If you’re ready for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of autumn with a fun, bite-sized twist, then you are going to love this Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe. These little gems are perfectly spiced, tender, and moist with pumpkin puree, then coated in a sweet, glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of fluffy texture and rich fall flavor, making them an irresistible snack, dessert, or even a festive party appetizer. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to pumpkin indulgence, whether for a holiday gathering or a simple seasonal treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe just right is all about having the right essentials on hand. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that wonderful texture, flavor, and appearance that makes these fritters unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the fritters.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
- Baking powder: Gives the fritters a light, airy rise.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Brings that classic fall warmth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors for balance.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture when melted into the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor for a subtle sweetness and aromatic scent.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds tenderness.
- Pure pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing moisture, flavor, and vibrant color.
- Powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling and dipping.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 24-cup mini muffin pans using non-stick cooking spray to ensure your fritters release easily without sticking. Setting up your pans properly helps your fritters bake evenly and look perfect once they’re out.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This creates a beautifully spiced dry base that promises each bite has a balanced flavor and the perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and helps bind the fritters while giving them richness and flavor depth.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined and the mixture becomes crumbly. Then mix in the pure pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix here; a few small lumps are okay and will keep your fritters tender and moist.
Step 5: Bake the Fritter Bites
Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fritters are set but still slightly undercooked in the center. This ensures they stay moist inside after glazing. Let them cool slightly before the next delicious step.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
Turn your oven’s broiler to high. While it’s heating up, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a medium bowl until the glaze is smooth and thin enough to drizzle but still sweet and creamy.
Step 7: Dip and Broil the Fritters
Dip the top of each slightly cooled fritter into the glaze and set it upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet so the glaze can drip down the sides. Broil them for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely as the glaze crisps and caramelizes to create a sticky, irresistible topping.
Step 8: Final Touch of Glaze
Once caramelized, remove the fritters from the oven and brush any remaining glaze over the tops for extra shine and sweetness. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving to enjoy that perfect sticky-sweet coating.
How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate these Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe, consider sprinkling some finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the glaze. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can also complement the pumpkin spices wonderfully and add a creamy contrast to the caramelized exterior.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin fritters shine on their own but pair fantastically with a hot cup of spiced chai or pumpkin coffee. For a brunch spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt topped with fresh berries to add a refreshing balance to the sweet fritters.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gathering, arrange the fritters on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of additional glaze or cinnamon sugar for dipping. You can also skewer a few bites on toothpicks for easy finger-food appeal that guests will love exploring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them tender. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days and bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Freezing
These fritters freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, warm the fritters in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes to refresh the crispiness of the glaze and warm the pumpkin inside. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and dull the glaze’s caramelized finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin for the fritters?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but be sure to cook and puree it until smooth before using. Keep in mind fresh puree can contain more moisture, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to get the right batter consistency.
Is it necessary to broil the glaze?
The broiling step is key for achieving that beautiful caramelized topping that makes these fritters so special. However, if you prefer, you can skip broiling and simply drizzle the glaze on, but you’ll miss out on that crisp, glossy finish.
How sweet are these pumpkin fritters?
They have a balanced sweetness—nice and cozy without being overpoweringly sugary. The glaze adds a sweet punch, while the pumpkin and spices keep things nuanced and warming.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for similar texture and rise.
What is the best way to serve these to kids?
Kids love these fritters as snacks or during breakfast. Pair them with a little cream cheese spread or a side of yogurt for a fun, tasty, and wholesome treat that’s easy to hold in little hands.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way these Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe bring a burst of autumn warmth straight to your plate in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family breakfast, a holiday gathering, or a spontaneous snack, their tender texture and sweet glaze never fail to delight. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and watch these pumpkin beauties disappear faster than you can say pumpkin spice!
Print
Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites with Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 48 fritter bites 1x
Description
These Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites are a delightful fall treat featuring warm pumpkin pie spices baked into soft, moist fritters. Topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze that caramelizes under the broiler, these bite-sized fritters are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 24-cup mini muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg together until smooth. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is crumbly but combined.
- Add pumpkin: Stir the canned pumpkin into the batter until it is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fill muffin pans and bake: Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fritters are set but slightly undercooked. Allow them to cool slightly, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the glaze: Turn the oven broiler to high. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is smooth and thin enough to drizzle.
- Glaze the fritters: Dip the top of each fritter into the glaze, then set them upright on the baking sheet allowing excess glaze to drip down the sides.
- Broil to caramelize: Place the baking sheet with fritters under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the glaze crisps and caramelizes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Finish glazing and set: Remove from the oven, brush the fritters with any remaining glaze, and let them set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin pureed, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
- Watch the fritters closely under the broiler as they can caramelize quickly and burn.
- You can substitute milk with any dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
- For easier removal, line the muffin pans with silicone liners or lightly grease thoroughly.
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes baking + 5 minutes broiling
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
