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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Fluffy Apple Cinnamon French Toast (Made with Trader Joe’s Seasonal Sourdough!)

 

Fluffy Apple Cinnamon French Toast made with Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Sourdough and topped with maple butter — the perfect cozy fall breakfast.

Fluffy Apple Cinnamon French Toast (Made with Trader Joe’s Seasonal Sourdough!)

I recently made one of my favorite kinds of discoveries — the kind that happens when you’re wandering the aisles at Trader Joe’s and something seasonal catches your eye. Nestled on the bread shelf was their Apple Cinnamon Sourdough, a luscious loaf speckled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and tender apple chunks baked right in. I didn’t even hesitate — into the cart it went!

This apple bread alone is pure fall comfort, but when you turn it into French toast? Absolute heaven. Each slice soaks up the sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard and cooks up golden and crisp at the edges, yet stays wonderfully soft and fluffy inside. And here’s the little twist that makes this recipe stand out — the batter isn’t your ordinary mix of milk and eggs. It includes a secret ingredient: a small amount of flour.

That bit of flour gives the custard just enough body to cling beautifully to the bread, creating a light coating that crisps up as it cooks while keeping the inside perfectly tender. It’s a simple trick that transforms basic French toast into something truly irresistible — fluffy, caramelized, and utterly crave-worthy.

Serve it warm with a generous smear of my maple butter and a drizzle of syrup, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that tastes like fall in every bite. It’s made for slow weekend mornings, when the kitchen smells like cinnamon and apples, and you have time to savor something special. But hurry — Trader Joe's bread is seasonal, and once it’s gone, you’ll be counting down the days until it returns next fall.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy fall French toast. No need to measure just yet — this is your ingredient overview and why each one matters.

• All-Purpose Flour – The secret ingredient! A little flour thickens the custard so it clings beautifully to the bread, giving your French toast that golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside light and fluffy.

• Milk – The creamy base for your custard mixture. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but any milk you have on hand will work.

• Eggs – The foundation of every French toast batter, adding richness and structure to the custard.

• Granulated Sugar – Just a touch sweetens the batter and helps create caramelized edges as the toast cooks.

• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, cozy flavor that ties the cinnamon and apple notes together perfectly.

• Ground Cinnamon – The heart of fall flavor! Cinnamon adds depth and warmth that complements the apple-studded bread.

• Salt – A pinch sharpens the sweetness and balances all those cozy flavors.

• Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread – The star of the show! This limited-edition loaf is filled with tender apple chunks, brown sugar, and cinnamon swirls — the perfect bread for soaking up your French toast batter without falling apart.

• Butter & Maple Syrup – Combined to make luscious maple butter — a simple topping that melts over warm French toast for the perfect finishing touch.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Sourdough or want to switch things up, here are two delicious ways to put your own spin on this recipe:

1. Classic Cinnamon Swirl Version

Swap the seasonal sourdough for cinnamon swirl or brioche bread. Both will give you that soft, custardy texture with sweet ribbons of cinnamon throughout. Add a few thin slices of sautéed apples on top for that same fall vibe.

2. Caramel Apple French Toast

Take things up a notch by topping your cooked French toast with warm sautéed apples tossed in butter, brown sugar, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s like apple pie meets brunch — and it’s heavenly.

Crispy exterior, fluffy on the inside

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Don’t skip the flour. It’s the key to getting that signature crisp coating that sets this recipe apart from traditional French toast.

• Use day-old bread if possible. Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without becoming soggy — ideal for that golden, fluffy texture.

• Cook over medium heat. Too hot, and the outside will brown before the inside is cooked through. Medium heat gives you a perfectly even cook.

• Keep slices warm. As you cook each batch, place finished slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm until serving.

• Make it brunch-worthy. Serve with maple butter, extra syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and maybe a few caramelized apple slices for an extra touch of cozy.

This bread is just loaded with cinnamon and chunks of apples.

"Set the Mood"

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast is made for slow, cozy mornings — the kind where you sip coffee or tea in your favorite mug and let the smell of cinnamon fill the kitchen. Light a candle with apple or maple notes, turn on a mellow acoustic playlist, and let breakfast linger a little longer. Pair your French toast with a warm cup of chai or spiced cider, and serve it alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs or a bowl of fresh fruit. It’s the kind of simple, soul-warming brunch that makes fall mornings feel a little extra special.

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Hidden Gem Muffins – Fall’s Sweetest Apricot Surprise!

Embrace the cozy charm of fall baking with these Hidden Gem Muffins – tender, golden, and filled with a sweet apricot surprise inside. Perfect for slow Saturday mornings and the start of a crisp autumn day.

Hidden Gem Muffins – Fall’s Sweetest Apricot Surprise!

We've been experiencing the first crisp mornings of fall lately — foggy mornings turn to soft sunlight and the air feels just a little cozier.  I can finally justify turning on the oven again! Saturday mornings become slower this time of year, and that’s exactly how I like them. A warm cup of tea, a favorite playlist, and a simple baking project are all I need to begin the day.

That’s where these Hidden Gem Muffins – Fall’s Sweetest Apricot Surprise! come in. They’re soft and golden with a cozy sweetness that’s perfectly at home on a cool autumn morning. Each one hides a spoonful of apricot jam in the center — a small burst of sunshine tucked inside. Theses muffins remind you fall isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling.

Whether you’re baking just for yourself or sharing a batch with someone you love, this small batch of muffins bring a touch of sweetness to even the laziest weekend mornings. And the best part? Change the jam, and you’ve got a new “hidden gem” for every season ahead.

Enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Egg – Adds structure and helps the muffins rise beautifully.

• 2% Milk – Keeps the texture soft and moist.

• Canola Oil – Brings a light, tender crumb without heaviness.

• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the muffins.

• All-Purpose Flour – The base for that classic muffin texture.

• Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a touch of caramel flavor.

• Baking Powder – Ensures a lovely lift.

• Salt – Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

• Apricot Jam – The sweet surprise tucked inside every muffin.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about these muffins is how easy they are to adapt for the season or your pantry. Swap the apricot jam for any fruit preserve to match the flavor you’re craving:

• Raspberry or Strawberry Jam: Brings a bright, slightly tangy sweetness — perfect for spring mornings.

• Peach or Plum Jam: Adds a rich, juicy warmth that feels summery or late summer.

• Apple Butter, Pumpkin Butter or Fig Jam: Cozy and autumnal, ideal for crisp fall days.

• Lemon Curd or Orange Marmalade: Light and zesty for a cheerful winter or spring twist.

You can also experiment with the batter: try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for an extra layer of seasonal flavor, or fold in a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. Each variation gives the muffins a new personality while keeping that golden, tender base we love.

Kitchen Notes and Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the flour disappears — a few lumps are fine. Overmixing makes muffins dense.

• Check muffin size: Using a 6-cup muffin tin works best. For smaller muffins, reduce baking time by a few minutes.

• Jam placement: Spoon the jam carefully in the center and cover fully with batter to avoid sinking or spilling during baking.

• Storage: Muffins taste best fresh, but store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Rewarm gently in the oven or microwave.

• Serving suggestion: Pair with tea or coffee, or enjoy plain with a little butter. These muffins are cozy on their own or part of a larger breakfast spread.

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Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins

These Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins are the ultimate fall treat! Soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin spice and melty dark chocolate chips—perfect for when you want a little taste of cozy.

Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins

Every fall, I face the same delicious dilemma: do I bake with pumpkin or apples? I truly love them both, and usually end up making a mix of each throughout the season. Pumpkin feels cozy and spiced, while apple desserts bring that crisp, orchard-fresh sweetness—it’s impossible to pick just one!

That’s exactly why I love these Bite-Sized Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Doughnut Hole Muffins. They’re quick, perfectly portioned, and deliver all the warm pumpkin spice goodness I crave this time of year—with the bonus of rich, melty dark chocolate in every bite. Think of them as a little taste of fall, ready in less than 20 minutes, whether you’re team pumpkin, team apple, or (like me) happily somewhere in between.

Just biting into one of these muffins is pure autumn bliss. The exterior is lightly golden with a tender, soft center that melts in your mouth. Warm pumpkin spice flavors mingle perfectly with pockets of rich, slightly bittersweet dark chocolate, creating a cozy, comforting treat that’s impossible to resist. Each mini muffin is just the right size for a quick snack, an after-school treat, or a sweet addition to your morning coffee—or tea, of course! Once you try one, you’ll want to bake a batch (or two) immediately.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Pumpkin puree – Brings moistness, natural sweetness, and cozy fall flavor.

• Canola oil – Keeps the muffins tender without adding strong flavor.

• Egg – Provides structure and richness.

• Vanilla extract – Enhances the pumpkin and chocolate flavors.

• All-purpose flour – The base for a soft, tender muffin.

• Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.

• Baking powder – Gives the muffins a light, airy texture.

• Salt – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.

• Pumpkin pie spice – Warms the flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

• Dark chocolate chips – Melty pockets of chocolate for indulgence in every bite.

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

• Oil substitute: Use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.

• Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple sugar.

• Flour: Try whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier, more wholesome texture.

• Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter muffin.

• Spice: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.

• Make your own pumpkin pie spice - see my graphic below for the recipe - it's easy as pie!

Kitchen Notes and Tips

Here are some tips that will help you make the best, fluffiest muffins.

• High heat:  A hotter oven makes the outside of the muffin set quickly while the inside continues to rise. This pushes the batter upward, creating taller, rounder muffin tops.  You’ll end up with a firmer, slightly crisp outer layer with a softer, fluffier interior.

• My #1 pro tip - Don’t overmix:   Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined for soft, tender muffins. 

• Pan prep: Lightly grease the doughnut hole pan to ensure easy removal.

• Baking tip: Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

• Storage: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

• Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with tea, coffee, or as a portable autumn snack.

• Equipment:  Use a Doughnut hole pan or a mini muffin pan will work as well.

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