Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These waffles bring together the best of fall flavors. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the spiced apple cider infuses the waffles with a fruity, slightly tart flavor that complements the spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The homemade salted maple butter is the real star, combining the sweetness of maple syrup with the richness of butter and a touch of salt for the perfect balance. The combination of these flavors makes for a comforting and satisfying breakfast that feels like a treat.

Ingredients

For the Waffles:

6 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Salted Butter
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups spiced apple cider
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Salted Maple Butter:

6 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Salted Butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 pinch flaky sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the pumpkin puree and spiced apple cider until well combined.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the melted butter mixture to the bowl and stir until combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable.
Cook the waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or a bit of melted butter. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron (amount will depend on the size of your iron) and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden and crispy.
Make the salted maple butter: While the waffles are cooking, make the salted maple butter. In a small saucepan, melt the 6 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Stir to combine, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serve: Serve the waffles warm, topped with a drizzle of salted maple butter. You can also add extra maple syrup or whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors of these cider pumpkin waffles!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk to make these waffles dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these waffles gluten-free.
Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra boost of fall flavor.
Toppings: You can add toppings like toasted pecans, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a fun twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the waffles in the toaster or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before using it.

Can I freeze these waffles?

Yes, these waffles freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them in the toaster or oven when ready to enjoy.

Can I use regular apple cider instead of spiced apple cider?

Yes, you can use regular apple cider, but spiced apple cider adds extra flavor and depth. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to regular apple cider to mimic the spiced version.

How can I make these waffles more crispy?

For extra crispy waffles, ensure your waffle iron is well-preheated before adding the batter. You can also cook them for an additional minute or two for more crispiness.

Can I make these waffles without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer.

Can I use a different type of syrup for the butter?

While maple syrup works best for the flavor, you can substitute with other syrups, like honey or agave, for a different taste.

How do I know when the waffles are done?

The waffles are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The exact cooking time will depend on your waffle iron, but it usually takes about 4-5 minutes per waffle.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I make these waffles without the salted maple butter?

While the waffles are delicious on their own, the salted maple butter adds an extra level of flavor. If you prefer, you can skip it, but the waffles might need extra syrup for sweetness.

Conclusion

Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall in a breakfast that’s both indulgent and comforting. The pumpkin and apple cider come together beautifully in the waffle batter, while the salted maple butter takes it to the next level with its rich sweetness and touch of salt. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy morning at home, these waffles are sure to delight everyone at the table.

Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter