Pumpkin Waffles with Apple Cider Syrup

Although I don't love pumpkin flavored things, I'm always trying to integrate at least a few pumpkin recipes into my fall blogs. This recipe particularly intrigued me because of the homemade Apple Cider Syrup that went on top of the waffles, it sounded divine, even if pumpkin didn't.

Both recipes from Cooking Classy. The recipe as is will make 7-8 Belgian Waffles and 2 cups of Apple Cider Syrup. I cut the waffle recipe in half which made 18 mini waffles.

Ingredients:
-2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-2 teaspoon baking powder
-3/4 teaspoon baking soda
-3/4 teaspoon salt
-1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-4 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
-1 pinch cream of tartar
-5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
-1 cup milk
-1 cup buttermilk
-1/4 cup canola oil
-1 cup canned pumpkin puree
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-Vegetable oil cooking spray

Apple Cider Syrup
-1 cup packed dark or light brown sugar
-2 tablespoons cornstarch
-1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoons allspice
-1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
-1/8 teaspoons ground cloves
-1/8 teaspoons salt
-2 cups apple cider (well shaken)
-1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
-1/4 cup salted butter, diced into 4 pieces


In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg until well blended. Create a well in center of mixture then set aside.

In a separate medium mixing bowl whisk together milk, buttermilk, canola oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, egg yolks and three tablespoons granulated sugar.

Next in a a medium mixing bowl add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Use an electric hand mixer set on high speed, whip until soft peaks form, then add two tablespoons of the granulated sugar and whip until medium-stiff peaks form.

While whisking, slowly pour milk mixture into flour mixture and mix just until combined (batter will be slightly lumpy), then fold egg whites into batter.

Spray your waffle iron of choice with cooking spray and make the waffles.

Top with your syrup of choice or the Apple Cider Syrup: In a medium saucepan whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves and salt until cornstarch is evenly distributed. Stir in apple cider and apple cider vinegar and set mixture over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Allow to boil for one to one and a half minutes while continuously stirring, then remove from heat, stir in butter and allow to cool until warm. The syrup will really thicken up as you allow it to cool slightly.

I topped my waffles with a small dollop of light Cool Whip too.

This was such an awesome recipe. I actually liked the pumpkin waffles, I think it's because they were lightly seasoned and not overwhelmingly full of pumpkin spice seasoning. The Apple Cider Syrup really made this dish for me though, I think it really helped to tie everything together. The whipped cream was also good on this too, the waffles and syrup aren't too sweet on their own, so the whipped cream helped to elevate the sweetness slightly.