Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

I absolutely love the cozy vibe that these Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe brings to my kitchen, especially in the crisp fall mornings when everything smells like pumpkin and spice. The combination of spiced apple cider and pumpkin puree gives these waffles a warm, autumnal flavor that’s comforting but still bright and fresh. If you’re craving something a little different from your usual waffle routine, this recipe is a total winner.

What makes this recipe stand out is the salted maple butter — it’s the perfect rich and sweet counterpoint that melts just right on top of those fluffy, tender waffles. When I first tried this, I was hooked! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a lazy weekend, you’ll find that this Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe is easy to nail and always impresses.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe, you’ll gather some classic pantry staples and fall favorites that harmonize beautifully. Each ingredient plays a part in building that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and richness.

• Land O Lakes® Salted Butter: Choose real butter here — it browns nicely and brings richness to both the batter and the maple butter topping.
• Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
• Spiced Apple Cider: This adds natural sweetness and a hint of spice, making the waffles extra moist and flavorful.
• Large Eggs: Helps bind everything together and adds structure.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup for sweetness both in the batter and the butter — you’ll taste the difference!
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the spices beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works great — you want a tender waffle with just the right crumb.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both work together to give the waffles a perfect rise and lightness.
• Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg): Classic fall spices that bring that cozy pumpkin flavor alive.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch added to the maple butter gives the finishing touch with a little crunch and contrast.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m cooking for. You can easily tweak the spices, sweeteners, or dairy to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and the waffles came out just as fluffy and flavorful.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice gave the waffles even more warmth when I wanted an extra cozy vibe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and almond milk cider alternative, which worked great for friends with dairy sensitivities.
• Savory Twist: I once added chopped sage to the batter, which gave a lovely herby contrast to the sweet maple butter topping—definitely something to try if you like savory-sweet combos!

How to Make Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by melting the 6 tablespoons of salted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it browns — you want that nutty, toasted aroma without burning it, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step really adds depth of flavor to your waffles. Once browned, take it off the heat and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Quickly whisk in the pumpkin puree, spiced apple cider, eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything’s well combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Let Batter Rest

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined — it’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy; overmixing will make the waffles tough. Here’s a trick I discovered: letting the batter sit for about 10 minutes lets the baking powder activate and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Salted Maple Butter

While the batter is resting, whip up the salted maple butter. In a small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of the salted butter (at room temperature for easy mixing), ½ cup pure maple syrup, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Stir well and set aside at room temperature so it’s spreadable when your waffles are hot and ready.

Step 4: Cook Those Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions — I like to preheat it fully for crispier waffles. Spray lightly with nonstick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking. Pour enough batter to cover the waffle iron surface (amount varies by size), then close and cook until golden brown and crisp. Times vary, but it usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes per waffle. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of the salted maple butter and a drizzle of extra syrup on top.

How to Serve Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing these waffles, I keep it simple but festive. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted pecans give a lovely crunch and fresh contrast. Sometimes I even add a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh cranberries for a pop of color and tartness. The salted maple butter melts so beautifully that often I just add a little extra drizzle of maple syrup on top for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Side Dishes

I usually pair these cider pumpkin waffles with caramelized bacon or sausages for a hearty breakfast. A side of scrambled eggs or a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette can nicely cut through the richness too. For a brunch party, roasted seasonal fruit or a warm mulled cider really complement the fall flavors in these waffles.

Creative Ways to Present

I love the idea of stacking these waffles high like a little fall tower, layering them with the salted maple butter between each waffle and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar in between layers. For holidays, setting out a waffle bar with toppings like chopped nuts, whipped cream, fresh berries, and spiced syrups lets guests customize their plate — my family adores this! You could also cut waffles into sticks for easy dipping into maple butter or hot cider — great for kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, which honestly doesn’t happen often in my house, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to layer parchment paper between waffles if I want to keep them separate and crispier. This way, you won’t end up with soggy stacks.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver if you want to prep these waffles ahead of time. After cooking and cooling completely, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to a month, so you can enjoy pumpkin waffles whenever the craving hits!

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping frozen or leftover waffles in the toaster or toaster oven—it keeps them crispy on the outside and warm inside. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy, so I recommend the toaster method for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cider Pumpkin Waffles with Salted Maple Butter Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate — it’s the kind of recipe I come back to year after year because it just works and makes everyone smile. I hope you’ll give it a try on your next weekend brunch or holiday breakfast and see how those flavors come alive. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the combination of cider, pumpkin, warm spices, and that luscious salted maple butter, it’s hard to go back to plain waffles. Enjoy every bite!

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