Spiced Apple Cinnamon Waffles with Bourbon Syrup Recipe
Fall in love with breakfast again with these fluffy Spiced Apple Cinnamon waffles drizzled in our rich homemade bourbon syrup.
If fall had a flavor, it would be these Spiced Cinnamon Apple Waffles with Bourbon Syrup. Thick and fluffy on the inside with just the right golden crunch on the outside, these homemade waffles are bursting with warm cinnamon spice and tender apple bits. They’re lightly sweetened so the cozy spices can shine.
But the real star of this breakfast masterpiece? The bourbon syrup that I, Alyssa created. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it adds a rich, buttery sweetness with a subtle boozy depth that takes every bite to the next level.
It’s not just great on waffles. Drizzle it over pancakes, French toast, or even a side of bacon. (Trust us, it’s life-changing). Plus, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight jar, ready to pour whenever you crave a little fall indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to treat yourself to a cozy autumn breakfast, these Spiced Apple Cinnamon Waffles with Bourbon Syrup bring all the comfort and flavor of the season right to your plate. One bite, and you’ll see why this easy waffle recipe deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients Needed
For the bourbon maple syrup:
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best rich flavor.
- Bourbon or whiskey: Bourbon adds depth and warmth; whiskey works in a pinch.
- Vanilla extract: Balances the bold bourbon with smooth sweetness.
- Orange juice: Adds a bright citrus note that complements the apples.
For the apple compote:
- Unsalted butter: Helps caramelize the apples for a glossy finish.
- Sliced apples: Choose Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon: The key spice for cozy fall flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds tang.
- Maple syrup: Light sweetness that ties the compote together.
- Salt: Enhances the natural apple flavor.
For the cinnamon waffles:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Ground cloves
- Nutmeg
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Large eggs: Separated
- Melted unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the waffles tender and fluffy
Spiced Apple Cinnamon Waffles with Bourbon Syrup
How to make the bourbon maple syrup:
1 — In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and orange juice.
2 — Bring to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Tip: The syrup will thicken as it cools. Store any extra in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. It’s delicious on pancakes, French toast, or even bacon.
How to make the apple compote:
1 — In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt.
2 — Stir to coat the apples evenly, then cook for 5–6 minutes, until the apples are soft and the sauce bubbles. Remove from heat and set aside.
Optional: For a caramelized twist, let the apples cook a few extra minutes until golden around the edges.
Prepare the waffle batter:
1 — In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2 — In a separate bowl (or stand mixer), beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3 — In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
4 — Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Don’t overmix.
5 — Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until mostly incorporated. The batter should be light and airy.
6 — Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour batter into the iron and cook until golden brown and crisp on the outside, usually 3–5 minutes, depending on your waffle maker.
How to assemble and serve:
Top warm waffles with apple compote, a generous drizzle of bourbon maple syrup, and a spoonful of mascarpone or whipped cream if desired. Sprinkle with toasted nuts or powdered sugar for extra flair.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Storage: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
- No Bourbon? Substitute apple cider or non-alcoholic vanilla syrup.
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples for the best texture. They hold up well during cooking.
- Extra syrup: Brush leftover bourbon syrup on cooked bacon or drizzle over vanilla ice cream for an alcoholic dessert. You won’t regret it.
- Make-ahead: Both the syrup and compote can be made the day before and gently reheated before serving.
- Cooking in big batches: Keep cooked waffles warm and crispy by placing them on a baking sheet in a 225°F oven while you finish the batch.
- Optional additional topping ideas: Top with whipped cream, mascarpone, toasted nuts, or powdered sugar.
More Fun Alcohol Infused Recipes to Try
- Champagne Donuts & White Chocolate Glaze
- Whipped Ricotta Topped French Toast with Boozy Blood Orange Compote
- Spiked Cotton Candy
- Baileys Irish Cream Dessert Recipes
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Hand or stand mixer
Ingredients
For the bourbon maple syrup:
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ½ cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the apple compote:
- 2 large apple or 3 small apples, thinly sliced
- ½ lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
For the spiced cinnamon waffles:
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 egg separated
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ginger
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
To make the bourbon maple syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and orange juice. Bring to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
To make the apple compote:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Then, cook for 5–6 minutes, until the apples are soft and the sauce bubbles. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the waffle batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl (or stand mixer), beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Don’t overmix.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until mostly incorporated. The batter should be light and airy.
Cook the waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour batter into the iron and cook until golden brown and crisp on the outside, usually 3–5 minutes, depending on your waffle maker.
To assemble & serve:
- Top warm waffles with apple compote, a generous drizzle of bourbon maple syrup, and a spoonful of mascarpone or whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe? Share your Spiced Apple Cinnamon Waffles with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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It’s divine with an unique taste
thank you, Sarah! Alyssa did an amazing job with these! xo