Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked pumpkin fritter bites are an easy-to-make, deliciously addictive treat that captures all the warmth and comfort of fall. Packed with pumpkin and spices, they’re moist on the inside and crisped to perfection on the outside with a sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Perfect for fall gatherings, snacks, or dessert!

Ingredients

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

For the Fritters:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk

Directions

1. Prepare the Fritters:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 24-cup mini muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. If you only have one pan, you can bake the fritters in batches.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined and crumbly.
Add the pumpkin and stir until fully incorporated into the batter.

2. Bake the Fritters:

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fritters are set but slightly undercooked. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Prepare the Glaze:

Turn on the oven broiler to high.
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and thin enough to drizzle.

4. Glaze and Broil:

One fritter at a time, dip the top into the glaze and set it upright on the baking sheet for the glaze to drip down the sides.
Place the fritters in the oven and let them broil for 3-5 minutes, or until they start to crisp and caramelize on top. Watch closely as they can brown quickly.
Once they’re caramelized, remove from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the tops. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 48 mini fritters
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of glazing, you can roll the fritters in cinnamon sugar for an extra spicy kick.
Pumpkin Spice Glaze: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the glaze for more depth of flavor.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Add chopped nuts to the fritter batter for a bit of crunch and texture.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg to make these fritters vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave or a toaster oven for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin for these fritters?

Yes! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it well before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

You can bake and glaze the fritters ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and enjoy within a couple of days.

How do I know when the fritters are done baking?

The fritters should be firm and golden on the edges but slightly soft in the center. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean.

Can I freeze these fritters?

Yes, you can freeze the baked fritters (before glazing) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and glaze them.

What can I serve these fritters with?

These fritters are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert treat.

Conclusion

Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites are the perfect fall treat, combining the flavors of pumpkin, spice, and sweetness in a bite-sized form. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these fritters are great for sharing at a fall gathering, enjoying with a hot cup of cider, or simply indulging in a delicious dessert. Make them today, and savor the taste of autumn!