Description
These Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites offer a deliciously moist and spiced treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet pumpkin snack. Lightly baked and finished under the broiler with a sweet glaze, these bite-sized fritters combine the flavors of pumpkin, warm spices, and a caramelized sugary crust for a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 24-cup mini muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the fritters don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly combined to create a flavorful base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and the large egg until smooth and well blended.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is well combined and crumbly, forming the initial structure of the fritters.
- Add Pumpkin: Stir in the pure pumpkin until fully incorporated, which will add moisture, flavor, and the characteristic pumpkin taste to the fritters.
- Fill Muffin Pans: Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the batter into each muffin cup, filling all 48 cups evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake Fritters: Bake the fritters for about 15 minutes, or until they are set but still slightly undercooked. This ensures a soft interior. Then remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare Glaze: Turn on the oven broiler to high. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until the mixture is smooth and thin enough to drizzle over the fritters.
- Glaze the Fritters: Dip the top of each cooled fritter into the glaze, then set each upright on the baking sheet so the glaze can drip down the sides, creating a sweet coating.
- Broil for Caramelization: Place the glazed fritters under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the glaze starts to crisp and caramelize, adding a crunchy, flavorful finish.
- Final Glaze and Set: Remove the fritters from the oven and brush any remaining glaze over the tops. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Make sure to watch the fritters closely while broiling to prevent burning as the glaze caramelizes quickly.
- Using mini muffin pans creates perfect bite-sized fritters that are easy to serve and eat.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk.
- These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before broiling.
