a festive twist, add caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.

These tips help ensure your waffles are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and ready to impress!

     Items you may need     

Boiled Cider

Mixing Bowls 

Mixing Bowls with Lids

Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Round Belgian Waffle Maker

Spatula

Small Tongs

Platter

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Cider Pumpkin Waffles

serves 6

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups apple cider

1 Tablespoon boiled cider
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Add all the butter to a medium pot over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and brown, until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat and pour into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the pumpkin, cider, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, stir until just combined.

Preheat your waffle iron. Cook the waffles according to your waffle iron's directions. Serve topped with butter and maple syrup if desired. 

Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Walnut Cream Syrup

Pumpkin Waffles that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy and tender on the inside doused with warm and decadent maple walnut cream syrup!

Yum

Boy! How time flies!  I just can't get over that it's almost Thanksgiving and the end of the year is around the corner.  It really seemed to sneak up on me this year.  Did that happen to anyone else?

I'm sure that you all have your Thanksgiving menu planned but what are you going to serve for breakfast that day?  Not many give that one much thought because we are all so swamped with getting the turkey in the oven, and cooking all the sides and pies that breakfast is just something that has to get done, and fast!

Luckily, I've got something for that is is easy to make and tastes great.  You could even say that this is a Make-Ahead Meal.  Love those!  If you have time this Sunday I would highly suggest making these Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Walnut Cream Syrup, and then freezing some for Thanksgiving morning.  All you have to do then is pull out the waffles and pop them in the toaster and heat up the syrup in the microwave and voila! breakfast is served.  I'm sure you've all had a toaster waffle before, right?  Well, this is just a homemade version of that, but oh so much better!

PUMPKIN WAFFLES WITH MAPLE WALNUT CREAM SYRUP

Waffles that are worth waking up for!

Slightly crispy edges.

Golden waffled surfaces.

Soft and fluffy on the inside, soaked through with maple walnut cream syrup and melted butter.

And that moment when you bite into it and the warm spices and pumpkin flavor bursts in your mouth…

It’s just a little bit of food heaven right there.

So let me tell you about these waffles.  With an easy to make batter these toasty and fluffy waffles, bursting with warm spices and pumpkin flavors, will be on your table in no time.  

Oh the waffles!  They are heaven on a plate.  I just love the texture of these waffles.  A little crunchy on the outside and fluffy and tender on the inside.  And the flavor....just so warm and comforting.  They are just the perfect fall and winter breakfast treat.  AND let's not forget the star of the dish; the warm and decadent maple walnut cream syrup!  Ohmergawd!  This is a must have with this dish so don't skip it. Trust me when I say that I wanted to lick every drop of the leftover syrup right out of the pitcher.  It's that good....you'll thank me later! 

So I hope you make this incredibly delicious dish part of your Fall breakfast tradition.  It's the perfect holiday meal.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Walnut Cream Syrup

makes 12 waffles

Waffles:

4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

4 eggs, lightly beaten

3 cups milk

1 15oz can pumpkin (not pie filling)

1/4 cup butter, melted

Maple Walnut Cream Syrup:

1 Tbsp. butter

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

1 1/2 cups maple syrup

1/2 cup heavy cream

In a large bowl stir together the dry ingredients for the waffles.  Then add the wet ingredients and stir just until everything is moistened and combined.  Your batter will be slightly lumpy.

Next up, make the Maple Walnut Cream Syrup.  In a medium sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the walnuts and cook and stir 1-2 minutes until toasted.  Add in the maple syrup and the cream and heat through another few minutes.  Pour into a pitcher for serving.

Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions.  Spray the iron with cooking spray and then add your batter (based upon the suggestions from the manufacturer) and close the lid.  Once the steam has stopped coming from your waffle iron the waffles should be done.  Use a fork to life the waffle off the griddle and place on a sheet pan.  Keep waffles warm in a 300 degree oven while preparing remaining waffles.  Serve warm with Maple Walnut Cream Syrup.

To Make Ahead:  Prepare your waffles as directed above, except, cool waffles completely on a wire rack.  Place waffles in between sheets of waxed paper in a freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months.  The Maple Walnut Cream Syrup will store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.  To serve, remove waffles from the freezer and reheat in a toaster.  Microwave the syrup about 1 1/2 minutes until heated through, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent scorching.  Serve.

adapted from Better Homes & Gardens 100 Best Pumpkin Recipes 2019 publication