There's something so cozy and irresistible about a warm, spiced waffle crisped to perfection, especially when it's topped with a luscious sauce. This Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe brings all the magic of holiday baking into your breakfast plate, with a perfect balance of ginger, molasses, and crunchy, sweet pecans drizzled in maple syrup.

A stack of three thick, dark brown waffles sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge. The top waffle is covered with glossy, dark pecans that look slightly sticky with syrup. The syrup slowly drips down the sides of the waffles, showing a shiny texture. Around the plate, there are a few sugared red cranberries and additional pecans, adding pops of bright red and brown to the scene. The setting has a white marbled table surface and a rich burgundy cloth blurred in the background. The image is sharp, highlighting the rough and crispy texture of the waffles and the shiny syrup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of waffles in my kitchen, but these gingerbread waffles hold a special place in my heart—especially when paired with that sticky, sweet maple pecan topping. It’s like breakfast meets dessert in the best way possible.

Unforgettable Flavor: The warm spices and molasses infuse the waffles with that classic gingerbread taste, making them perfect for any time of year.
Crunch Meets Sweet: Toasted pecans drizzled with real maple syrup add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness that takes these waffles to another level.
Easy to Make: Despite feeling fancy, this recipe is straightforward and works beautifully with standard kitchen tools and ingredients.
Adaptable: You can easily customize the toppings or swap ingredients if you want to make them vegan or gluten-free—I'll share some tips below!

A white plate holds a pile of eight dark brown square waffles, stacked unevenly in two main layers, with some waffles leaning on others. On top of the waffles are scattered shiny pecan nuts and dark syrup filling some waffle pockets. Around the plate and on the waffles are small clusters of bright red cranberries covered with white sugar crystals. Nearby, a small white bowl holds more cranberries, and a white bowl with dark syrup and pecans sits to the side. The setting has a wooden surface and a red cloth is partially under the plate, with some green leaves and red berries adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a special role in making the gingerbread waffles just right—from the cozy spices to the tender crumb created by melted butter and buttermilk. Keep an eye out for good-quality molasses; it really makes a difference.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale all-purpose flour, a heap of warm golden brown sugar crystals, a few whole warm brown pecan halves, three whole clean brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich dark molasses, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white buttermilk, scattered piles of reddish-brown ground ginger, warm brown ground cinnamon, deep brown allspice, dark brown ground cloves, light brown ground nutmeg, and fine white salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender waffles with enough structure to hold the spices and syrup.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your waffles lift nicely and stay light, despite the dense molasses.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg: The warm, earthy spices that make it true gingerbread magic.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled for a rich, tender batter.
Brown sugar: Dark brown adds a deeper molasses flavor and sweetness.
Molasses: The star that gives that unmistakable gingerbread depth—opt for unsulphured or Grandma’s brand for best taste.
Eggs: Bind everything together and boost fluffiness.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with baking soda to make the waffles light and flavorful. You can DIY this if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Pecans: Toasted until fragrant to bring out their natural nuttiness and crunch.
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for that perfect sweet finish with a rich depth.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often like to tweak this recipe based on the season or company I’m serving. It’s really forgiving, so feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few variations that I’ve found work beautifully.

Variation: For a dairy-free version, swap the buttermilk with coconut or almond milk and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the tang—still delicious and just as spiced!
Extra zing: If you like a little citrus brightness, sprinkle orange zest into the batter or add a spoonful of lemon curd alongside the maple pecan topping.
Gingerbread pancakes: I’ve turned this batter into fluffy pancakes when I’m out of waffle iron time—same batter, just cooked on a griddle until bubbles form, then flipped.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl with a pour spout (makes life easier for later), I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all those beautiful warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg—and the salt. Take a moment to smell the mix—it’s already making you think cozy mornings.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until everything is smooth and glossy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Finally, whisk in the buttermilk until just combined. This combo makes the batter luxuriously rich and tangy.

Step 3: Combine and Don’t Overmix

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and whisk gently until just combined. Don’t fret if there are a few lumps—that’s actually a good thing and will keep the waffles tender. Overmixing means tough waffles, and nobody wants that.

Step 4: Cook Your Waffles

Preheat your waffle maker (I usually set mine to medium-high). Brush or spray it with nonstick spray so those waffles lift easily. Pour about ⅓ cup of batter per waffle (adjust depending on your iron size). Close and cook until golden and crisp, usually 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack on a baking sheet in a warm oven so they stay crispy while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Make the Maple Pecan Topping

While your waffles are cooking, pop those pecans in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly—pecans toast fast and can burn in seconds! When you smell that toasty aroma, quickly lower the heat, pour in the maple syrup, and warm it up for a minute. Voila—your topping is ready.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Stack those waffles, drizzle generously with the warm maple pecan syrup, and savor every bite. I promise, this is the kind of breakfast that makes everyone pause and smile.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small tweaks can change your Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe from good to wow. These are my go-to tips for the best results every time.

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is melted but not hot—it should be warm to the touch so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
Don’t Overmix: A few lumps in your batter are totally fine and will keep waffles light and tender. Overworking the batter makes them dense.
Toasting Pecans: Toast the pecans low and slow while stirring constantly to avoid that bitter burnt taste—I’ve learned this the hard way!
Waffle Storage: Keep cooked waffles on a wire rack instead of a plate so they stay crisp instead of getting soggy while you finish cooking.

How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

gingerbread waffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the maple pecan topping, but if I’m feeling fancy, I love adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy touch. Fresh cranberries candied in sugar add a festive pop, especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

A side of crispy bacon or sausage links contrasts perfectly with the sweet, spicy waffles. For a lighter option, some fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like stacking mini gingerbread waffles with layers of mascarpone cream and drizzled maple pecan syrup, garnished with a sprig of rosemary for a fragrant, elegant touch. It doubles as a beautiful centerpiece on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Waffles are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, let them cool completely on a wire rack before stacking and storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to 2 days, but they lose a bit of that crisp charm.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After cooling, freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months and are a lifesaver for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

I reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes, which brings back that crisp exterior perfectly. Avoid microwaving, because that tends to make them soggy—trust me on this one!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to make buttermilk substitute?

Mix 1 and ⅔ cups whole milk with 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives the batter the tangy flavor of buttermilk without needing to buy it.

Can I make this batter into pancakes instead of waffles?

Yes! The batter works wonderfully as pancakes. Cook on a greased griddle over medium heat until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look dry, then flip and cook until golden on the other side.

How do I prevent the waffles from getting soggy?

Use a wire rack to cool cooked waffles instead of stacking them on a plate, and keep them warm in a low oven until serving. When reheating, toast them instead of microwaving to keep crispness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe feels like gifting yourself a little cozy happiness on a plate. I hope you enjoy the warm spices, the crisp exterior, and that amazing maple pecan drizzle as much as I do. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or whenever you need a treat that feels special yet approachable. Go ahead, try it out—you might just find a new favorite!