Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Quick & Fluffy Cider Pumpkin Waffles: A Cozy Fall Recipe

Cider pumpkin waffles blend autumnal warmth with comforting breakfast nostalgia, creating a seasonal morning delight that dances between sweet and spiced sensations.

Crisp apple cider infuses these golden treats with unexpected depth and complexity.

Seasonal ingredients revolutionize ordinary breakfast fare into something magical and memorable.

Warm spices weave through each fluffy bite, promising rich layers of flavor.

maple butter adds a luxurious finish that elevates these waffles beyond standard morning fare.

Rustic and elegant, these waffles capture the essence of crisp autumn mornings with their inviting aroma and tender texture.

Let your taste buds embark on a culinary journey of seasonal comfort.

Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter – Worth the Hype

  • Capture Autumn's Essence: These waffles burst with fall's cozy flavors, blending pumpkin, spiced cider, and warm spices that transport you to crisp, leaf-covered streets.
  • Master Easy Gourmet Technique: Brown butter adds a luxurious nutty depth, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant breakfast with minimal culinary skills required.
  • Texture Perfection Guaranteed: Crispy exterior meets soft, tender interior, creating a waffle experience that's simultaneously crunchy and pillowy, with rich seasonal warmth in every bite.
  • Elevated Breakfast Indulgence: Salted maple butter elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, offering a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Ingredient List for Cider Pumpkin Waffles

Wet Ingredients:
  • Salted Butter: Rich, nutty flavor that adds depth and creates browned butter base for waffles.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, autumn flavor, and beautiful orange color to the batter.
  • Spiced Cider: Adds warm seasonal spice and liquid component to enhance waffle texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure and richness in the waffle.
  • Maple Syrup: Sweet liquid that contributes natural sweetness and classic fall flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure and base for waffle batter, creates tender texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin spice flavor profile.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor of the waffles.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter, Maple Syrup, Flaky Sea Salt: Combination creates sweet and salty salted maple butter for rich waffle topping.

Cooking Instructions for Pumpkin Waffles

Step 1: Melt Butter

In a medium pot, gently mellow butter over medium heat. Watch closely as it transforms, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it turns a rich golden brown and releases a delightful nutty aroma. Carefully transfer the browned butter to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

Whisk together the following ingredients until silky smooth:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Spiced cider
  • Eggs
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Kosher salt

Allow the batter to rest and settle for 10 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 4: Prepare Salted Maple Butter

Blend in a small bowl:
  • Softened butter
  • Pure maple syrup
  • Flaky sea salt

Stir until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.

Step 5: Warm Up Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s specific instructions.

Step 6: Cook Waffles

Carefully pour the batter into the waffle iron, cooking until the waffles turn a gorgeous golden brown and become wonderfully crisp.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm waffles immediately. Top with the prepared salted maple butter and add an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent. Savor every delicious bite of this autumn-inspired treat!

Waffle-Making Tips and Maple Butter Advice

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, organic pumpkin puree and high-quality spiced apple cider for the most robust autumn flavor.
  • Rest Batter Wisely: Let the waffle batter sit for exactly 10 minutes to help gluten relax and create lighter, fluffier waffles with better texture.
  • Control Waffle Iron Heat: Adjust your waffle iron to medium-high settings to achieve a perfectly golden-brown exterior with a crispy crunch.
  • Prevent Sticky Situations: Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or brush with melted butter to ensure easy waffle removal and clean release.
  • Butter Brilliance: Whip the salted maple butter just before serving to keep it soft and spreadable, enhancing the warm waffles' rich, decadent flavor profile.

Saving and Heating Pumpkin Waffle Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap cooled waffles individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for quick future breakfasts.
  • Reheat: Toast frozen or refrigerated waffles in a toaster or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through, restoring their original crunch and warmth.

What to Pair with Pumpkin Waffles

  • Craft a Cozy Autumn Beverage Companion: Pair these warm, spiced waffles with a steaming mug of chai tea or mulled apple cider. The complementary warm spices will enhance the pumpkin and cider notes in the waffles, creating a comforting flavor symphony.
  • Elevate with Creamy Dairy Delight: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped mascarpone or bourbon-spiked whipped cream. These rich, creamy additions will beautifully balance the waffle's crisp texture and highlight its warm autumnal flavors.
  • Add Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pecans or candied walnuts over the waffles. Their crunchy texture and deep, earthy flavor will provide a delightful contrast to the soft, spiced waffle and complement the maple butter's sweetness.
  • Create a Breakfast Flavor Adventure: Pair with crispy bacon or maple-glazed ham for a savory-sweet combination. The salty meat will cut through the waffle's richness and create a perfectly balanced breakfast experience.

Recipe Switch-Ups for Cider Pumpkin Waffles

  • Autumn Apple Harmony: Swap spiced cider with fresh apple cider and add diced apples to the batter for extra texture and autumn flavor.
  • Nutty Pecan Crunch: Fold chopped pecans into the waffle batter and sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top for a rich, crunchy element.
  • Chai Spice Transformation: Replace traditional spices with chai tea blend, incorporating cardamom, cloves, and black pepper for a warm, complex taste profile.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these seasonal waffles without compromising taste.
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Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cider pumpkin waffles bring autumn’s warmth to breakfast tables with rich spices and tangy apple notes. Creamy salted maple butter melts luxuriously over crisp edges, delivering pure seasonal comfort that invites you to savor each golden, fragrant bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ cups spiced apple cider
  • 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter

Salted Maple Butter:

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Caramelize butter in a medium pot over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it develops a golden-brown hue and emits a rich, nutty aroma. Transfer the browned butter to a spacious mixing bowl.
  2. Incorporate pumpkin puree, spiced cider, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the browned butter. Whisk vigorously until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
  3. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Mix until ingredients are just combined, allowing some small lumps to remain. Let the batter rest and settle for 10 minutes to enhance texture.
  4. During the batter’s resting period, craft the salted maple butter by blending softened butter, pure maple syrup, and delicate flaky sea salt in a small mixing vessel. Stir until the components meld into a smooth, glossy spread.
  5. Warm the waffle iron according to its specific manufacturer guidelines, ensuring an even heating surface.
  6. Ladle the pumpkin-spiced batter into the preheated waffle iron, spreading evenly to create crisp, golden waffles with perfectly defined edges.
  7. Plate the freshly cooked waffles while warm, generously dolloping the salted maple butter on top. Optional: Enhance with an additional drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Brown the butter carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the waffles.
  • Let the batter rest for exactly 10 minutes to allow flour to hydrate and create a more tender waffle texture.
  • Use fresh fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to complement the pumpkin and create a warm, seasonal profile.
  • The salted maple butter adds a luxurious finishing touch that balances sweet and savory elements perfectly.
  • Preheat the waffle iron completely to ensure crispy edges and a fluffy interior for each waffle.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the waffles light and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 486
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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