Saturday mornings just hit different in the fall. The light feels warmer, the air smells like apples, and I find myself craving something cozy but a little special. That’s how these Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter became our weekend ritual.
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Why You’ll Love These Cider Pumpkin Waffles
These Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter are fall in every bite. Warm spices, real pumpkin, and browned butter come together with spiced cider to create waffles that feel like autumn comfort food on a plate. You get waffles that are light and fluffy inside, crisp on the outside, and full of deep, comforting flavor.
They’re quick to prep just 15 minutes and cook in 10. That means you can pull them together for a slow Sunday or even prep ahead and freeze for weekday mornings. With a swirl of homemade salted maple butter on top? Absolute comfort.
Serve them as a holiday breakfast, a fall brunch centerpiece, or a weekday win. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Key Ingredients That Make a Difference
Browned Butter for Deep Flavor
Browning the butter first brings out nutty, almost toffee-like notes that instantly deepen the flavor of the waffles. It takes just a few minutes, but it’s a step I never skip.
Spiced Apple Cider Instead of Buttermilk
Instead of the usual buttermilk, I use spiced apple cider. It keeps the waffles tender and adds a gentle tang with sweet apple and cinnamon undertones. The aroma while it cooks is heavenly.
Pure Pumpkin Purée, Not Pie Filling
Make sure to use plain pumpkin purée. It gives you rich texture and subtle sweetness without added sugar or spices, so you’re in full control of the flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Texture & Taste
Let your batter rest for at least 10 minutes. This gives the flour time to hydrate, which leads to fluffier waffles.
Avoid overmixing. Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined—some lumps are totally okay.
Your waffles are done when they’re crisp on the edges and golden brown. If you’re unsure, wait for the steam to slow down before peeking.
How to Make Salted Maple Butter
While your batter rests, mix up the salted maple butter. Just stir together softened salted butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of flaky salt. That’s it.
The sweet-salty combo adds so much depth to the warm waffles. If you have leftovers, it stores beautifully in the fridge and is delicious on toast or roasted sweet potatoes.
Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe (Recipe Card)
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Ultimate Cozy Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These Cider Pumpkin Waffles are cozy, crisp, and full of warm fall flavor. Spiced apple cider, pumpkin, and browned butter come together in a tender waffle topped with salted maple butter.
Ingredients
**Waffles**
6 tablespoons salted butter (Land O Lakes® preferred), browned
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 1/2 cups spiced apple cider
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
**Salted Maple Butter**
6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1/2 cup maple syrup
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Brown the butter in a medium pot over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until toasted and fragrant. Pour into a large bowl.
2. Whisk in pumpkin puree, spiced cider, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir just until combined; a few lumps are okay.
4. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make the salted maple butter by mixing softened butter, maple syrup, and flaky sea salt until smooth.
6. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease if needed.
7. Cook the waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden and crisp.
8. Serve warm with salted maple butter and extra maple syrup if you like.
Notes
• Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Letting the batter rest helps create light, fluffy waffles.
• These waffles freeze well. Let them cool, then store in a freezer bag and reheat in the toaster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for more pumpkin-spiced comfort? Try these next:
If you love soft and chewy textures, you’ll fall for these Soft and chewy maple pumpkin cookies.
Craving something cozy and hands-off? This Pumpkin French toast casserole for cozy fall mornings makes a dreamy brunch.
For a sweet morning treat, bake this Easy pumpkin coffee cake with a crumbly topping.
Or, spread a spoonful of Quick and easy homemade pumpkin butter on just about anything.
Final Thoughts
These Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter feel like a warm hug in breakfast form. Whether it’s a slow Saturday or a holiday brunch, this recipe delivers cozy, flavorful waffles that highlight why Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter deserve a spot in your seasonal rotation.
If you try them, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment or share a photo on Facebook or Pinterest.
This one’s a keeper for chilly mornings, lazy weekends, and anyone who loves fall on a plate.
FAQ
Can I use regular apple cider instead of spiced?
Yes, you can. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to boost the flavor if using plain cider.
How do I freeze and reheat these waffles?
Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before storing in a bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven until crisp and warm.
Can I make them dairy-free or gluten-free?
For dairy-free, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk + apple cider combo. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be tasty.
Do you put salted or unsalted butter on waffles?
Salted butter adds a nice balance to sweet toppings, especially when paired with maple syrup. For this recipe, it’s key to the flavor of the maple butter.
Is maple syrup good for waffles?
Yes—real maple syrup brings deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
Can I add pumpkin to waffle mix?
Definitely. Pumpkin purée adds moisture and richness. Just make sure to adjust the liquid slightly if using a pre-made mix.
Can I use butter in waffle mix?
Yes! Melted butter (especially browned) adds flavor and helps with that golden, crispy edge.