Pumpkin Pecan Waffles That Bring Fall Flavors to Life with Every Crispy, Fluffy Bite

Imagine biting into a golden, crisp waffle filled with the warm spices of pumpkin pie and the crunch of toasted pecans. These pumpkin pecan waffles are the perfect way to start your morning, offering a delicious balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a touch of fall nostalgia in every bite. With a light and airy texture, these waffles are as satisfying as they are festive, making them perfect for chilly mornings or cozy brunches with friends and family. Drizzle them with maple syrup and a pat of butter for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

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The Inspiration Behind Pumpkin Pecan Waffles

These waffles are inspired by everything we love about fall—rich pumpkin puree, the warmth of pumpkin pie spice, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the waffles, while the pecans provide a delightful contrast in texture. By combining these flavors with a light and crispy waffle base, we’ve created a breakfast treat that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving them up for a special weekend brunch or freezing them for easy weekday breakfasts, these pumpkin pecan waffles are sure to become a fall favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pecan Waffles

These waffles are a perfect balance of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a rich pumpkin flavor that’s enhanced by the toasted pecans. They’re easy to make and use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch on hand for those mornings when you’re craving something cozy and indulgent. Top them with butter, maple syrup, or even whipped cream for a breakfast experience that feels like a warm hug from autumn itself.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Waffles):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Sugar: 8g

These waffles offer a balanced mix of carbs and healthy fats from the pecans, making them a great way to start your day with flavor and nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pumpkin pecan waffles pair beautifully with all of your favorite fall toppings. Serve them with warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. For a more decadent option, top them with caramelized apples or a drizzle of cinnamon honey. Pair these waffles with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall breakfast experience.

For a savory twist, try serving these waffles with a side of bacon or breakfast sausage for a satisfying sweet and salty combination.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These waffles are perfect for making ahead and storing for later. Simply allow them to cool completely after cooking, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy. This makes them an easy breakfast option for busy mornings when you still want something warm and comforting.

Fun Fact: The History of Waffles

Waffles have been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages when they were made from a simple batter and cooked over an open fire. The classic grid pattern was originally designed to hold honey and syrup, making waffles one of the earliest sweet breakfast treats. Today, waffles are a versatile dish enjoyed all around the world, with countless variations and toppings that reflect regional flavors and traditions.

Photo byJocelyn FletcheronUnsplash

Cooking Tips

Make Them Extra Crispy: For even crispier waffles, preheat your oven to 200°F and place the waffles directly on the oven rack to keep warm and crisp while you cook the rest of the batch.

Pumpkin Spice Explosion: If you’re a fan of extra spice, feel free to add a bit more pumpkin pie spice to the batter, or sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg on top before serving.

Toast the Pecans: For the best flavor and texture, lightly toast your pecans before adding them to the batter. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a satisfying crunch to the waffles.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Waffles: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent and sweet twist.
• Maple Glazed Pecan Topping: For extra indulgence, make a maple glaze by mixing maple syrup and powdered sugar, and drizzle it over the waffles with extra toasted pecans.
• Whole Wheat Option: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to give the waffles a slightly heartier texture and a boost of fiber.

Pumpkin Pecan Waffle Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ⅓ cups buttermilk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until combined.
2. Add the buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. No need for non-stick spray as the oil in the batter will ensure the waffles release easily.
4. Ladle about ½ cup of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
5. Repeat with the remaining batter, serving the waffles immediately with your favorite toppings or keeping them warm in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin pecan waffles are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall, combining the sweetness of pumpkin and the crunch of pecans into a deliciously crispy, fluffy breakfast. These waffles are easy to make and freeze, making them a go-to option for cozy autumn mornings. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, they’re sure to impress with their rich flavors and irresistible texture. Enjoy them with a drizzle of maple syrup or get creative with your toppings for a breakfast that’s truly unforgettable!