Crispy on the outside, soft and tender in the middle, and filled with warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these grain-free pumpkin spice waffles bring all the cozy flavors of fall straight to your breakfast table. Drizzle them with maple syrup, add a handful of fresh blueberries, and you’ve got a breakfast worth getting out of bed for.
Made with almond flour, applesauce, and a simple flax egg, these vegan and gluten-free waffles have all the comforting flavor of pumpkin pie without any pumpkin puree. They’re perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or making ahead for busy mornings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles
These homemade waffles deliver cozy fall flavor with a few simple ingredients. Here’s what makes them worth adding to your breakfast rotation:
- Crisp outside, tender inside: Almond flour and tapioca starch help create golden waffles with a soft center.
- Grain-free and gluten-free: Made without wheat flour or other grain-based flours.
- Completely plant-based: A flax egg and dairy-free milk replace traditional eggs and dairy.
- All the pumpkin pie flavor: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice bring those familiar fall flavors without pumpkin puree.
- Great for make-ahead breakfasts: Freeze the extras and reheat them in the toaster when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Almond Flour Waffles
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make these grain-free pumpkin spice waffles. Read through the list below, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
- Almond flour: The base of the batter, giving the waffles a tender texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Use finely ground blanched almond flour for the best results.
- Tapioca starch: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the waffles structure, making them easier to remove from the waffle iron.
- Ground flaxseed: Mixed with water to create a flax egg, which helps hold the batter together without using regular eggs.
- Dairy-free milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the batter. Unsweetened almond milk works particularly well.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with the baking powder to help create a lighter texture while adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a little natural sweetness while helping keep the waffles tender.
- Maple syrup: Provides a touch of sweetness that complements the warm spices.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the warm flavors of the pumpkin pie spices.
- Pumpkin pie spices: A combination of classic fall spices gives these waffles their cozy pumpkin flavor.
- Baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and keeps the centers from becoming too dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the spices’ flavor.
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles, are in the printable recipe card below.
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Ingredient Substitutions
Need to swap an ingredient? These pumpkin spice waffles are fairly flexible, but grain-free batters can be sensitive to changes. Here are a few substitutions to consider and how they may affect your waffles.
- Almond flour: Finely ground blanched almond flour gives these waffles their tender texture. Almond meal is coarser and may produce denser waffles. Coconut flour isn’t a direct substitute because it absorbs much more liquid.
- Tapioca starch: Arrowroot starch may work as a grain-free alternative, although the texture could be slightly different. Cornstarch is gluten-free but not grain-free, so use it only if you aren’t avoiding grains.
- Dairy-free milk: Unsweetened soy milk is another option if you don’t have almond milk. Oat milk may also work, but it isn’t grain-free. Choose an unsweetened variety to avoid making the waffles overly sweet.
- Ground flaxseed: Ground chia seeds may work as an egg replacement. Let them thicken with water before adding them to the batter, and expect a slightly different texture.
- Maple syrup: Honey can provide a similar sweetness if you don’t need the waffles to remain vegan. Other liquid sweeteners may affect the batter’s consistency.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Mashed banana may work, although it will add a noticeable banana flavor. You can also experiment with pumpkin puree for actual pumpkin flavor, but it may change the batter’s moisture and cooking results.
- Pumpkin pie spices: The recipe uses cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. If you have a prepared pumpkin pie spice blend, you can experiment with using it instead, adjusting to taste.
For the best results, stick with the original ingredients when possible and change only one at a time. This makes it easier to see how each substitution affects the texture and helps prevent waffles that are too soft, too dry, or difficult to remove from the iron.
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD: Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp ground flaxseed
- 3 tbsp water
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- ½ cup tapioca starch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water to make the ‘flax egg’. Set aside for 5 minutes while the mixture thickens.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar and allow this to rest until slightly thickened (about 5-10 minutes).
- Turn on the waffle iron to allow it to preheat. A cold waffle iron can cause the batter to stick.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, tapioca starch or cornstarch, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.
- To the milk/apple cider vinegar bowl, add the flax egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and unsweetened applesauce. Whisk to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and whisk just until the ingredients are combined.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter per waffle into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown and to your desired crispiness.
- Serve with maple syrup, vegan butter, fresh or frozen blueberries, or any other favorite toppings!
How To Make Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Making these pumpkin spice waffles is surprisingly simple! The key is giving the flaxseed time to thicken, preheating your waffle iron, and letting the waffles cook until golden before removing them.
Step 1: Prepare the flax egg. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water. Set aside for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Mix the almond milk and vinegar. In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Preheat the waffle iron. Turn on your waffle iron and allow it to heat fully. A properly preheated iron helps the waffles cook evenly and develop a golden exterior.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Step 5: Mix the wet ingredients. Add the thickened flax egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce to the almond milk mixture. Whisk until combined.
Step 6: Make the waffle batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is combined. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes so the flaxseed and almond flour can absorb some of the liquid.
Step 7: Cook the waffles. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter per waffle into the preheated waffle iron, adjusting the amount for your waffle maker. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown, set, and release easily. Avoid opening the waffle iron too early, as grain-free waffles can be delicate.
Step 8: Add your favorite toppings. Serve the waffles warm with maple syrup, fresh blueberries, dairy-free butter, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Tip: If you’re making several batches, transfer the finished waffles to a wire rack rather than stacking them. This helps keep the edges crisp instead of trapping steam between the waffles.
Tips for Crispy, Fluffy Grain-Free Waffles
Grain-free waffles can be a little more delicate than traditional waffles, but a few simple tricks will help you get those golden, crispy edges and tender centers.
- Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly. Adding batter to an iron that isn’t hot enough can lead to pale, soft waffles that are more likely to stick.
- Let the batter rest. Give the mixed batter about 5 minutes to thicken before cooking. This helps the almond flour and flaxseed absorb some of the moisture.
- Don’t overfill the waffle iron. Start with approximately ¼ cup of batter per waffle, adjusting for the size of your machine. Too much batter can spill over the edges and cook unevenly.
- Be patient before opening the lid. Grain-free waffles need time to firm up. Wait until they’re golden and release easily rather than forcing the waffle iron open.
- Keep them crisp between batches. Place finished waffles on a wire rack in a single layer. If needed, keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
Extra tip: For waffles that have softened after storage, pop them into the toaster or toaster oven to bring back some of that delicious crispness.
What To Serve With Pumpkin Spice Waffles
These golden, crispy waffles are delicious with a simple drizzle of maple syrup, but they’re even better with a few cozy toppings. Whether you like your breakfast fruity, sweet, or a little indulgent, here are some tasty ways to dress them up.
- Warm maple syrup and butter: A classic combination! Add a pat of dairy-free butter and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup to bring out the pumpkin pie spices.
- Fresh berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries add a juicy burst of sweetness that balances the warm spices.
- Nut butter: Drizzle with creamy almond or peanut butter for a richer, more satisfying breakfast. Warm it slightly to make drizzling easier.
- Dairy-free yogurt and pecans: A spoonful of thick, creamy yogurt with chopped toasted pecans adds a delicious contrast to the crispy waffles.
- Cinnamon apples: Cook sliced apples with a little cinnamon and maple syrup until tender for a warm, almost apple-pie-inspired topping.
My favorite way to serve them? A drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of fresh blueberries, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Simple, delicious, and just right for a chilly fall morning. I also love to serve these as a vegan breakfast for dinner with our Easy Loaded Home Fries and Tofu Spinach Scramble.
Storage and Freezing Tips
These waffles are a great make-ahead breakfast, so don’t worry if you end up with extras. Let them cool completely before storing to help prevent excess moisture from making them soggy.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place waffles in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp. There’s no need to thaw frozen waffles first.
- For the crispiest texture: Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the waffles soft rather than crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a few questions before you make these pumpkin spice waffles? Here are some of the most common things to know about the ingredients, dietary requirements, and preparation. If you have more questions, drop them in the comments below.
Are these pumpkin spice waffles actually made with pumpkin?
These waffles are flavored with pumpkin pie spices, but the recipe doesn’t use pumpkin puree. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice give them that familiar warm pumpkin-spice flavor without adding pumpkin. You can substitute pumpkin puree for the unsweetened applesauce for a stronger pumpkin flavor in these waffles.
Are these waffles gluten-free and grain-free?
Yes! Made with almond flour and tapioca starch instead of traditional wheat flour, these waffles are naturally gluten-free and grain-free when prepared with the ingredients listed in the recipe. If you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or another dietary restriction, check packaged ingredients for gluten-containing additives and potential cross-contact. Keep in mind that substitutions such as cornstarch or oat milk will change the grain-free status of the recipe.
Can I freeze these almond flour waffles?
These waffles freeze well, making them a convenient option for busy mornings. Cool them completely, place parchment paper between the waffles, and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Why are my grain-free waffles sticking to the waffle iron?
A waffle iron that isn’t fully preheated can make the batter more likely to stick, so allow it to heat completely before adding the batter. Also, make sure the waffles cook long enough before opening the iron, since grain-free waffles can be more delicate until they’re fully set.
More Tasty Brunch Recipes To Try
If these pumpkin spice waffles have you craving more delicious breakfast ideas, there’s plenty more to explore! Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or looking for something easy to make ahead, here are a few favorites to try next:
- Brown Sugar Pumpkin Banana Muffins: Soft, moist muffins packed with pumpkin, banana, and cozy fall flavor.
- Cheesy Chorizo Egg Casserole: A hearty, cheesy breakfast bake with a savory kick.
- Sweet Potato Avocado Breakfast Bowl: A colorful, satisfying breakfast bowl with sweet potatoes and creamy avocado.
- Orange Creamsicle Overnight Oats: A creamy, citrusy make-ahead breakfast that tastes like a treat.
- Vegan Cinnamon Cucumber Muffins: A fun twist on breakfast muffins with warm cinnamon and a surprising ingredient.
There’s something here for every brunch craving, so why not add a few to your breakfast rotation?
Ready To Make These Pumpkin Spice Waffles?
Grab your waffle iron and whip up a batch of these crispy, golden pumpkin spice waffles! Add a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings, and enjoy a little taste of fall any morning of the week.
Did you give these waffles a try? I’d love to hear how they turned out and what toppings you chose! Leave a rating and a comment below, and if you enjoyed the recipe, share it with a fellow breakfast lover.
