As the leaves turn golden and the air gains that crisp autumn bite, there’s nothing more comforting than cozy, homemade pumpkin treats. These Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites are exactly that — little bursts of fluffy, pumpkin-spiced goodness, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. Perfect for a seasonal snack, a festive brunch, or even a delightful dessert, these fritters bring the best of fall flavors right to your kitchen.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need: a complete list of ingredients with US cup measurements, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your fritters, plus ideas for variations and storage. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying pumpkin treats for the first time, these fritters are straightforward, delicious, and sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Fritter Bites
Pumpkin is a quintessential fall ingredient, loved not only for its warm, earthy flavor but also for its versatility and nutrition. These fritters are:
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Light and fluffy: Thanks to the perfect balance of baking powder and pumpkin puree, these bites have a tender crumb that’s soft and moist.
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Warmly spiced: The pumpkin pie spice blend brings cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that classic fall aroma.
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Glazed to perfection: The simple powdered sugar glaze adds just enough sweetness and a shiny finish without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
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Baked, not fried: These fritters are baked in mini muffin pans, which means less mess, less oil, and a healthier option than traditional fried fritters.
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Easy to make: With simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip these up in under an hour.
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Perfect size: Bite-sized, making them ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick snack on the go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious baked pumpkin fritter bites, here’s what you’ll want to gather:
Dry Ingredients:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for your fritters. You can substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed.
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½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness; you can adjust to taste or swap with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
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2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the fritters for a light, fluffy texture.
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2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
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¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
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6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and moisture.
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma.
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1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and helps structure.
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1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! This adds moisture, flavor, and nutrition.
For the Glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar: Sweet and smooth, perfect for glazing.
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2+ tablespoons milk: Adjust to achieve desired glaze consistency.
Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 24-cup mini muffin pans by lightly greasing them with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This ensures your fritters don’t stick and come out cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This even distribution of dry ingredients ensures every bite has the perfect flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. Then stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or the fritters can become dense.
Step 5: Fill Your Muffin Pans
Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, fill each mini muffin cup with a heaping spoonful of batter. These fritters are meant to be bite-sized and uniform in size.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin pans in your preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until you reach a pourable but thick glaze consistency.
Step 8: Glaze the Fritters
Once the fritters have cooled slightly, dip the tops of each fritter into the glaze and set them upright on a baking sheet or wire rack to let the glaze set.
Pro Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can develop gluten and toughen the fritters. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
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Use pure pumpkin: Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugars that can alter the recipe.
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Glaze consistency: If your glaze is too thin, it will run off the fritters. If too thick, it won’t coat well. Adjust milk gradually.
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Storage: Keep leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best fresh but reheat gently if needed.
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Make it dairy-free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
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Add mix-ins: For extra texture, try stirring in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 633 calories. This is a treat-sized snack, rich in flavor and perfect for an indulgent moment, balanced by pumpkin’s vitamins and fiber.
Variations to Try
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Fritters: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to your pumpkin pie spice mix for unique flavor twists.
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Savory Version: Reduce sugar and pumpkin pie spice, add shredded cheese and herbs to create a savory pumpkin fritter.
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Vegan Version: Replace egg with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
Why Baking Instead of Frying?
Traditional fritters are often deep-fried, which adds fat and mess. Baking these fritters in mini muffin pans keeps them light and less oily, making this recipe a healthier and easier option without compromising flavor or texture.
How to Serve
Serve these pumpkin fritter bites warm with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. They’re also fantastic as a festive party finger food or a dessert paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Easy to make, with familiar pantry ingredients, they bring pumpkin’s rich flavor and comforting spices in a perfectly portioned snack. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for kid-friendly snacks, or simply craving pumpkin goodies, these fritters deliver on flavor and simplicity.
Give this recipe a try this fall and watch them disappear fast. Happy baking!