Name: Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked pumpkin fritters are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy mornings or as a seasonal treat during fall. The combination of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s ideal for the season. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy all the crisp, caramelized goodness without the extra grease!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice
Sugar
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Butter (melted)
Egg
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Milk

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease two 24-cup mini muffin pans with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until crumbly.
Stir in the pumpkin puree until the batter is well combined.
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the fritters are set but slightly undercooked.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a lined baking sheet.
Set the oven to broil. Whisk powdered sugar and milk in a medium bowl to create a smooth glaze.
Dip the top of each fritter into the glaze and place back on the baking sheet.
Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the fritters start to crisp and brown.
Brush the remaining glaze over the fritters and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes approximately 48 fritter bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (including broiling time)
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love more cinnamon or nutmeg, add a bit more to the batter.
Glaze Alternatives: For a unique twist, try using maple syrup or a cream cheese glaze instead of the traditional powdered sugar glaze.
Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the fritter batter for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, cool the fritters completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes for that crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, just be sure it’s well-drained and smooth for the best texture in the fritters.

2. Can I make these fritters without a mini muffin pan?

Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin or bake the fritters on a lined baking sheet, but the shape and texture may vary slightly.

3. Can I add nuts to the fritter batter?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to the batter for added crunch.

4. How do I store leftover fritters?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well.

5. How do I reheat pumpkin fritters?

To reheat, place the fritters in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to warm them up and crisp the outside again.

6. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

7. Can I use a different glaze for these fritters?

Yes! You can substitute the powdered sugar glaze with maple syrup or even a cream cheese glaze for a richer flavor.

8. How long do these fritters take to bake?

They bake for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick broiling time of 3-5 minutes to crisp the glaze.

9. Are these fritters gluten-free?

This recipe calls for flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

10. Can I make these fritters without the glaze?

Yes, the fritters are delicious on their own without the glaze, though the glaze does add a sweet finishing touch.

Conclusion

These baked pumpkin fritter bites are a perfect fall treat that combines the best of seasonal flavors with the convenience of baking. They’re soft, flavorful, and beautifully glazed for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!