My story with Jack O’ Lantern Waffles began the first October after going gluten-free. I was craving something festive but nourishing something that felt like childhood and smelled like cinnamon. These waffles checked every box. Lightly spiced, golden orange, and pressed into a charming pumpkin shape, they bring joy to the table every time.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now living in the U.S., and this is GoldenGlutenFree.com where I recreate the dishes I love without wheat but with all the warmth of home. As someone trained in traditional Italian cuisine, waffles weren’t always on my radar. But after discovering my gluten intolerance, I started blending American breakfast classics with Italian attention to texture and flavor. And these Jack O’ Lantern Waffles? They’ve become a fall tradition.
Whether you’re sipping your favorite tea while the leaves fall outside or surprising your kids with a Halloween morning treat, these waffles are the kind of recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something memorable. They’re fun to make, even more fun to serve, and easily adjusted for dairy-free or nut-free diets.
Jack O’ Lantern Waffles
Equipment
- pumpkin-shaped waffle iron or standard waffle maker
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or neutral oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground ginger
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate (optional, for faces)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- nut butter drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray. If using a pumpkin-shaped waffle iron, preheat now.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour dry mixture into wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add about ⅓ cup of batter to the waffle iron. Cook for 3–5 minutes until crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Decorate with mini chocolate chips, powdered sugar, or nut butter drizzle. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Jack O’ Lantern Waffles
These gluten-free waffles are warm, soft, lightly crisped, and packed with real pumpkin.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or neutral oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional for decorating:
- Mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate for waffle faces
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Nut butter drizzle
Like the 3-ingredient gluten-free protein pancakes, this recipe is simple, nutrient-balanced, and beginner-friendly.
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker.
If using a pumpkin-shaped waffle iron, preheat it now. Lightly grease with oil or cooking spray. - Whisk wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth. - Combine dry ingredients.
In a second bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. - Mix the batter.
Pour dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined don’t overmix. - Cook the waffles.
Add about ⅓ cup batter to your waffle maker and cook 3–5 minutes. They should be crisp on the outside and tender inside. - Decorate and serve.
Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and mouth while warm. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
These waffles pair wonderfully with gluten-free apple cinnamon overnight oats or a cottage cheese banana oat pancake bite for a fall-inspired breakfast spread.
Tips for Success
- Use a mini pumpkin waffle iron.
It’s worth it for the festive look. Just like in our 10 gluten-free breakfast recipes, shape and color make a big visual difference. - Don’t overmix.
Too much stirring leads to dense waffles. Stir until the flour disappears, then stop. - Waffles sticking?
Let them cook slightly longer and open the iron slowly. Also, always grease between batches. - Batter too thick?
Add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it spreads easily. - Serving a crowd?
Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while you make the rest.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free:
Use a certified GF flour blend and non-dairy milk like oat or almond. These pair well with microwave gluten-free scrambled eggs with veggies for a full meal. - Add Protein:
Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and increase the milk slightly. - Chocolate Lovers:
Mix in mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a dessert-style twist. - Crispy Waffle Tip:
Replace ¼ cup of the milk with seltzer water for extra lightness. - Add Streusel Topping:
Mix almond flour, maple syrup, and cinnamon into a crumble and press lightly on top before closing the waffle iron.
Feeling inspired? These waffles also pair nicely with our gluten-free banana almond butter wraps for a morning that’s sweet and savory.
Storage & Make Ahead
These Jack O’ Lantern waffles store beautifully, making them great for busy mornings.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze between layers of parchment paper in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Toast in a toaster or toaster oven for best crispness.
Try batch-making alongside Greek yogurt parfait jars for weekday-ready breakfasts.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?
No. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced. Stick to pure pumpkin for best results.
What gluten-free flour works best?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend with xanthan gum. Avoid single flours like almond or coconut alone.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water) and use plant milk.
Why are my waffles sticking?
They may need more cook time or oil. Also ensure your iron is fully preheated.
Conclusion
These Jack O’ Lantern Waffles are more than just a breakfast they’re a memory in the making. They’re playful, seasonal, and easy to prep, whether you’re cooking for kids, brunch guests, or yourself on a cozy October morning. They bring fun to the plate without sacrificing your gluten-free lifestyle.
If you love this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out our monster smoothie bowls and chocolate cottage cheese mousse for more gluten-free seasonal fun.