Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites
Baked Pumpkin Fritter Bites are crispy, flavorful, and healthy snacks made with fresh pumpkin and warm spices. These golden bites balance tender pumpkin flavor with a satisfying crunch, making them perfect for any occasion—from a quick snack to a party appetizer. Baked instead of fried, they offer a guilt-free treat with simple pantry ingredients and versatile variations to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: About 20 fritter bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin, roasted or steamed and mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (for cheesy spin)
- Pinch of cayenne or chili powder (for spicy kick)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty texture)
- Plant-based milk as needed (for vegan version)
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Roast or steam fresh pumpkin until soft, then mash it smoothly to create the base for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to evenly distribute the spices through the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, sweetener, vanilla extract, and mashed pumpkin until fully blended, forming a flavorful wet mixture.
- Form the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the fritters tender and light.
- Shape and Bake: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, place dollops of batter onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and crisp, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Avoid overly watery pumpkin by roasting it first to prevent soggy fritters.
- Stir batter gently to keep fritters light and fluffy; don’t overmix.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for even sizing and consistent cooking.
- Bake until fritters develop a crisp edge but remain soft inside.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 fritter bites
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pumpkin fritters, baked pumpkin bites, healthy snacks, fall recipes, gluten-free snacks, vegan pumpkin fritters, easy pumpkin recipes