Pumpkin Streusel Waffles with Vanilla Syrup

I always like to imagine that someday I'll own a little Bed & Breakfast in some beautiful vacation spot where I can cook amazing meals for guests.  If I did, I'm pretty sure that these waffles would make an appearance in the fall.  The vanilla syrup and waffles came from two different sources, but they are so perfect for each other.  I may have to keep canned pumpkin on hand year round for these bad boys.  I promise they are worth the effort!

Source for waffle recipe: http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-streusel-pancakes/

Source for vanilla syrup: http://houseofyumm.com/banana-cream-waffles-with-homemade-vanilla-syrup/

Vanilla Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• ¼ cup butter

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon vanilla

• 2 cups water

For the cinnamon streusel:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks

Pumpkin Waffles:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the syrup:
In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil.  Combine the cornstarch and water.  Add to the water, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until thickened.  Remove from heat.  Add in the butter, salt, and vanilla.  Let this cool while you make the waffles.

For the waffles:
Prepare the streusel topping first.  In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  Mix with a fork.  Add the cold, chunked butter and using a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.  Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the waffles.  In a medium bowl, mix the milk, canned pumpkin, egg, oil, and vanilla.  Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until all the flour is incorporated.  

Heat the waffle iron and spray it with cooking spray.

Pour about 1/3 cup onto the waffle maker.  Close the waffle lid and let it cook for 3-4 minutes or until it's golden brown.

Place the waffle on a plate, sprinkle some streusel on top, and drizzle with the vanilla syrup.  

The original recipe was for pancakes, so feel free to use it either way.  It's delicious no matter what!