Golden Harvest: Immune-Boosting Vegan Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles with Superfoods

Discover the warmth of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles, crafted with wholesome oats, rich pumpkin purée, and the vibrant power of Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder. Elevate your breakfast by serving them with a luscious drizzle of melted cacao!

Life has a funny way of reminding us to slow down, sometimes through unexpected means. Just two weekends ago, I found myself sidelined from my much-anticipated yoga teacher training, felled by the season’s inaugural cold. It was a stark reminder that while striving for connection and growth, we must also prioritize our well-being. My personal goal has been to deepen my engagement with local yoga studios, hoping to find a community where I can not only practice consistently but perhaps eventually share my passion by teaching. The pandemic, however, had turned my home yoga room into a sanctuary, a haven of personal practice that became almost too comfortable.

My teacher’s gentle encouragement to embrace the unique energy of a studio finally nudged me out of my comfort zone. It’s true, the collective breath, the shared intention, and the palpable sense of community in a studio are truly distinct. After attending a few public classes, I started feeling a profound reconnection – a spark I hadn’t experienced in years. It was like rediscovering a lost part of myself; a version of Lauren who regularly sought the invigorating glow of evening yoga. Yet, with public spaces, comes public germs. I vividly recall a fellow yogi, sniffliing through her downward-facing dog during my third class, and my immediate internal thought: “She sounds unwell.” What can one do when flowing alongside a potential “germ monster”? You continue, you breathe, and you hope for the best. The irony wasn’t lost on me as I recovered from my cold, realizing that my pursuit of public connection might have led to missing my very training weekend. Despite this, I firmly believe that the benefits of community, movement, and stepping outside one’s familiar boundaries are always worth the occasional sniffle.

Being unwell often dampens culinary creativity, but even with a lingering cold, inspiration struck! As the “spooky” season approaches, bringing with it a craving for comforting, warming flavors, I experimented in the kitchen and developed a new waffle recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with nourishing ingredients. These aren’t just any waffles; they are my vibrant Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles, a golden delight made with wholesome oats, rich pumpkin purée, and a special touch of Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder. For an extra touch of indulgence and a boost of antioxidants, I highly recommend serving them with a luxurious drizzle of melted cacao. These waffles are the perfect antidote to chilly mornings and a wonderful way to infuse some healthy goodness into your fall breakfast routine.

Crafting Your Golden Waffles: Essential Ingredients

These Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles are a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, yet healthful breakfast that’s entirely vegan and gluten-free. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the power of its core ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather to create these vibrant, flavorful waffles:

• Organic Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: The base of our waffle batter. Oats provide a fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional flour, lending a wholesome, hearty texture and a good source of fiber. When blended, they create a fine oat flour that holds the waffles together beautifully.
• Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, essential for giving the waffles that wonderfully light and fluffy interior. Without it, your waffles would be dense and flat.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice! Cinnamon adds a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin and turmeric. It evokes cozy autumnal feelings with every bite.
• Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show! Pumpkin purée brings natural sweetness, a gorgeous orange hue, and incredible moisture to the waffles. It’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making these waffles a truly nourishing treat. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Our liquid base. Almond milk keeps the recipe dairy-free and contributes to the smooth consistency of the batter. Any plant-based milk would likely work, but unsweetened almond milk offers a neutral flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice isn’t just for flavor; it reacts with the baking powder to enhance the leavening process, ensuring your waffles rise perfectly. It also subtly brightens the overall taste.
• Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder: This incredible superfood is key to the waffles’ beautiful golden color and adds a subtle earthy, peppery note. Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making these waffles not just delicious but also a beneficial addition to your diet, especially during cold season!
• Pure Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness. Maple syrup is an excellent unrefined sweetener that pairs wonderfully with the fall flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for sweetness.
• Neutral Nut or Seed Butter: This adds richness and helps bind the ingredients, contributing to a tender crumb. Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter are great choices due to their mild flavors that won’t overpower the pumpkin and turmeric.
• Fresh Berries: For serving! A burst of freshness and a touch of natural sweetness, berries add a lovely contrast to the warm waffles.
• Navitas Organics Bittersweet Cacao Wafers: Melted for a decadent chocolate drizzle. These cacao wafers are made from real cacao and are rich in antioxidants, offering a healthy twist to your chocolate indulgence.
• Navitas Organics Unsweetened Cacao Nibs: For an irresistible crunch and even more antioxidant power. Sprinkle these on top for texture and a deep chocolate flavor.

That’s it! With these simple, wholesome ingredients, you’re ready to create a breakfast that’s both comforting and packed with goodness.

Simple Steps to Perfect Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles

Making these Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these steps for golden, fluffy perfection:

1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: Begin by adding your organic gluten-free rolled oats, baking powder, and ground cinnamon to a high-speed blender. Process these ingredients until you achieve a fine, flour-like consistency. This step is crucial for creating a smooth batter and light waffles, as it essentially makes your own oat flour. Once blended, transfer this oat flour mixture into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients: Using the same blender (no need to clean it!), combine the pumpkin purée, unsweetened almond milk, lemon juice, Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder, pure maple syrup, and your chosen neutral nut or seed butter. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, thick, and creamy. This ensures all the vibrant flavors and moistness are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the beautifully blended wet mixture into the mixing bowl containing your dry oat flour.
4. Mix the Batter: Grab a spatula and gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Continue mixing until you have a thick, smooth, and lump-free batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the oats (even gluten-free oats can become tough if overmixed) and lead to less tender waffles.
5. Waffle Maker Preparation: By this point, your waffle maker should be preheated and ready to go. Most waffle makers have an indicator light that signals when it’s reached the optimal temperature. If you’re unsure, give it at least 5-10 minutes to fully heat up.
6. Cook Your Waffles: Spoon approximately ½ to ⅔ cup of the batter into the center of your preheated waffle maker. Gently close the lid, allowing the batter to spread and fill the mold evenly. Cook for 2-5 minutes, though the exact time will depend on your specific waffle maker model and its heat settings.

Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles Tips for Perfection

Achieving the perfect waffle involves a bit of observation and adjustment based on your specific waffle maker. Here are some tips to ensure your Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles turn out just right:

• Know Your Waffle Maker: Every waffle maker is different! My machine has a green light that illuminates when it’s hot enough, and I found 3 minutes to be the sweet spot for my preferred texture. Your ideal cook time might range from 2 to 5 minutes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your settings on your first waffle to find that perfect balance.
• The Golden Brown Rule: Waffles are typically done when they are golden brown on both sides. They should easily release from the iron without sticking.
• Texture Matters: The goal is a waffle that’s delightfully crispy on the outside, providing a satisfying bite, and wonderfully fluffy and tender on the inside. If they’re too pale, they might be undercooked internally; if too dark, they could be dry.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to put a lot of batter, overfilling your waffle maker can lead to messy overflow. Start with the recommended amount (½ to ⅔ cup) and adjust slightly if you find your waffles aren’t filling the mold or are overflowing.
• Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a big batch, you can keep cooked waffles warm and slightly crispy by placing them directly on a wire rack in a single layer in a preheated oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C). Avoid stacking them, as this will trap steam and make them soggy.

The Superfood Power of Navitas Organics Products

My culinary journey often leads me to Navitas Organics, a brand I deeply trust for its commitment to quality and ethical sourcing. These Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles truly shine thanks to the inclusion of their exceptional superfood products. The vibrant, inviting color of these waffles is a direct result of the harmonious blend of natural pumpkin purée and the brilliant Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about infusing your food with incredible health benefits.

I specifically choose Navitas Organics Turmeric Powder because I appreciate that it is organically cultivated and ethically sourced, ensuring purity and sustainability. This gorgeous golden powder offers a distinct peppery, earthy flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the pumpkin and the warmth of the cinnamon, adding depth and complexity to the waffles. Beyond its flavor profile, turmeric is a powerhouse, widely celebrated for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, making these waffles a wise choice for supporting overall wellness, especially when feeling under the weather. I frequently incorporate turmeric into a variety of dishes, from warming soups and creamy lattes to aromatic rice dishes and hearty oatmeal. Now, I’m thrilled to add waffles to that growing list!

And because every delicious breakfast can be made even better with chocolate (why not?!), I also turned to Navitas Organics cacao products to create a truly decadent topping. For that irresistible chocolate drizzle, I melted their Bittersweet Cacao Wafers. These wafers melt into a smooth, rich liquid that’s perfect for swirling over warm waffles. To add texture and an intense chocolatey crunch, I sprinkled on Navitas Organics Unsweetened Cacao Nibs. What I adore about Navitas Organics cacao products is their authenticity; they are made with real, high-quality cacao, meaning they are naturally rich in antioxidants and vital minerals. I always keep a few bags of their cacao essentials in my pantry, ready to transform any meal or snack into a superfood-packed delight. They make it effortless to add a serving of nutritious goodness, along with incredible flavor, to my daily diet.

Creative Swaps and Thoughtful Substitutions

While this recipe is designed to be perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable to suit various preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients! Here are some ideas for swaps and substitutions to make these Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles truly your own:

• Pumpkin Purée Alternatives: While pumpkin shines in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other seasonal purees. Cooked and mashed sweet potato or butternut squash purée would work beautifully, offering a similar sweetness and creamy texture, along with their own nutritional benefits and lovely color. Just ensure the consistency is comparable to canned pumpkin purée.
• Nut or Seed Butter Options: The recipe calls for a neutral nut or seed butter, and this is quite flexible. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are excellent choices as their mild flavors won’t overpower the pumpkin and turmeric. If you have a peanut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic nut-free alternative. For those who enjoy a richer flavor, even a pecan or walnut butter could be used, though it might impart a more distinct taste.
• Plant-Based Milk Choices: Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to for its neutral flavor, but feel free to use other plant-based milks. Soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk would all work well, providing a creamy texture. If you’re entirely nut-free, oat milk or rice milk are great options. Just be sure to use an unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of your waffles.
• Flour Alternatives: The recipe specifically uses blended organic gluten-free rolled oats to create the flour, and this is the only flour I have tested for this particular recipe. Oats provide a unique texture and absorbency that contributes to the waffle’s structure. If you are experimenting with other flours (like gluten-free all-purpose flour blends), be aware that the liquid ratios might need adjustment, as different flours absorb moisture differently. I recommend sticking to oat flour for the most consistent results with this recipe.
• Sweetener Varieties: While pure maple syrup adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you could experiment with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or date syrup for similar results. Adjust to taste.

Meal Prep Made Easy: Storing and Reheating Waffles

One of the best things about these Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles is how well they store, making them ideal for meal prep throughout the week. This recipe yields a generous batch, typically producing about 4-6 large waffles or 6-8 smaller ones, depending on the size and shape of your waffle maker. Unless you’re feeding a crowd for breakfast, you’re likely to have delicious leftovers!

Fortunately, these waffles are perfectly designed for saving and enjoying later. For short-term storage, simply place any leftover waffles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. They retain their flavor and texture wonderfully. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution, these waffles freeze beautifully. Stack cooled waffles with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for several weeks, ready to be pulled out whenever a waffle craving strikes.

Reheating is a breeze, ensuring you can enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast even on the busiest mornings. To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options:

• Microwave: For a quick reheat, place waffles in the microwave and warm them in 30-second intervals until heated through. This method is fast but might not yield the crispiest results.
• Oven/Toaster Oven: For best results that restore some of that crispy exterior, reheat waffles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are warmed throughout and slightly crisp. You can also use a toaster or toaster oven for individual waffles, making them perfectly golden and crunchy again.

With these meal prep tips, you can enjoy these wholesome and delicious waffles any day of the week, effortlessly turning a weekend treat into a weekday convenience.

Elevate Your Plate: How to Serve Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles

These Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but they truly shine when adorned with a thoughtful selection of toppings. Serving them becomes an opportunity for creativity and a feast for the senses. Once your golden waffles are ready, arrange them beautifully on a plate and prepare to customize!

My absolute favorite way to enjoy these vibrant waffles is with a generous helping of fresh berries, a delicate drizzle of pure maple syrup, that luxurious melted chocolate drizzle made from Navitas Organics Cacao Wafers, and a sprinkle of their crunchy Cacao Nibs. This combination offers a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, richness, and texture.

However, the possibilities are endless! Here are some other delightful topping ideas to inspire you:

• Creamy Indulgence: A dollop of coconut whipped cream or a swirl of dairy-free yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast.
• Fruity Freshness: Beyond berries, consider sliced bananas, sautéed apples with a touch of cinnamon, or even a spiced pear compote to lean into the fall theme.
• Nutty Goodness: A spread of your favorite nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, or even a spiced pecan butter) adds extra protein and a comforting creaminess.
• Extra Sweetness: A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of granola for crunch, or a drizzle of warm apple cider syrup can elevate the sweetness.

These waffles are not just for everyday breakfast; they are perfect for creating an elevated vegan brunch experience to share with loved ones. Imagine a leisurely weekend morning, a stack of these golden waffles, and a spread of delightful toppings. They also pair exquisitely with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea, making for a truly cozy start to your day. And remember, if you’re making these just for yourself, they store remarkably well, ensuring you have a healthy and delicious meal prepped for the busy week ahead.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

Explore More Vegan Waffles

If you loved these Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles and are eager to explore more delicious vegan waffle creations, you’re in luck! My kitchen is a hub for wholesome, plant-based breakfast ideas. Here are some other fantastic vegan waffle recipes that I highly recommend trying. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and a delightful way to start your day, all while adhering to a plant-based diet:

• Paleo Chocolate Chip Waffles

  Indulge in a healthier take on a classic with these grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free chocolate chip waffles. Perfect for those following a paleo lifestyle or looking for a naturally sweetened treat.

• Sweet Potato Waffles

  These naturally sweet and subtly spiced waffles are packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes, offering a comforting flavor and a beautiful color. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables for breakfast!

• Vegan Applesauce Waffles

  Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, these applesauce waffles are a timeless comfort. Applesauce adds natural moisture and a delicate fruity flavor, making them a family favorite.

• Vegan Chocolate Waffles

  For the true chocolate lover, these decadent vegan chocolate waffles are a dream come true. Rich, fudgy, and utterly satisfying, they turn breakfast into a luxurious dessert-like experience.

Each recipe is designed to be accessible and delicious, proving that vegan waffles can be just as, if not more, delightful than their traditional counterparts. Dive in and find your next favorite!

I Want to Hear From You!

Your culinary adventures mean the world to me, and I absolutely love seeing your creations! If you whip up this delightful Pumpkin Turmeric Waffles recipe, please don’t keep it a secret. I’d be thrilled to hear all about it!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review right here on the blog. Your feedback is invaluable, helping me to understand what you love and inspiring me to create even more delicious “yums” for you in the future. It’s always exciting to learn about your experiences and any clever twists you add!

For those who love to share visually, give me a shout on Instagram! Tag me and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful waffle creations. I regularly share your amazing photos on my stories!

And if you’re looking for more recipe inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page. You can pin this recipe and countless others to your boards, making it easy to save and plan your next cooking adventure.

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XO Lauren

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