There’s something about the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a warm breakfast that just feels right. This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe brings together pumpkin’s natural sweetness and almond flour’s nutty goodness for a morning treat that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made pumpkin waffles a bunch of ways, but this version—gluten-free with almond flour and a kiss of spice—stands out every time. It’s hearty, tender, and packs a wholesome punch that makes it perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick breakfast you can feel good about.
- Gluten-free and Nourishing: Uses almond flour and arrowroot for a tender texture without any gluten.
- Perfect Pumpkin Flavor: Just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with real pumpkin puree gives cozy warmth.
- Easy and Quick: Whisk everything together in one bowl and have waffles on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can swap out sweeteners, oils, or spices to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This batter strikes a beautiful balance between fluffy and rich thanks to almond flour’s moisture and arrowroot powder’s lightness. Each ingredient has a role, helping these waffles rise just right while delivering flavor and texture you’ll love biting into.
- Blanched Almond Flour: Provides a moist, nutty base that's naturally gluten-free and packed with protein.
- Arrowroot Powder or Tapioca Starch: Adds lightness and helps bind the waffle while keeping it tender.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives these waffles their fluffy lift.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warming spices that bring out pumpkin’s cozy flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, adding moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable autumn taste.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Keeps the batter smooth without extra sweetness or heaviness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin and spices.
- Eggs: Help hold everything together and add richness.
- Avocado Oil or Melted Butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps the waffles crisp up.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth and depth.
Make It Your Way
I love playing with this recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. You can easily customize it to make it sweeter, spicier, or even dairy-free if you want to switch out butter for oil. Let your kitchen creativity run!
- Variation: I sometimes swap pumpkin for sweet potato puree, which gives a slightly different sweetness but still works wonderfully with almond flour.
- Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or coconut sugar to change the flavor profile.
- Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves amps up the fall spice vibes perfectly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use avocado oil instead of butter for a fully dairy-free waffle that stays moist and crisp.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat Your Waffle Iron
First things first, get your waffle iron heating up. I like to brush mine lightly with avocado oil instead of spraying to avoid buildup on my plates. Preheating is key so your waffles get that perfect crispy outside and tender inside without sticking.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, arrowroot powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is evenly blended. This ensures that your spices and leavening agent are well-distributed throughout your batter.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Stir
Next, pour in the pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, eggs, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick but pourable; if it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk.
Step 4: Cook Your Waffles
Scoop or pour your batter onto the hot waffle iron—usually about ⅓ to ½ cup per waffle works well. Don’t overfill or you’ll end up with batter oozing over the edges. Close the lid and cook following your iron’s instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. You’re aiming for golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Keep going until all the batter's done. If you’re making a big batch, keep the finished waffles warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F/90°C) until ready to serve. They hold up beautifully and taste great fresh or reheated.
Top Tip
I’ve made these waffles dozens of times, and a few simple tips make all the difference between a good waffle and a great one. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: A hot waffle iron is key for crispy edges and golden color.
- Use a Thin Oil Layer: Brushing instead of spraying prevents that nasty buildup I've seen happen with sprays over time.
- Batter Consistency Matters: If your batter feels too thick, add a little more almond milk—too thick waffles won’t cook evenly.
- Timing Your Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg make a world of difference; I always keep my spices fresh and toss any that are older than six months.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these waffles with a pat of butter, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and some fresh sliced apples or toasted pecans for crunch. Whipped coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free addition that brings a silky richness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these waffles with crispy turkey sausage or a side of sautéed greens makes the meal balanced and satisfying. They also work wonderfully alongside a simple berry compote or plain Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, I’ve layered these waffles with mascarpone and drizzled with honey, then scattered pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts on top. It’s a beautiful way to impress guests without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I let waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find this recipe holds moisture well and tastes fresh when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing works like a charm here. I stack waffles separated by parchment paper in a freezer bag or container. They freeze solid and reheat quickly, making them perfect for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go breakfast.
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat these in a toaster or toaster oven instead of a microwave. That way, they crisp back up nicely without getting soggy—exactly how I like them!
Frequently Asked Questions:
This recipe can be paleo-friendly if you swap the baking powder for a paleo-approved leavening agent like cream of tartar combined with baking soda, and ensure your maple syrup is pure and unprocessed. The almond flour and pumpkin puree are naturally paleo-compatible.
This recipe relies on eggs to give structure, so to make it vegan, you’ll need to experiment with flax or chia egg substitutes. Keep in mind the texture might change a bit. Also, choose plant-based milk and oil. I haven’t tested a fully vegan version yet, but it’s worth trying!
I always preheat my waffle iron well and brush it with a thin layer of oil rather than using cooking spray. Avoiding sprays prevents buildup that makes sticking worse over time. Using almond oil or avocado oil works great for a nice non-stick surface.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these waffles stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed to keep their texture and flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe are a personal favorite for bringing fall flavors into my kitchen any time of year. They’re simple, delicious, and reliable, which means you can enjoy a special breakfast without stress. I really hope you give them a go—there’s just something comforting about waffles that feel like a warm hug from the inside out.
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Almond Flour Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious gluten free almond flour pumpkin waffles made with simple, nourishing ingredients like pumpkin puree, almond flour, and warm spices. Perfect for a healthy fall breakfast that's naturally gluten free and flavorful.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cup blanched almond flour (150 grams)
- ½ cup arrowroot powder or tapioca starch (60 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (120 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite milk)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat your waffle iron and grease it with nonstick spray or brush with a very thin layer of oil. Avoid cooking sprays that can gum up your waffle iron over time.
- Whisk The Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, arrowroot powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add The Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, eggs, avocado oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Cook The Waffles: Scoop or pour the batter into your preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use about ⅓ to ½ cup of batter per waffle and try not to overfill. Cook until waffles are golden and cooked through.
- Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches until all waffles are cooked.
- Store Leftovers: Place leftover waffles in an airtight container or bag and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- Use blanched almond flour for the best texture and color in your waffles.
- If you prefer a paleo version, consider using a paleo-compatible baking powder or omit it and add whipped egg whites for lift.
- Do not overfill the waffle iron to prevent batter overflow.
- Leftover waffles reheat well in a toaster or oven for a crispy finish.
- Customize spices to taste by adjusting cinnamon and nutmeg amounts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 142 mg
- Fat: 24.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: estimating 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Protein: 9.1 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
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