Last Updated on February 16, 2025 by Karen
These delicious Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffles with dairy-free options will satisfy your breakfast cravings and are easy to make!
Whether you’re craving a warm, cozy breakfast or you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious fall-inspired dish, these Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffles are the perfect choice. The blend of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice gives them a rich, comforting flavor, while the dairy-free option ensures everyone can enjoy them. They’re a great addition to your breakfast rotation, especially when you’re looking for something beyond the usual pancakes or classic waffle.
Waffle House holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect breakfast spot where comfort and good food always come together. Whether it’s the assortment of waffles to choose from, breakfast hashbrown bowls, or the crispy hash browns, or the welcoming wait staff, every visit feels like home. It’s a place where I can always count on a hearty meal and a cozy atmosphere, making it an excellent choice whenever I’m craving something satisfying. Sometimes, a trip to Waffle House for a hearty breakfast just isn’t in the cards. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the same delicious waffles and classic breakfast options right from the comfort of your own kitchen!
These waffles are quick to make and perfect for any time of day. With options for both regular and vegan waffles, you can create the ideal waffle for your tastes. If you prefer dairy-free waffles, just follow the simple swaps in this recipe and you’ll have a delicious meal to enjoy. Whether you’re pairing them with maple syrup, chocolate chips, or a garden salad for a hearty meal, you’ll be creating a unique dish that fits your special dietary needs. Plus, they reheat wonderfully, so leftover waffles are great to have on hand for a hearty meals.
Why You’ll Love This Waffle House Dairy-Free Waffles Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this pumpkin spice waffle recipe. First, the flavor is unbeatable—pumpkin puree, combined with the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice, creates a cozy, comforting bite perfect for breakfast or brunch. The addition of vanilla extract adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the waffles, making each bite feel like a special treat.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or looking for gluten-free waffles, there are simple substitutions and vegan options that ensure you can enjoy these waffles without missing out on flavor or texture. The recipe allows you to make them dairy-free, and you can even add your favorite toppings and non dairy products, like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a great way to cater to different spots that have varying dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for gatherings with friends and family.
If you’re someone who loves preparing breakfast ahead of time, these waffles are perfect for meal prep. Leftover waffles can be easily stored in an airtight container and reheated in a toaster oven or microwave, so you’ll always have a quick and good food option ready for those busy mornings. Plus, they make a hearty meal when paired with savory sides like hash browns or a breakfast hashbrown bowl, giving you a versatile breakfast that you can customize based on your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffles
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour gives structure to the waffles and helps them hold their shape. If you’re looking for a gluten free version, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill or specific gluten free all purpose flour blend you make yourself.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the waffles, balancing the spices and pumpkin. You can substitute it with maple syrup, coconut sugar, or another natural sweetener for a healthier option.
Baking powder
Baking powder helps the waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
Pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. It gives the waffles their signature fall flavor. You can also use individual spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, if you prefer a more personalized mix. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A ratio of 3 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 1 part nutmeg, and 1 part cloves will give you a similar flavor profile.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and helps balance the sweetness. It’s an essential ingredient for overall taste and should not be omitted.
Canned pumpkin puree
Pumpkin puree adds moisture and a rich, earthy flavor to the waffles. If you can’t find canned pumpkin, you can substitute it with homemade pumpkin puree or another squash puree.
Almond milk
Almond milk provides a dairy-free liquid base for the waffle batter, keeping it light. You can substitute almond milk with other dairy-free milks like oat, soy, or coconut milk, depending on your preference.
Egg
Eggs bind the ingredients together and help give the waffles structure. To make these waffles vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or another store-bought egg replacer if you prefer a simpler solution. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil adds moisture and helps the waffles crisp up nicely. If you prefer a different oil, coconut oil or another vegetable oil will work just as well.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the waffles, giving them a warm and aromatic touch. It’s optional, but it adds a nice depth to the taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Preheat Your Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the waffle iron is fully heated before pouring in the batter to ensure crispy, evenly cooked waffles.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid clumps and ensures an even distribution of the baking powder and spices for a lighter waffle texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the canned pumpkin puree, almond milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Be sure the wet ingredients are well incorporated for a uniform batter that cooks evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in dense waffles. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will make for a fluffier waffle.
Prepare the Waffle Iron
Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with oil or non-stick spray. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron (adjust depending on the size of your iron). For even waffles, spread the batter out with a spatula before closing the iron.
Cook the Waffles
Close the waffle iron and cook the waffles according to your iron’s instructions—usually around 3-4 minutes—until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you like extra crispy waffles, let them cook a little longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the waffles and serve them hot with your favorite toppings like a pat of vegan butter, dairy-free whipped cream, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. For extra flavor, add chocolate chips or peanut butter chips right on top of the hot waffles before serving!
Variations for This Recipe
One of the great things about this Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffle recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to accommodate various dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some variations to customize the recipe:
Flour substitution: If you’re looking to make the waffles gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, or add it separately, as it helps with the structure and texture of the waffles. You can also experiment with almond flour for a low-carb option, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Sugar-free option: If you’re following a low-sugar or sugar-free diet, you can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Keep in mind that these alternatives might alter the texture slightly, but they still provide sweetness without the added sugar.
Dairy-free milk: Almond milk is used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with other dairy-free options such as soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. If you don’t have a dairy intolerance, regular cow’s milk will work perfectly well as a substitute.
Topping options: The beauty of waffles is that they can be topped with just about anything! You can switch up the classic maple syrup and dairy-free whipped cream for chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even fresh fruit like sliced bananas, apples, or berries. For a festive twist, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top, or drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce.
Can You Make These Waffles Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make both the waffles and the batter ahead of time, depending on your needs!
Making the Waffle Batter Ahead of Time
You can prepare the waffle batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time in the morning. Just be sure to give the batter a quick stir before using, as some ingredients may settle or separate. However, keep in mind that overmixing can result in less fluffy waffles, so stir gently.
Making the Waffles Ahead of Time
If you prefer to make the actual waffles ahead of time, you can cook them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can then reheat them in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them. For longer storage, follow the instructions above to freeze the waffles. Freezing them allows you to keep them for up to 3 months, and they’ll be just as delicious when reheated.
How Do You Store Leftover Waffles?
If you have leftover waffles, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. To store your waffles, simply let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and help maintain their texture. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to eat them within a short time, the fridge is a great option for easy access to your leftovers.
Can You Freeze These Waffles?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these waffles! To freeze them, let the waffles cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, ensuring that you remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. Waffles can be frozen for up to 3 months for the best taste and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out of the freezer and reheat.
How Do You Reheat These Waffles?
There are a few ways to reheat your waffles, depending on your preference. For the best texture, reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven—this will help restore the crispiness. Simply toast them for 2-4 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy on the outside. If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be aware that they may not stay as crispy. Microwave on high for about 20-30 seconds for one waffle, or adjust the time if you’re reheating multiple waffles. Alternatively, you can reheat waffles in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through.
How Do You Serve These Waffles?
For those who love Waffle House secret menu items, try pairing your waffles with a hash brown bowl or a breakfast hashbrown bowl for a more substantial breakfast. If you’re following a vegetarian diet, simply omit any meat and load up on plant-based toppings. You can also use this waffle batter as a base for a chicken hash-brown bowl for a delicious twist.
These waffles are also perfect for making at less busy times in the morning, or during the time when you’re craving a quick snack. Whether you decide to serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a star special topping, or even enjoy them without any toppings, this recipe offers plenty of healthy waffle house options and good gluten free alternatives.
Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffles (Dairy Free Options)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, almond milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron with oil or non-stick spray. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron (about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle, depending on the size of your iron). Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually for about 3-4 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Serve the waffles hot with your choice of toppings such as dairy-free whipped cream, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
By making these Waffle House Copycat Pumpkin Spice Waffles at home, you’re saving a trip to the restaurant and enjoying the same comforting flavors in your own space. Plus, it’s a great way to customize your meal based on your preferences or special dietary needs, whether you want vegan waffles, gluten-free waffles, or even a dairy-free version. No need to worry about cross contamination or food allergens when you’re in control of your ingredients and cook surface.
You can even recreate the Waffle House experience by adding your favorite Waffle House food items, like crispy hash browns or a breakfast hashbrown bowl, to your homemade spread. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal and get the full breakfast combo without leaving your home. So, the next time you’re craving a classic Waffle House breakfast, try this recipe instead—making it at home not only saves time, but it also allows you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal on your own terms. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative with toppings like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or whatever you like, giving you a breakfast that’s truly your own.
