Imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon, ginger, and warm pumpkin pie spices filling your kitchen. These grain-free pumpkin spice waffles bring all those cozy fall flavors to the breakfast table, with a lightly crisp exterior and a tender center.
Made with almond flour, a flax egg, and dairy-free milk, these waffles are naturally grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Unsweetened applesauce helps keep the batter moist, while tapioca starch gives the waffles a crispy structure. Best of all, you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a breakfast that feels special.
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Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch, preparing a festive holiday breakfast, or simply craving something different, these waffles are a delicious option. I’ll walk you through the ingredients, explain how to get the texture right, and share practical tips for cooking, serving, and storing your waffles.
They’re especially good served warm with maple syrup, dairy-free butter, and blueberries.
Why You’ll Love These Grain-Free Pumpkin Spice Waffles
These grain-free pumpkin spice waffles are an easy way to bring cozy fall flavors to your breakfast table. They’re full of warm spices, with a lightly crisp exterior and a soft, tender center.
Here’s what makes them special:
- Grain-free and gluten-free: Made with almond flour and tapioca starch instead of traditional wheat flour.
- Vegan and dairy-free: A simple flax egg and dairy-free milk make these waffles completely plant-based.
- Full of fall flavor: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice give them that familiar pumpkin pie spice taste without needing pumpkin puree.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze the extras for an easy weekday breakfast.
Whether you’re making a weekend brunch or simply craving a cozy fall breakfast, these waffles are a delicious way to start the day.
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.
Printable 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, or ¼ cup cornstarch
- 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 rest until slightly thickened (about 5-10 minutes).
- To 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, spices, and 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!
Ingredient Substitutions
One nice thing about homemade waffles is that you can often adjust the ingredients to suit what you have on hand. However, grain-free batters can be sensitive to changes, so some substitutions work better than others.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Almond flour: Finely ground blanched almond flour is best for this recipe. Almond meal is coarser and contains the skins, which can make the waffles denser and more textured. Coconut flour isn’t a direct substitute because it absorbs significantly more liquid.
- Tapioca starch: Cornstarch or arrowroot starch can work as a reliable substitute, although it can produce a slightly different texture.
- Dairy-free milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a convenient choice, but oat milk or soy milk can also work. Keep in mind that some plant-based milks contain added sugar or have a thicker consistency, which may affect the batter.
- Ground flaxseed: If you don’t have ground flaxseed, ground chia seeds work as an alternative for making a flax-style egg. Allow the mixture to thicken before adding it to the batter. The texture may vary slightly.
- Maple syrup: You can experiment with honey if you don’t need the recipe to remain vegan. A liquid sugar-free sweetener may also work, but check its consistency and sweetness before adjusting the quantity.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Mashed banana is a good alternative if you don’t mind a more noticeable banana flavor, or use pumpkin puree for an even more pumpkin-inspired flavor. Then use your leftover pumpkin puree to make these Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars!
- Pumpkin pie spices: If you don’t have a prepared pumpkin pie spice blend, combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a little allspice. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
For the best results, change only one ingredient at a time. This makes it easier to see how each substitution affects the waffles and helps you avoid a batter that’s too wet, too dry, or difficult to cook.
If you’re making substitutions for dietary reasons, check the labels on packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your needs.
Tips for Crispy, Fluffy Grain-Free Waffles
Making grain-free waffles can be a little different from making traditional waffles. Almond flour produces a tender batter, so a few simple tricks can make a big difference in getting waffles that are golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
- Preheat your waffle iron: Make sure your waffle iron is fully heated before adding the batter. A properly preheated iron helps the waffles develop a golden, crispy exterior instead of steaming and becoming soggy.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix the ingredients just until everything is combined. Overmixing isn’t usually a major concern with grain-free batters, but stirring too much can make it harder to keep the texture light.
- Let the batter rest: Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. This lets the ground flaxseed and almond flour absorb some liquid, helping the batter thicken and hold together.
- Avoid opening the waffle iron too soon: Grain-free waffles can be more delicate than traditional waffles, especially while they’re still cooking. Wait until they’re golden and release easily before removing them.
- Don’t overcrowd the waffle iron: Use enough batter to cover the cooking surface without overfilling it. Too much batter can lead to uneven cooking and messy edges.
- Keep finished waffles crisp: If you’re making several batches, place the cooked waffles in a single layer on a wire rack in a low-temperature oven while you finish cooking. Avoid stacking them, as trapped steam can make them soggy.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Waffles
These pumpkin spice waffles are delicious on their own, but the right toppings and pairings can make them even more special. I love to serve these as a vegan breakfast for dinner with our Easy Loaded Home Fries and Tofu Spinach Scramble.
Here are a few other ways to serve them:
- Maple syrup and dairy-free butter: You can’t go wrong with this classic combination. The rich, buttery flavor and sweet maple syrup complement the warm spices beautifully.
- Fresh fruit and berries: Blueberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries, and banana add freshness and a little natural sweetness. They also contrast nicely with the warm spices.
- Nut butter: A spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor. A little extra maple syrup makes this combination even better.
- Dairy-free yogurt: Add a dollop of your favorite dairy-free yogurt for a creamy topping. Coconut yogurt is particularly delicious with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle dairy-free chocolate chips over warm waffles for a sweeter breakfast or a fun weekend brunch treat.
- Chopped nuts: Pecans and walnuts add a satisfying crunch and pair especially well with pumpkin pie spices. Toast them lightly beforehand to bring out their flavor.
- Caramelized apples: Sauté sliced apples with a little cinnamon and maple syrup until soft and golden. Spoon them over the waffles for a cozy fall-inspired breakfast.
These waffles are best served fresh, but they freeze well too! They will be slightly crispy when they are hot off the waffle iron. You can also reheat and serve them, but I recommend warming them in a toaster so they get crispy! See more tips for storing and freezing these waffles below.
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.
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?
The recipe uses almond flour and tapioca starch instead of traditional wheat flour and other grain-based flours. If you need the waffles to be strictly gluten-free, check the labels on packaged ingredients such as baking powder and dairy-free milk to make sure they meet your requirements.
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.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles: The Perfect Fall Breakfast
These grain-free pumpkin spice waffles bring all the cozy flavors of fall to the breakfast table without relying on traditional wheat flour. Almond flour, warm spices, and a few simple ingredients create a breakfast that’s easy enough for a weekday but special enough for a weekend brunch.
Serve them warm with maple syrup and your favorite toppings, or make a batch ahead of time and freeze the extras for an easy breakfast later. However you serve them, they’re a delicious way to enjoy those pumpkin pie spices any time you’re craving a cozy, homemade breakfast.
More Tasty Brunch Recipe Favorites
If you’re a brunch fan as much as I am, then you’ll love these other recipes from our site. Get inspired with some of the mouthwatering recipes we have linked below!
Make These Pumpkin Spice Waffles!
Ready for a cozy breakfast? Whip up a batch of these grain-free pumpkin spice waffles and top them with your favorite combination of maple syrup, fresh fruit, nuts, or dairy-free butter.
If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a rating and a comment below, and let me know what toppings you used. And if you loved them, share the recipe with a friend who could use a little extra fall flavor at breakfast!
