I have always made pumpkin pancakes for Christmas morning. The only reason I made waffles this time was because my 5-year-old requested it. And I gave her a face like, “Um….are you SURE?”
She was sure. And we should all take a moment of silence to be grateful for her certainty because these are SO. MUCH. BETTER. I’m not sure why. They are just better.
Actually, now that I think of it, I do know why:
- Because of the little squares, they COOK better (no gooey middle, no waiting for 20 minutes a pancake). Adding pumpkin puree to pancake mix adds a lot of moisture and density to the pancake, so it takes longer to cook and it is more likely to be tough or burn on the outside if you’re not careful. But with waffles, it’s no big deal. I cook them a little longer than the waffle iron suggests, but not much, and they’re fabulous.
- Because of the little squares, you can fit more butter and syrup on without it dripping off
- Pumpkin waffles tend to cook slightly crispier and lighter than in pancake form, which is ideal I think
But whatever the reason, they are so divine. Is there a word in the English language, or in any language for that matter, for “these are to die for?”…..
…..I can’t think of one, but I can think of a song that comes pretty close: Remember how cool it was to know all the words to “I Do it For You” and lip sync to it like you were Bryan Adams? Remember that DRAMATIC pause at the end where he sings, “I’d die for you…..” and then the guitar stops and the notes echo through the air for a few seconds?
Well, these waffles accomplish pretty much the same dramatic effect with every bite. So I’d like to dedicate this song to my Pumpkin Pie Waffles, because they are to die for.
Lovin’ that pumpkin!
The recipe calls for 1 tsp of pumpkin pie seasoning, but you can do it to taste.
Slather in butter and maple syrup, and top with whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin pie seasoning. It will taste just like pumpkin pie! Just go crazy here. It’s Christmas and you haven’t gained enough weight already!
You could also try topping these with my No-Churn, Easy Pumpkin Ice Cream. Breakfast would be more of a pastry at that point, but who cares? You know all the words to “I do it for You.” So you deserve it.
- 2 cups pancake mix
- Corresponding amount of water (varies per mix)
- 1 small (8 oz) can of pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie seasoning
- Mix up the pancake mix and water until you get a desired consistency
- Add ½ of the pumpkin and mix until evenly incorporated
- Whisk in the egg and the seasoning to taste
- Spray waffle iron and fill generously (if you want fluffy waffles)
- Let waffles sit in the iron until slightly crispy
