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.