Imagine waking up to the cozy scent of cinnamon and pumpkin mingling in your kitchen—that’s exactly what you get with this Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe. These waffles have the perfect balance of pumpkin spice warmth and a tender, nutty crumb that feels just right for fall mornings or anytime you want a wholesome treat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it’s not only delicious but also gluten-free and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, these waffles hit the spot every time.
- Perfect Texture: The almond flour creates a tender, fluffy waffle that’s moist but not soggy.
- Natural Sweetness: Maple syrup and pumpkin puree bring gentle sweetness without the need for refined sugar.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add those cozy, comforting fall vibes you’ll look forward to.
- Simple & Gluten-Free: Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe plays a crucial role to build flavor, texture, and nutrition. Here’s a quick look at why I love these particular choices and a few tips on picking the best:
- Blanched almond flour: It gives the waffles a tender crumb and adds that subtle nutty flavor; I always opt for fresh almond flour to avoid any bitterness.
- Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch: These starches help bind the batter and lighten the texture—either works beautifully.
- Baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and stay fluffy. For paleo versions, look for aluminum-free baking powder or substitute with baking soda plus cream of tartar.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: These warming spices are essential; fresh ground spices make all the difference, trust me.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable earthy pumpkin taste. Look for 100% pure pumpkin without added sugar.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth without extra sweetness—feel free to swap for any milk you prefer.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; I always use real maple syrup for its rich flavor.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and add protein for a satisfying breakfast.
- Avocado oil or melted butter: Adds healthy fats and ensures a crisp edge on the waffles.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out the pumpkin and spice notes with a lovely aromatic touch.
Make It Your Way
I love tinkering with this Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe to fit the season or mood. You can make it more decadent or keep it super healthy—either way, these waffles adjust beautifully to your preferences.
- Variation: Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a little crunch, which adds a lovely texture contrast. You might find you love that extra nutty surprise!
- Dairy-Free: Using avocado oil keeps it dairy-free, perfect if you or guests have sensitivities.
- Spice it up: Don’t be shy to add extra cinnamon or a pinch of ginger for a warming spice punch.
- Sweetness level: Adjust maple syrup according to your taste—feel free to reduce it a bit if you prefer less sweet waffles.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat Like a Pro
First things first, I preheat my waffle iron to the perfect temperature so the waffles cook evenly—and here’s a tip: skip cooking spray as it tends to gum up waffle irons over time. Instead, I brush the surface lightly with avocado oil or melted butter for that golden crisp.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I whisk the almond flour, arrowroot powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agent distribute evenly, so no surprise clumps later on!
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, add pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, eggs, oil/butter, and vanilla. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth but not overmixed—you want it combined without overworking the almond flour, which can make the waffles tough.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Scoop the batter—about ⅓ to ½ cup, depending on your waffle iron size—into the preheated iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Avoid opening early or you risk breaking them apart.
Step 5: Repeat and Enjoy
Continue with the remaining batter, keeping cooked waffles warm on a rack or in a low-temperature oven if you’re making multiple batches. Serve right away or follow storage tips below.
Top Tip
From my own waffle adventures, these tips really helped me master the Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe and avoid common pitfalls:
- Use Fresh Almond Flour: Older almond flour can taste rancid or produce denser waffles—always check the date or grind your own if you can.
- Don’t Overfill the Waffle Iron: Overfilling leads to batter spilling out and uneven cooking—stick to recommended scoop sizes.
- Let the Waffle Iron Do Its Job: Resist opening too soon; wait until the steam slows down for crispier waffles.
- Keep Waffles Warm Without Steaming: Use a wire rack inside the oven instead of stacking on plates, so they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
How to Serve Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my waffles with a pat of melting butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for that classic combo. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds on top for a little extra crunch. Fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon really elevate these waffles for a special touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy turkey bacon or a simple fruit salad with apples and pomegranate seeds for a bright, fresh contrast. A dollop of Greek yogurt or smoothie makes it easier to add protein while keeping it light.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I like stacking the waffles in a tall pile, layering each with a smear of cream cheese or nut butter and a sprinkle of granola. Add edible flowers or fresh cranberries scattered around the plate to impress your guests with little effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover waffles keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but I usually pop them in the fridge to extend freshness. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing is a game changer for quick breakfasts! I freeze each waffle individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. That way, they don’t stick together, and you can grab as many as you want to reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, the toaster or waffle iron works best—it crisps the edges back up nicely without drying out the inside. I avoid microwaving unless I’m in a real hurry, as it can make them rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Almond flour has a unique texture and moisture level that really supports the waffles’ tenderness. Substituting with another flour like coconut or gluten-free all-purpose flour will change the texture, often making waffles drier or less fluffy. If you want to experiment, expect to adjust liquid quantities and cooking times.
This recipe is mostly paleo-friendly, but make sure to use paleo-approved baking powder or replace it with a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar. Also, use maple syrup instead of honey if honey is an issue for you.
The recipe relies on eggs which are crucial for binding. To make it vegan, you’d need to use egg substitutes such as flax eggs or commercial vegan egg replacers, though texture might be different. I recommend testing small batches if you want to adapt it.
For the crispiest results, reheat in a toaster or a waffle iron like you would freshly made waffles. This revives that perfect exterior without drying the waffle out. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that delightful crispy edge.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe has become my go-to when I want that comforting fall flavor without the guilt. It’s simple enough for busy mornings but special enough for weekend brunch. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—grab your waffle iron and pumpkin puree, and let’s make some magic!
Print
Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy Gluten Free Almond Flour Pumpkin Waffles made with simple, nourishing ingredients including almond flour, pumpkin puree, and warm spices. Perfect for a fall breakfast or brunch, these waffles are naturally gluten free and packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cup blanched almond flour (150 grams)
- ½ cup arrowroot powder or tapioca starch (60 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (120 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with nonstick spray or brush with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Avoid using cooking spray to prevent buildup on the waffle iron.
- Whisk The Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, arrowroot powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is well combined and uniform.
- Add The Wet Ingredients: Pour pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, eggs, avocado oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Cook The Waffles: Scoop or pour batter into the preheated waffle iron, using about ⅓ to ½ cup of batter per waffle, depending on your iron size. Cook according to your waffle maker's instructions until waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat: Continue cooking remaining batter until all waffles are done. Serve warm or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a gluten-free thickener and binder in place of wheat flour.
- For paleo diet adaptation, use baking soda instead of baking powder and add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Do not overfill the waffle iron to avoid batter spilling and uneven cooking.
- Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh spices for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 142 mg
- Fat: 24.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Protein: 9.1 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
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