Name: Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cooked pureed butternut squash; 2 cups almond milk; ¾ cup coconut oil; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour; ½ cup buckwheat flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore cozy mornings when I can whip up something both wholesome and delightfully flavorful, which is exactly why I have to share this Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe with you. These waffles are a perfect blend of naturally sweet squash, warm spices, and a crispy golden exterior that just melts in your mouth. I love how this recipe transforms simple, nourishing ingredients into a breakfast that feels both indulgent and good for you. Once you try these waffles, I promise you’ll want to make them a regular in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe

What draws me to this Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe is that incredible balance of flavors – the earthy, slightly sweet butternut squash combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These waffles deliver a comforting taste that feels like autumn wrapped up on your plate. The texture is another highlight: crisp on the outside and tender yet fluffy inside, thanks to the combination of whole wheat and buckwheat flours. It’s such a refreshing twist on your classic waffles, and I find it wonderfully satisfying.

I also appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. I usually don’t want to fuss with a ton of steps first thing in the morning, so having a recipe that comes together quickly while still being packed with wholesome ingredients is a win in my book. Plus, these waffles are grain-free, dairy-free, and made without refined sugars, so they suit many dietary preferences without losing any flavor. They’re perfect for a relaxing weekend brunch, a cozy holiday morning, or even an easy weekday breakfast treat that feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A glass bowl filled with a light brown thick batter that looks smooth with small dark specks all over. A whisk with a metallic silver head and a copper handle is resting inside the bowl, slightly covered with the batter. A woman's hand is holding the whisk. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are simple but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect waffle experience. From the creamy butternut squash puree that adds natural sweetness and moisture, to the warm spices that lift the flavor, each component works together beautifully.

Cooked pureed butternut squash: This is the star ingredient that brings rich sweetness and moisture without any added sugar.
Almond milk: I like this dairy-free milk for its mild flavor and smooth texture.
Coconut oil: Adds healthy fats and lends a subtle tropical note to the waffles.
Eggs: Essential for binding the batter and helping the waffles get fluffy and light.
Pure vanilla extract: For a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness that complements the squash perfectly.
Whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty texture and nutty taste that balances the sweet squash.
Buckwheat flour: Contributes earthiness and helps keep the waffles grain-free while boosting protein.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the batter.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg: These spices create a warm, comforting note reminiscent of fall baking.
Plain Greek yogurt: For the maple yogurt topping that adds creaminess and a tangy contrast.

Directions

Step 1: Start by preparing your wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooked pureed butternut squash, almond milk, melted coconut oil, eggs, pure vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: In a separate large bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, buckwheat flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and all the warm spices – cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly mixed to avoid any clumping.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir together with a spatula until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine to keep the waffles light and tender.

Step 4: Preheat your waffle maker until it’s hot and ready. I like to lightly grease it with a bit of coconut oil to ensure the waffles don’t stick.

Step 5: Ladle approximately ¾ cup of batter onto the waffle iron for each waffle. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. If your waffle maker flips, flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.

Step 6: While the waffles cook, prepare the maple yogurt topping by mixing plain Greek yogurt with maple syrup until smooth and well combined. This topping adds such a lovely balance to the warm spices in the waffles.

Step 7: Serve the warm waffles topped with a generous dollop of the maple yogurt, and if you want, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for extra coziness. Enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor!

Servings and Timing

This Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe makes about 8 waffles, which I find is perfect for a family breakfast or brunch with friends. The prep time is super manageable at around 10 minutes since most of the ingredients just need mixing rather than extensive prep. Cooking the waffles takes about 20 minutes total, depending on your waffle maker. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for a weekend morning or holiday brunch when you want something special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. No additional resting or cooling time is needed, so you can dig in as soon as they’re ready!

How to Serve This Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe

The image shows three white plates, each with a single round waffle that has a textured, golden-brown surface and visible grid pattern. Each waffle has a dollop of white cream on top, slightly melting and sprinkled with light brown cinnamon. The plates sit on soft pastel-colored cloths with light patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there are two halves of a bright orange butternut squash with visible seeds. A clear glass bowl with white cream and a spoon is near the top center. To the left, four silver forks are arranged side by side with their handles pointing down. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Butternut Squash Waffles, I love pairing them with a variety of toppings and sides to create a complete, satisfying meal. The maple yogurt topping included in the recipe adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly cuts through the sweetness, but I also like adding fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples for a crisp contrast. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of toasted pecans brings wonderful texture and richness.

For presentation, I like to stack two waffles per plate and generously dollop the maple yogurt topping on the top, garnishing with a light dusting of cinnamon. A sprig of fresh mint or a few pomegranate seeds can add a lovely pop of color and elegance if you’re serving guests. These waffles are best enjoyed warm, fresh off the waffle maker, so everyone can appreciate how crisp the outside is and how tender the inside feels.

Beverage-wise, these waffles pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast, or if it’s a special brunch occasion, a sparkling mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice brightens up the table. They truly make a fantastic centerpiece for family meals during the cooler months, holiday gatherings, or even a leisurely weekend breakfast when you want to impress without too much fuss.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you prefer a gluten-free version, swapping out the whole wheat and buckwheat flours for a gluten-free all-purpose blend works beautifully while keeping the waffles tender and fluffy. For a vegan twist, I’ve successfully replaced eggs with flax eggs and used a plant-based yogurt for the topping, which still delivers great texture and flavor.

To mix things up flavor-wise, I sometimes add a touch of orange zest to the batter to brighten the warm spices, or even a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. If you want an ultra-moist waffle, you can experiment with adding a mashed ripe banana to the wet ingredients, though this will slightly change the flavor profile and texture. Another cooking alternative I’ve tried is making pancakes instead of waffles using the same batter – they turn out just as tasty!

Personally, I like sticking with the original method most often because it produces that perfect crisp exterior, but don’t hesitate to get creative with different flours, spices, or toppings to find your personal favorite version of this comforting dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftover Butternut Squash Waffles, I recommend letting them cool completely first before storing. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Stored this way in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 3 days. I always like to separate them with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These waffles freeze wonderfully, which makes them a fantastic make-ahead breakfast. To freeze, arrange cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Freezing individually allows you to pull out just what you need without thawing the whole batch.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, I always recommend using a toaster or toaster oven to crisp the waffles back up, rather than microwaving. Simply pop them in the toaster and heat until warm and crispy again, usually 2-3 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave alone if you want to keep that delightful crunch. If you don’t have a toaster, warming in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes works well too.

FAQs

Can I use canned butternut squash puree instead of fresh cooked?

Yes! Canned butternut squash puree works just fine in this recipe and can save you quite a bit of time. Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened puree without added spices or salt to maintain the recipe’s balance.

What if I don’t have buckwheat flour? Can I substitute it?

Absolutely. If you don’t have buckwheat flour, you can use more whole wheat flour or swap in oat flour for a slightly lighter texture. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different since buckwheat adds a nice earthy note.

Are these waffles suitable for someone with dairy allergies?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses almond milk and coconut oil instead of dairy products. Just be sure your toppings are also dairy-free if needed—consider coconut yogurt or another plant-based option instead of Greek yogurt.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before cooking. I don’t recommend making it more than overnight ahead, as certain leavening agents may lose potency and affect texture.

How do I know when the waffles are done cooking?

Most waffle makers have indicator lights, but generally, you want to cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside. They should lift easily off the iron. If you like your waffles crispier, you can let them cook a little longer, just watch closely to avoid burning.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Butternut Squash Waffles Recipe a try soon because it brings such warmth, flavor, and comfort to the breakfast table. It’s one of those recipes I find myself turning to again and again when I want something nourishing yet special. From the cozy spices to the lovely texture and beautiful color, these waffles make every morning feel a little more magical. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!