These easy baked pumpkin fritter bites are fluffy little treats that burst with fall flavor! With pumpkin and warm spices, they make a cozy snack or fun dessert.
I love how quick they are to make—just mix the ingredients, shape them, and bake! Perfect for when you want something tasty without much fuss (or cleanup!). 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the recipe, giving flavor and moisture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use fresh pumpkin, just roast and puree it first. But canned is so much easier!
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly here, but for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You might need to adjust liquids if using different flours.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but brown sugar can be a lovely alternative for a deeper flavor. You can even reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness.
Spices: The traditional pumpkin spice blend includes nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. If you have a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, that can save time and effort!
Egg: For a vegan substitute, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to help bind the ingredients.
How Can I Ensure My Fritter Bites Are Fluffy?
Achieving fluffy fritters relies heavily on proper mixing and baking techniques. Follow these tips for the best results!
- Mix just until combined; overmixing can result in dense fritters.
- Be sure your baking powder is fresh—it helps the batter rise.
- Spacing the fritter dollops on the baking sheet allows for even cooking and that nice fluffy texture.
- Keeping an eye on them while baking is key; you want them lightly golden but not dry!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cooking spray or a little oil, for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time mixing and then enjoy the wonderful aroma as they bake. Total time is about 25 minutes for yummy pumpkin fritter bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your fritter bites go in! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray or oil.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This is where all the lovely warm flavors come together!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg. Add the canned pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix it all until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps, please!
4. Create the Batter:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; a lumpy batter is just fine!
5. Shape the Fritters:
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each one, as they’ll expand a little while baking.
6. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the outside, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean!
7. Cool Down:
Let the fritters cool slightly on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. This helps them stay fluffy and not soggy.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or drizzle with a simple glaze for extra sweetness. Now they’re all set for you to enjoy!
Enjoy your easy, fluffy, warmly spiced baked pumpkin fritter bites! They’re perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! If you choose to use fresh pumpkin, be sure to roast it first until soft, then puree it. About 1 cup of fresh pumpkin will be needed to match the canned amount.
How Can I Store Leftover Fritter Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through!
Can I Make These Fritter Bites Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Keep an eye on the consistency; you might adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
What Other Spices Can I Add?
Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of clove or allspice can add extra warmth. Alternatively, you could use a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice for added flavor!
