Vegan Pumpkin Waffles

It's time to finally silence the age-old debate of pancakes vs. waffles. While both are absolutely delicious, the time has come to officially crown a victor. Enter - Vegan Pumpkin Waffles. These guys are the crem dela crem of the meal classification that is "dessert for breakfast." As such, I am of the mind that this recipe pushes waffles up a notch above pancakes. You go ahead and give it a try and let me know what you think!

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Ingredients Needed For Vegan Pumpkin Waffles

Each of the ingredients listed below serves a specific purpose in creating a delicious and well-balanced final product. Here's your grocery list:

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ c): Flour serves as the base ingredient in waffle batter, providing structure and texture. All-purpose flour is used here to give the waffles a tender and slightly fluffy interior.
• Baking Powder (1 tbsp): Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the waffles rise and become fluffy. In this recipe, it is essential for creating a light and airy texture.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp): Baking soda also acts as a leavening agent and helps with the waffles' rise. It reacts with the acid in other ingredients like molasses to create additional air pockets.
• Salt (½ tsp): Salt enhances the flavor of the waffles and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. It is a crucial ingredient for overall taste.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): Cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the waffles. It complements the pumpkin's earthy taste and creates a classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Ground Ginger (½ tsp): Ground ginger contributes a hint of spiciness and warmth to the waffles. It pairs well with pumpkin and other spices to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Ground Nutmeg (½ tsp): Nutmeg has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor, which complements the other spices and enhances the overall pumpkin spice flavor.
• Ground Cloves (½ tsp): Ground cloves provide a deep, rich, and slightly pungent flavor to the waffles. It's a crucial component of the classic pumpkin spice blend.

Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree (15 oz Can): Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient of these waffles, providing a moist, tender texture, and the delightful pumpkin flavor. Be sure you aren't using a can of pumpkin pie filling instead.
• Nondairy Milk (2 c): Nondairy milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk) serves as a liquid component in the batter, adding moisture and ensuring the waffles are not overly dry. It also binds the other ingredients together.
• Light Brown Sugar (⅓ c): Brown sugar sweetens the waffles, imparting a gentle molasses-like flavor. It also contributes to the waffles' tenderness and color.
• Molasses (1 tbsp): Molasses adds a rich and slightly caramel-like sweetness to the waffles. It enhances their flavor and helps with browning.
• Melted Vegan Butter (¼ c): Vegan butter adds a rich and buttery flavor while also contributing to the waffles' texture. It creates a tender and slightly crisp exterior.
• Bourbon Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the waffles with its sweet, aromatic, and warm notes. The "bourbon" aspect produces a deeper and richer flavor.

Steps To Make Vegan Pumpkin Waffles (with pictures!)

1. Prepare Batter: In a large bowl whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the pumpkin puree, nondairy milk, brown sugar, molasses, vegan butter and vanilla until completely smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not over-mix. A few remaining lumps are ok.
2. Cook: Preheat your waffle iron. Measure batter and cook according to manufacturer instructions. Continue process until all of the batter has been used up. Serve with cinnamon butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, etc. if desired.

Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Waffles

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that your waffles have the best flavor and texture.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately: In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices) before adding them to the wet ingredients. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed in the batter.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, nondairy milk, brown sugar, molasses, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract). Mixing them well ensures a smooth and consistent waffle batter.
4. Fold, Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles. It's okay if there are a few lumps in the batter; they will disappear during cooking.
5. Preheat Your Waffle Iron: Make sure your waffle iron is thoroughly preheated before adding the batter. This helps in achieving that crisp exterior.
6. Use Non-Stick Spray or Oil: Even if your waffle iron is non-stick, it's a good idea to lightly grease it with a cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking.
7. Portion Batter Correctly: Be mindful of how much batter you pour into the waffle iron. Adding too much can cause overflow, while too little may result in thin waffles. Follow your waffle maker's guidelines.
8. Don't Open the Waffle Iron Too Soon: Once you pour the batter, close the waffle iron and avoid opening it prematurely. Wait until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside, typically following the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Keep Your Waffles From Sticking

Here are several common reasons why your waffles may be sticking:

1. Lack of Grease: Even if you have a non-stick waffle iron, adding a small amount of oil or cooking spray before pouring the batter can prevent sticking.
2. Insufficient Preheating: Your waffle iron needs to be adequately preheated before adding the batter. If you pour the batter onto a cold or insufficiently preheated waffle iron, it can lead to sticking.
3. Overfilling: Overfilling the waffle iron can cause the batter to overflow, spill over the sides, and stick to the edges. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the recommended amount of batter to use for each waffle.
4. Undercooking: If you remove the waffles too early, they may still be soft and not fully cooked. This can cause them to tear or stick to the waffle iron. Wait until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
5. Wet or Sticky Batter: If your waffle batter is too wet or sticky, it can make the waffles more likely to stick to the waffle iron. Adjust the batter consistency by adding a bit more flour if it seems too runny.
6. Old or Damaged Non-Stick Coating: If your waffle iron has a non-stick coating that is worn out or damaged, it may not perform as effectively, and waffles may stick. Consider replacing your waffle iron if this is the case.
7. Cooling Waffle Iron: After making each batch of waffles, it's important to let your waffle iron reheat before making the next batch. If it cools down too much, it can lead to sticking.

To prevent waffle sticking, ensure your waffle iron is clean and well-greased, appropriately preheated, and not overfilled. Additionally, be patient and allow the waffles to cook until they are fully done and have a nice, crispy exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of flour to make vegan pumpkin waffles?

While all-purpose flour is commonly used in waffle recipes, you can experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat, spelt, or gluten-free blends to make vegan pumpkin waffles. Keep in mind that different flours may affect the texture and taste.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree if I don't have any?

If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can use butternut squash puree, sweet potato puree, or even applesauce as a substitute. These alternatives provide a similar texture and flavor.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my vegan pumpkin waffles?

To adjust the sweetness, you can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar or molasses in the recipe according to your taste preferences. You can also rely on toppings like maple syrup to add sweetness after cooking.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the waffle batter just before cooking for optimal freshness and texture. If you need to prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before using.

FAQ's Continued

What vegan toppings go well with pumpkin waffles?

Vegan toppings for pumpkin waffles include maple syrup, dairy-free whipped cream, fresh fruit (like berries or sliced banana), chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), and vegan chocolate chips. You can also make homemade cinnamon butter!

Will leftover waffles keep?

Not really. Vegan pumpkin waffles are best eaten the day they are made. Waffles preserved in the refrigerator will grow soggy pretty quickly.

How do I make the waffles fluffier?

To make the waffles fluffier, you can increase the baking powder slightly or add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the nondairy milk to enhance the leavening process.

What is the purpose of molasses in the recipe?

Molasses adds a rich, slightly caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor to the waffles. It also contributes to their beautiful golden-brown color. It can be omitted if you don't have any one hand.

What Makes Waffles Gummy?

Waffles can turn out gummy or have a rubbery texture for several reasons:

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the waffle batter can develop excess gluten, which leads to a gummy texture. Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined, leaving a few lumps if necessary.
2. Too Much Liquid: An overly liquidy batter can result in gummy waffles. Make sure to use the recommended liquid-to-dry ingredient ratio in your waffle recipe.
3. Insufficient Cooking Time: Not cooking the waffles for a long enough time can result in a gummy interior. To explain, waffles need to be fully cooked and golden brown on the outside to achieve the right texture.
4. Low Cooking Temperature: Cooking waffles at a temperature that's too low can cause them to cook too slowly, potentially making them gummy. Ensure that your waffle iron is adequately preheated and set to the right temperature.
5. Using Too Much Leavening Agent: Excessive baking powder or baking soda can lead to a gummy texture. Stick to the recommended measurements in your waffle recipe.
6. Using Stale Ingredients: Old or expired ingredients can negatively affect the texture of waffles. Use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to leavening agents like baking powder.
7. Undercooking: If you remove waffles from the iron before they're fully cooked, they may end up gummy. Cooking until they are golden brown and crisp is essential.
8. Cooling on a Flat Surface: Placing hot waffles on a flat, cool surface can trap moisture and make them gummy. Use a wire rack to allow steam to escape and maintain crispness.

To avoid gummy waffles, follow your recipe carefully, ensure your waffle iron is properly preheated, and cook the waffles until they're golden brown and crisp. It's also crucial to handle the batter gently and not over-mix it to prevent excess gluten formation.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Waffles

You can serve vegan pumpkin waffles in various ways to create a delicious and cozy breakfast or brunch treat. Here are some serving ideas:

1. Maple Syrup and Vegan Butter: The classic combination – drizzle warm maple syrup over the waffles and add a pat of vegan butter for a simple, sweet, and comforting option.
2. Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Top your waffles with a generous dollop of dairy-free whipped cream for added richness and a touch of indulgence.
3. Fresh Fruit: Add freshness and color to your waffles by topping them with fresh fruits such as sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The fruity sweetness complements the pumpkin flavor.
4. Chopped Nuts: For some crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over your waffles. They also pair well with the warm spices and pumpkin.
5. Vegan Chocolate Chips: If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle vegan chocolate chips over your waffles for a delightful dessert-like treat.
6. Vegan Yogurt: Serve your waffles with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt, which adds creaminess and a pleasant tang. Choose a flavored or plain variety to suit your taste.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over your waffles for a rich and indulgent treat. The sweet caramel flavor pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spices.
8. Savory Toppings: If you prefer a savory twist, consider topping your pumpkin waffles with ingredients like avocado slices, sautéed spinach, or dairy-free cheese for a unique breakfast experience.

Remember to serve your vegan pumpkin waffles while they are still warm and freshly cooked for the best texture and flavor. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there are plenty of options to make these waffles your own.

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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