Spicy Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles

Featured in: Seasonal Recipes

Warm, golden waffles incorporate real pumpkin, buttermilk, and aromatic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of cayenne for gentle heat. This easy batter yields crisp yet tender servings, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Serve with maple syrup and whipped cream, or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for more kick. These waffles freeze well for later enjoyment and pair beautifully with fruity compotes or spiced butters. Use a hot, greased waffle iron for best results, and keep finished batches warm until serving.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:30:00 GMT
Warm Spicy Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles topped with maple syrup for a cozy morning treat. Save
Warm Spicy Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles topped with maple syrup for a cozy morning treat. | whisknjoy.com

Warm, fluffy waffles infused with pumpkin, autumn spices, and a hint of heat—perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

I first made these spicy pumpkin buttermilk waffles when my family requested something festive yet comforting for a chilly weekend brunch. The combination of pumpkin, warming spices, and a dash of cayenne gave breakfast an unexpected and welcome kick.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Buttermilk: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
  • Pumpkin purée: 3/4 cup (180 g) (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Melted unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 ml), cooled
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cayenne pepper.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pumpkin purée, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine:
Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Some lumps are fine.
Prepare Waffle Iron:
Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter.
Cook:
Pour about 1/2 cup of batter on the hot waffle iron per waffle (adjust for your model). Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
Keep Warm:
Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack and keep warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
Serve:
Serve hot, topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.
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Sharing these warm waffles with my family became a new autumn tradition, especially when we gathered around the kitchen table on Sunday mornings.

Required Tools

Waffle iron, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, ladle or measuring cup, wire rack (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs. If using store-bought pumpkin purée or buttermilk, check labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 290, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 7 g

Deliciously fluffy Spicy Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles, perfect for autumn brunch gatherings. Save
Deliciously fluffy Spicy Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles, perfect for autumn brunch gatherings. | whisknjoy.com

Serve these waffles hot with your favorite toppings for a festive breakfast that everyone will love. They're sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Recipe FAQ

How can I increase the spiciness of these waffles?

You can add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to boost the heat according to your taste.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you may substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for additional fiber and a nutty flavor.

Which toppings pair best with spicy pumpkin waffles?

Maple syrup, whipped cream, apple compote, cinnamon butter, or a sprinkle of chili flakes all complement these waffles well.

Are these waffles suitable for freezing?

Yes, cooked waffles can be cooled, frozen, and then reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick future breakfast.

What allergens should I be aware of?

These waffles contain wheat (gluten), dairy, and eggs. Always check labels if using pre-made ingredients.

Can I make these waffles vegan?

You may substitute plant-based milk and butter for dairy ingredients and use flax eggs to create a vegan version.

Spicy Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles

Fluffy waffles combine pumpkin, warming spices, and mild heat. Ideal for a comforting breakfast or brunch table.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Seasonal Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
10 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjustable to preference

Wet Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
02 3/4 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened, not pie filling)
03 2 large eggs
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Prepare Equipment: Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

Stage 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cayenne pepper until evenly blended.

Stage 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pumpkin purée, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Stage 04

Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; slight lumps are acceptable.

Stage 05

Prepare Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.

Stage 06

Cook Waffles: Pour approximately 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron per waffle, adjusting for your iron's capacity.

Stage 07

Bake and Set: Close the lid and cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp, generally 4 to 5 minutes per batch.

Stage 08

Keep Warm: Transfer finished waffles to a wire rack and hold in a low oven to keep warm while preparing remaining batches.

Stage 09

Serve: Serve waffles immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for additional heat.

Necessary tools

  • Waffle iron
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle or measuring cup
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs.
  • Verify labels of store-bought buttermilk and pumpkin purée for undisclosed allergens.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 7 g