Easy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Waffles | Carrots & Cookies (2024)

Whip up delicious whole wheat pumpkin waffles in no time with simple, wholesome ingredients like maple syrup and canned pumpkin. Perfect way to embrace fall flavors with a healthy twist!

I used to call these 'healthy pumpkin waffles,' but because the word 'healthy' can be confusing, I decided to change the title when I updated the post. Don't worry, though, this is still my same favorite waffle recipe... just with a different title 😉

And be ready to double batch these waffles because, just like homemade French toast, they are so good and reheat well! So, whether you are making waffles for one, two, or ten on a Saturday morning, you'll want to make extra so you can have breakfast for your kids ready to reheat on busy weekday mornings!🤩

As for what to do with the leftover pumpkin puree, look no further than my Amazing Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread, and Pumpkin Overnight Oats recipes!

Why I Love This Pumpkin Waffle Recipe

Fall is the time of year when all of your favorite Fall flavors like 'pumpkin spice' and 'apple cinnamon' start appearing on menus and grocery store shelves. These waffles are no different, except for the fact that you can make them in the comfort of your own home! And, because this recipe uses ingredients that can easily be found year-round, you can make these even when it's not yet 'pumpkin season'!

• Perfect combination of sweet and savory.
• Made from scratch using simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.
• Made with whole grains. The fiber from whole grains and pumpkin will help your kids feel full longer.
• These are not fluffy pumpkin waffles. In fact, they are a little heavier than Belgian waffles..
• All you need is a mixing bowl and a waffle iron.
• This recipe is quick and easy, even your older kids can make these waffles. In fact, my fifteen-year-old nephew just let me know that he's been making large batches of these waffles this summer. He then heats them up for work in the morning. Way to go!

Ingredient Notes

• Pumpkin Provides potassium, vitamin A, Iron, and fiber. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, both canned and fresh pumpkin puree offer the same nutritional benefits.
• White Whole Wheat Flour White whole wheat flour is an unbleached whole grain flour. It has the same nutritional value as whole wheat flour but because of the variety of wheat used to make it, white whole wheat flour has a milder flavor, a lighter color, and a softer texture. I don't recommend substituting it with whole wheat flour unless you use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This is to keep the waffles from being too dense. Now that I think about it, whole wheat pastry flour might actually work, too!
• Spices Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves take the flavor to the next level!
• Olive Oil I use extra virgin olive oil. Avocado oil (or other neutral-flavored oil), coconut oil, or melted butter can be used instead. Adding it at the end helps keep the waffles from sticking.
• Egg Adds protein and helps bind the waffles together.
• Milk Adds protein, calcium, and vitamin D. I use skim or 2% milk. Although I haven't tried it myself, I would think non-dairy milk can be used instead.
• Maple syrup I use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. If you don't have maple syrup, substitute it with brown sugar or coconut sugar to give it a similar flavor.
• Baking powder Used for leavening. Do not cut back on the amount or your waffles will flop.
• Salt Added for flavor

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
2. Whisk together the pumpkin, egg, maple syrup, and milk in a large bowl.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices to the wet ingredients. Carefully stir in dry ingredients just to combine, being sure not to overmix. There should still be some lumps in the batter when mixing is complete.
4. Add the oil to the batter and stir just to combine.
5. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook waffles according to the instructions specific to your waffle iron.
6. Remove from waffle iron and serve.

Topping Ideas

• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Sunflower seed butter
• Maple Syrup
• A dollop of yogurt, or dare I say a little bit of whipped cream?
• Sliced bananas
• Sliced pear
• Toasted walnut pieces
• Pecans
• Hemp hearts
• Chocolate chips

Helpful Tips

• Remember to add the olive oil just before you are ready to pour the batter.
• If you do not have all of the spices called for, you have two options. Either substitute two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and an additional teaspoon of cinnamon or simply use just one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.
• Avoid overmixing the batter.
• Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your waffle iron, including how to grease your waffle iron if needed. Learn from my mistake, lol. The first time I used my waffle maker, I didn't bother following the instructions because I figured it worked just like all the others. Well, I ended up ruining my first batch of waffles because of it. Don't let that be you 😉

Dietitian Tips

Tip 1 Making waffles or pancakes with pumpkin puree is an excellent way to fit a vegetable in with breakfast. I choose not to make a big announcement to my kids about this fact, lol. But it does make my dietitian mom heart happy to know they are getting extra fiber, vitamin A, and other nutrients when eating these waffles. 😊

Tip 2 Save time in the morning by doing some 'meal prep' the night before.

• Measure and mix the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and cover with an airtight lid.
• Mix the canned pumpkin, eggs, milk, and maple syrup in a separate bowl and store covered in the refrigerator for use the next morning.
• If you know you will be making the waffles, but you aren't sure when simply mix the spices together in a small prep bowl with an airtight lid and store it until it's ready to be used.

Questions You May Have

• Pumpkin Overnight Oats
• Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bread
• Protein Pancakes
• Blueberry Whole Wheat Pancakes

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes

Did you love this pumpkin waffle recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating below or a review in the comments section.

Don't forget to snap a pic of these incredible pumpkin waffles and tag @carrots.and.cookies on Instagram. Enjoy!

More Breakfast Recipes