Soft and Fluffy Homemade Pumpkin Waffles

Updated October 26, 2026

By Rebecca St. Clair

These soft and fluffy homemade pumpkin waffles are a delicious way to celebrate pumpkin season! Made with simple pantry ingredients and warm pumpkin pie spices, this easy pumpkin waffle recipe makes a cozy fall breakfast the whole family will love.

If you have a little pumpkin purée left over from making pumpkin pie, this is the perfect recipe to try. Instead of letting that last bit of pumpkin sit in the refrigerator, turn it into a stack of golden, tender waffles with just the right amount of autumn flavour.

Serve them warm with butter and maple syrup for a simple homemade breakfast, or dress them up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and your favourite toppings for a leisurely weekend brunch.

Whether you’re looking for an easy fall breakfast, a homemade pumpkin recipe, or a new way to use leftover pumpkin purée, these fluffy pumpkin waffles are a delicious way to celebrate pumpkin season!

What Makes Pumpkin Waffles Light and Fluffy?

How to make great homemade pumpkin waffles:

• Measure the flour correctly. Too much flour can make waffles heavy and dry.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Preheat your waffle iron. A properly heated waffle iron helps the outside become golden while the inside cooks through.
• Avoid opening the waffle iron too early. Let the waffles cook until they’re golden and release easily according to your waffle iron’s instructions.

These simple techniques make a big difference when you’re aiming for soft, fluffy homemade waffles.

How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles from Scratch

Making homemade pumpkin waffles is simple, and can be frozen to enjoy throughout the week.

1. Prepare the waffle batter

Mix the dry ingredients together to helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly throughout the batter.

Whisk the wet ingredients together. Stir in the dry ingredients until the batter just comes together.

2. Cook the pumpkin waffles

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it if needed.

Add the appropriate amount of batter for your waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until the waffles are golden and cooked through.

Cooking times vary depending on your waffle iron.

3. Serve warm with your favourite toppings

Transfer the cooked waffles to a plate or keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the remaining batter.

Serve with butter and pure maple syrup, or try one of the delicious topping ideas below.

Best Toppings for Homemade Pumpkin Waffles

One of the lovely things about waffles is how easy they are to customize. You can keep things simple with butter and maple syrup or add a little something extra for a special breakfast or brunch.

Here are some delicious pumpkin waffle topping ideas to try.

• Butter and pure maple syrup: A classic combination that lets the pumpkin spice flavour shine.
• Fresh berries and whipped cream: Add strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries with a big spoonful of cream on top.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over warm waffles for a simple, sweet finish.
• Apple pie filling: Roughly chop apples and cook with a little bit of cinnamon and honey until soft and fragrant.
• Yogurt, nuts, and honey: A lovely combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet.
• Homemade fruit sauce: Try a warm berry sauce or cooked apples with cinnamon.
• Banana and chocolate hazelnut spread: A fun treat for a weekend breakfast.
• Roasted pecans and maple syrup: Add a little crunch and extra fall flavour.

How to Keep Pumpkin Waffles Warm While Cooking

If you’re making a large batch of pumpkin waffles for family or guests, you’ll want to keep the finished waffles warm while the remaining batter cooks.

Here’s a simple way to do it.

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
2. Place the cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet or, even better, on an oven-safe wire rack set over a baking sheet.
3. Keep them in the warm oven while you cook the remaining waffles.

Using a wire rack helps air circulate around the waffles, reducing the chance of the bottoms becoming damp or soggy.

Avoid stacking the waffles while they’re still hot, as trapped steam can soften their crisp edges.

How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Waffles

These homemade pumpkin waffles are excellent for making ahead. Prepare a batch for breakfast, then refrigerate or freeze the extras for an easy meal on busy mornings.

How to Store Pumpkin Waffles in the Refrigerator

Allow the waffles to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them completely, then refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

For the best texture, reheat them in a toaster or oven rather than the microwave. This helps restore some of their crispness.

How to Freeze Pumpkin Waffles

Freezing pumpkin waffles is a wonderful way to have a homemade breakfast ready whenever you need one.

1. Let the cooked waffles cool completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Freeze for approximately 1–2 hours, or until firm.
4. Transfer the frozen waffles to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
5. Label and date the container, then freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

If you need to stack the waffles before freezing, place a piece of parchment paper between them to help prevent sticking.

How to Reheat Frozen Pumpkin Waffles

For a quick breakfast, place a frozen waffle directly into the toaster and heat until warmed through and crisp.

You can also reheat waffles in an oven or toaster oven until hot throughout.

Avoid thawing waffles on the counter for an extended period. Reheat them directly from frozen for convenience.

Can You Make Pumpkin Pancakes Without a Waffle Iron?

Yes! If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can enjoy these pumpkin flavours in pancake form.

This batter can be used to make pumpkin pancakes.

Here’s how to make them:

1. Preheat a lightly greased skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat.
2. Spoon a small amount of batter into the pan, leaving room for the pancakes to spread.
3. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until the underside is golden and the edges begin to set.
4. Carefully flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve your pumpkin pancakes warm with butter and maple syrup for another delicious homemade fall breakfast.

Tips for the Best Homemade Pumpkin Waffles

A few simple tips will help you get the best results every time you make this easy pumpkin waffle recipe.

Freeze the extras. Homemade pumpkin waffles are perfect for preparing ahead and reheating on busy mornings.

Use plain pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling has added ingredients that can change the flavour and texture.

Don’t overmix the batter. A few small lumps are fine if the ingredients are otherwise combined.

Preheat the waffle iron fully. Adding batter to a cold waffle iron can lead to uneven cooking.

Don’t overcrowd the waffle iron. Use the amount of batter recommended for your particular machine.

Keep cooked waffles in a single layer. This helps prevent steam from making them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Waffles

Why are my pumpkin waffles not fluffy?

Pumpkin waffles may turn out dense if too much flour is added, the batter is overmixed, or the batter was not cooked fully.

Also make sure your baking powder is fresh and your waffle iron is properly preheated.

Can I use canned pumpkin purée to make pumpkin waffles?

Yes! Plain canned pumpkin purée works very well in homemade pumpkin waffles. It’s convenient, consistent, and available throughout the year.

How do I use leftover pumpkin purée?

Leftover pumpkin purée is perfect for pumpkin waffles, muffins, cookies, quick breads, soups, and pasta sauces. Measure the amount you have and choose a recipe that calls for a similar quantity. Refrigerate leftover purée promptly and use it within 4 days, or freeze it in measured portions for later.

Can pumpkin waffles be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the waffles as directed, allow them to cool, and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months for the best quality. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick homemade breakfast.

Can you freeze homemade pumpkin waffles?

Yes! Let the waffles cool completely, freeze them in a single layer, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once firm. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven until hot throughout.

Can I make pumpkin waffles without a waffle iron?

Yes. You can cook the batter in a lightly greased skillet to make pumpkin pancakes. Cook over medium-low heat until golden on the bottom and set around the edges, then flip and cook the other side until done.

What toppings taste best on pumpkin waffles?

Butter and pure maple syrup are classic choices. Roasted pecans, cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries, yogurt, honey, applesauce, and homemade fruit sauce are all delicious options.

Are pumpkin waffles good for breakfast meal prep?

Yes! Pumpkin waffles are an excellent make-ahead breakfast. Cook a batch, cool the waffles completely, and freeze them in individual portions. You can then reheat only what you need for a quick weekday breakfast.

Looking for some more cozy pumpkin recipes? Hop over here!

Don’t forget to sign up to the FREE subscribers library! Receive all the latest and exclusive content right to your inbox! Plus, gain access to amazing free printables!

Like this one! Creating your own family cookbook has never been easier!