Fall’s Coziest Cider Pumpkin Waffles Recipe with Maple Butter
Crisp autumn mornings call for something special, and these delectable cider pumpkin waffles with salted maple butter deliver pure seasonal magic.
Warm spices dance through each golden square, promising comfort in every bite.
The subtle tang of apple cider weaves through the pumpkin batter, creating a symphony of fall flavors.
Fluffy yet substantial, these waffles embrace the cozy essence of the season with their rich, aromatic profile.
Drizzled with homemade salted maple butter, each forkful becomes an indulgent celebration of harvest abundance.
Weekend breakfast champions and brunch enthusiasts will adore this irresistible morning treat that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Get ready to savor autumn’s most delicious morning delight.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 360 kcal
Servings: 5
Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Ingredients
For Waffle Batter Wet Ingredients:
Salted Butter: Adds rich, nutty depth and helps create a golden-brown waffle exterior.
Pumpkin Puree: Brings vibrant autumn color and creamy, earthy sweetness to the waffles.
Spiced Cider: Infuses warm, seasonal flavor and provides moisture to the batter.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the waffle's fluffy texture.
Maple Syrup: Offers natural sweetness and classic fall flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall warmth and depth of the waffle's taste.
For Waffle Batter Dry Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and provides the base for tender waffles.
Baking Powder: Helps waffles rise and become light and airy.
Baking Soda: Supports leavening and balances the acidity of the cider.
Cinnamon: Adds warming, sweet spice characteristic of autumn baking.
Ginger: Contributes a subtle, zesty kick to complement the pumpkin.
Nutmeg: Brings a delicate, aromatic note to the spice blend.
Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
For Salted Maple Butter:
Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the topping.
Maple Syrup: Adds sweet, caramel-like flavor to the butter.
Flaky Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast and elevates the butter's taste.
Tools for Warming Up Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Ease
Waffle Iron: Essential for creating crispy, golden waffles with perfect grid patterns.
Medium Pot: Used to brown butter and create a rich, nutty base.
Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating smooth batter.
Whisk: Helps blend ingredients quickly and eliminate lumps in the mixture.
Small Bowl: Needed for preparing the salted maple butter topping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Spatula: Helps fold and mix ingredients gently without overmixing.
How to Make Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Butter
Autumn Flavor Fusion
Butter Transformation Golden brown butter creates a rich, nutty base that elevates the entire waffle experience. Carefully melt butter in a medium pot, watching it transform into a delicious caramel-like liquid with an incredible aroma.
Liquid Magic Blend pumpkin, spiced cider, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla into a smooth mixture that captures the essence of fall in one bowl. The combination creates a luxurious foundation for extraordinary waffles.
Dry Ingredient Harmony Mix flour, baking powder, warming spices, and salt together. Gently fold into the wet ingredients, allowing a few delicate lumps to remain for ultimate texture. Let the batter rest and allow flavors to mingle and develop.
Maple Butter Elegance Whip together softened butter, pure maple syrup, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This simple yet decadent topping will transform ordinary waffles into a gourmet breakfast experience.
Waffle Perfection Preheat your waffle maker and pour batter, cooking until edges are crisp and golden. Each waffle will emerge with beautiful pockets perfect for capturing melted butter and syrup.
Serving Celebration Plate warm waffles and generously top with the maple butter. Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup for those who crave ultimate indulgence. Enjoy the perfect autumn morning treat.
Flavor Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Waffle Stack
Customize Your Autumn Breakfast Delight
Add extra ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to intensify the warm, cozy autumn taste profile.
Prepare waffle batter the night before and refrigerate, allowing spices to meld and develop deeper flavors overnight.
For extra crispy waffles, separate egg whites and whip them separately before folding into the batter, creating a lighter, crunchier texture.
Freeze leftover waffles between parchment paper, then quickly toast in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast that tastes freshly made.
Replace spiced cider with buttermilk or regular milk for a different moisture and tanginess in the waffle batter.
How to Serve Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Butter Drizzle
Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Transform these waffles into a stunning weekend brunch spread by arranging them on a rustic wooden board with fresh autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks for elegant presentation.
Flavor Companions: Pair the waffles with crispy bacon, whipped mascarpone cream, or toasted pecans to enhance the warm spice profile and create delightful texture contrasts.
Seasonal Beverage Harmony: Complement the waffles with spiced apple cider, pumpkin latte, or a creamy chai tea to elevate the cozy fall flavor experience and create a perfect morning meal.
Leftover Love: Store extra waffles in the freezer between parchment paper, then reheat in a toaster for quick weekday breakfasts that capture the same delicious homemade warmth.
Best Storage for Cider Pumpkin Waffles
Waffle Wisdom Storage: Keep freshly made waffles in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each waffle separately with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer-Friendly Technique: Stack cooled waffles between wax paper sheets, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks when properly sealed.
Quick Reheating Magic: Crisp up refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster or air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This method restores their original crunch and warmth without sacrificing flavor.
Batter Preparation Strategy: Mix waffle batter up to 12 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows spices to meld and develop deeper, richer flavors before cooking.
Homemade cider pumpkin waffles deliver warm autumn comfort with deep seasonal spices. Crisp exterior and fluffy interior complement rich salted maple butter, inviting you to savor classic fall flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups spiced apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
6 tbsps salted butter
2 tbsps pure maple syrup
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 ½ tsps cinnamon
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
6 tbsps salted butter
½ cup maple syrup
1 pinch flaky sea salt
Instructions
Prepare Brown Butter: Caramelize butter in a medium pot over medium heat, swirling until golden-brown and fragrant. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Create Wet Base: Blend pumpkin puree, spiced cider, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with the browned butter, whisking until smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently incorporate flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, allowing minor lumps to remain. Let batter rest for 10 minutes to develop optimal texture.
Craft Salted Maple Butter: Whip softened butter with pure maple syrup and flaky sea salt until a luxurious, glossy spread forms.
Cook Waffles: Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Pour batter evenly, ensuring complete coverage and crisp, golden edges. Cook until perfectly done and achieve a delectable, crunchy exterior.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer hot waffles directly to serving plates. Top generously with the prepared salted maple butter. Optionally, drizzle additional maple syrup for an extra decadent touch.
Notes
Butter Browning Technique: Carefully caramelize butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the waffle batter.
Batter Resting Importance: Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes, which helps flour hydrate and creates a more tender, fluffy waffle with better texture and rise.
Waffle Iron Preparation: Ensure the waffle iron is properly preheated and lightly greased to achieve crispy edges and prevent sticking, creating perfectly golden waffles.
Serving Recommendation: Serve waffles immediately after cooking to maintain maximum crispness, topping with freshly whipped salted maple butter for a luxurious finishing touch.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.