2 and 1/2cupswhite (all-purpose) flour,scooped and leveled when measuring
1/3cupbrown sugar,packed
2tablespoonswhite sugar
4teaspoonsbaking powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
2-3teaspoonscinnamon(add to desired preference)
1 and 1/2teaspoonspumpkin pie spice
1/4teaspoonground nutmeg
1/4teaspoonground cloves
4mediumeggs,separated
1 and 1/2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1cupwhole milk
1cupbuttermilk(OR use another cup of whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar*)
1cupcanned pumpkin (use high quality -- make sure it is not watery)
6tablespoonsunsalted butter,melted and cooled
Syrup
1/2cupbrown sugar,lightly packed
1/2cupheavy cream
1/2cuplight karo syrup
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Optional: additional heavy cream (for whipped topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 250°F and preheat waffle iron.
Using a sifter, add the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices and sift into a large bowl.
Separate the eggs and beat the whites until they form soft peaks. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks in a large bowl until smooth, then add in the vanilla extract, milk, buttermilk, pumpkin, and butter and whisk together until smooth. Fold in the egg whites. Whisk in dry ingredients just until smooth. Do NOT overmix the batter.
Brush waffle iron lightly with oil and spoon batter into the waffle iron, spreading quickly. Cook according to waffle maker's instructions.
Transfer waffles to rack in oven to get a bit more crisp (and stay warm) while you finish the other waffles.
For the syrup, combine all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely smooth. (You can halve this syrup recipe if you don't want any leftover -- it makes a lot!)
If desired serve waffles with fresh whipped cream. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
*If you don't have buttermilk and don't want to buy it specifically for this recipe, just use an extra 1 cup whole milk and whisk in 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Let stand for 5 minutes and then use that in place the buttermilk