Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

I absolutely love how autumn flavors come together in this Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe. There’s something magical about the combination of warm spices, pumpkin, and tangy apple cider that you’ll find irresistible. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast on a crisp fall morning, these waffles bring that perfect seasonal comfort right to your table.

When I first tried this recipe, I struggled to find a waffle that struck the right balance of sweet, spiced, and fluffy—but this one nails it every time. Plus, the salted maple butter on top adds a luscious richness that elevates the whole experience. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. When combined, pumpkin puree and spiced apple cider bring moisture and a gentle sweetness, while warm spices add cozy depth—perfect for fall mornings.

• Land O Lakes® Salted Butter: Key for browning and buttery flavor, especially in your maple butter topping.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin for smooth consistency and rich flavor—homemade puree works too!
• Spiced Apple Cider: Adds a subtle fruity tang and complements the pumpkin perfectly; look for local or fresh if possible.
• Large Eggs: Essential for structure, helping your waffles rise and hold together.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to both batter and butter topping, so opt for real maple.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your waffles’ fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that ensure lightness without heaviness.
• Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Classic pumpkin pie spices that bring warmth and aroma.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavor notes.
• Flaky Sea Salt: For sprinkling on the salted maple butter—creates a delightful contrast.

Variations

One of the best things about this Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your taste or dietary needs. I enjoy experimenting with different spices or adding mix-ins to keep things fresh and fun.

• Spice it Up: I sometimes boost the ginger and add a pinch of cloves for a deeper spice profile that’s fantastic in colder months.
• Gluten-Free: Try swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—you’ll want one with xanthan gum for similar texture.
• Vegan Option: You can replace eggs with flax or chia seeds and use vegan butter—results aren’t quite the same, but still delicious!
• Extra Texture: My family loves adding chopped pecans or walnuts right into the batter for a satisfying crunch.

How to Make Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for Depth

Start by adding 6 tablespoons of salted butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it melts and browns—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it releases a toasty, nutty aroma and turns golden brown. This little step adds incredible depth to your waffles, making the flavor richer and more complex. As soon as the butter is browned, remove it from heat and carefully pour it into a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

Into the browned butter, whisk in the pumpkin puree, followed by the spiced apple cider. Add the eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit thin—that’s just how it should be before the dry ingredients come in.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt. These dry ingredients bring structure and that irresistible pumpkin-spice warmth to your waffles.

Step 4: Combine and Rest

Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until just combined. It’s perfectly fine if the batter is a little lumpy—overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes; this rest period helps the baking powder do its magic and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Salted Maple Butter

While the batter rests, whisk together softened butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of flaky sea salt in a small bowl. This salted maple butter is the star topping, bringing an indulgent creamy texture balanced by just a touch of saltiness. Keep it at room temperature or gently warm it to make spreading easier.

Step 6: Cook and Serve

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once hot, spoon the batter onto the iron (amount depends on your waffle maker’s size) and cook until golden brown and crisp—usually around 4 to 6 minutes. Serve immediately with generous dollops of salted maple butter and an extra drizzle of maple syrup for that perfect sweet and salty finish.

How to Serve Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes for these waffles are fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. The apples add brightness while the nuts provide a satisfying crunch. Sometimes I dust powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch that makes the waffles look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these waffles with crisp bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. If you want a lighter option, a side of Greek yogurt with honey and cinnamon works beautifully. Fresh fruit salad is another great pairing, especially citrus to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like stacking the waffles layered with dollops of the salted maple butter, fresh whipped cream, and toasted nuts in between layers. You can even drizzle warm caramel sauce and scatter pomegranate seeds for a festive look. It turns simple waffles into a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I gently reheat them, and they hold their delicious flavor and texture very well when treated right.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these waffles quite successfully by letting them cool completely, then stacking and separating layers with parchment paper inside a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month and thaw quickly in the toaster or oven.

Reheating

To bring frozen waffles back to life, I pop them right in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy again. This keeps them from getting soggy and helps refresh the beautiful browned edges you want in a great waffle.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that turns a simple morning into a special occasion. It’s flavorful, fun, and inviting, a genuine crowd-pleaser in my family. I hope when you make it, you enjoy the warm spices and sweet, buttery goodness as much as I do. Trust me, these waffles are worth waking up early for!

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