Contents

Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters: Your Ultimate Fall Indulgence

Welcome the essence of autumn into your kitchen with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters. Imagine a delicate, golden-brown crust giving way to a soft, moist, and wonderfully pumpkin-infused interior. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet pumpkin goodness and warm, aromatic spices, all enveloped in a delightful cinnamon sugar coating. These homemade fritters are more than just a seasonal treat; they’re a celebration of comfort, perfect for chilly mornings, cozy afternoons, or as a delightful dessert.

These aren’t just any pumpkin fritters; they are meticulously crafted to capture the very best of fall flavors. Crisp on the outside, yet incredibly tender and “pumpkiny” within, they promise to be a new favorite in your autumnal baking repertoire.

Embracing the Magic of Autumn

Oh, how I adore autumn! This season, with its vibrant palette and crisp air, holds a special place in my heart. There’s an undeniable magic that unfolds as the leaves transform into fiery reds, golden yellows, and rich oranges. The skies become clearer, painted with brilliant blues that contrast beautifully with the earthy tones below. Everywhere you look, there are festive pumpkins and hardy mums, decorating porches and pathways, signaling the joyous arrival of fall.

Perhaps it’s the wisdom that comes with age, or simply a heightened appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, but this year’s autumn feels particularly enchanting. I find myself lingering longer, savoring the cool breeze, inhaling the scent of decaying leaves, and truly soaking in everything this glorious season has to offer. It’s a time for reflection, for slowing down, and for embracing the warmth of home and hearth.

Are you taking the time to fully immerse yourself in fall’s bounty? From the rustling of leaves underfoot to the comforting aroma of seasonal baking wafting from the kitchen, every moment is a gift. This is precisely the kind of season that calls for comforting, homemade treats like our delightful pumpkin fritters. They embody the very spirit of autumn – warm, inviting, and utterly delicious.

Why Pumpkin? A Year-Round Delight (Even Before October!)

While pumpkin is unequivocally the star of fall and winter baking, my passion for it isn’t confined to specific months. You might even find me sneaking in a pumpkin recipe or two during the brighter days of spring and summer! I admit, it’s often considered culinary blasphemy to utter the word “pumpkin” before October arrives, but I confess: I am a culinary rebel. When a craving strikes, I believe in indulging it, regardless of the calendar.

Pumpkin, beyond its festive association, offers a wonderful earthy sweetness and a beautiful texture that enriches countless dishes. It’s also packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a surprisingly wholesome base for both sweet and savory creations. In these fritters, it provides that signature flavor and a moistness that makes them truly irresistible. So, whether it’s the peak of fall or you’re just yearning for a taste of the season, these pumpkin fritters are your delicious permission slip to enjoy pumpkin whenever you please.

Discovering the Charm of Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters

These delectable little Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters are everything their name suggests and more. Imagine plump, golden-fried morsels bursting with rich pumpkin flavor and fragrant spices. Once fried to a perfect crisp, they are lovingly rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, creating a crunchy, sweet exterior that perfectly complements the tender interior. Each fritter is a miniature masterpiece, designed to satisfy even the most intense pumpkin cravings.

While I don’t often indulge in fried foods, some treats are simply worth it – and these fritters definitely fall into that category. They are an exquisite pairing with a steaming mug of hot apple cider, a robust cup of coffee, or a cozy chai latte. The warmth of the spices, the satisfying texture, and the comforting sweetness make them the quintessential autumn snack or dessert.

What Exactly is a Fritter?

For those unfamiliar with the term, a fritter is a delightful culinary creation that can be either sweet or savory. At its heart, a fritter is a portion of batter or dough that is deep-fried until golden and puffed. Think of them as cousins to doughnuts or pancakes, but with their own unique charm. They often incorporate various ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses.

In the case of these Pumpkin Fritters, the batter is lovingly crafted from a base of flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and melted butter. What sets them apart is the generous inclusion of pumpkin puree and a medley of warm, inviting spices – cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This combination elevates a simple fried dough into a profoundly flavorful, seasonal delicacy that truly sings of autumn. The result is a pastry that’s both comforting and exciting, delivering a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, flavorful interior.

Crafting Your Perfect Batch of Homemade Pumpkin Fritters

Making these delightful fritters is a surprisingly straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. The key lies in carefully combining your ingredients and paying attention to a few crucial details during the frying process.

The Batter: Simple & Flavorful

The foundation of these fritters is a well-balanced batter. Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and the trio of warming spices: cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, pumpkin puree (be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix!), milk, and melted butter. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters, so a light touch is best here. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.

Frying for Golden Perfection

Once your batter is ready, it’s time for the fun part: frying! Heat several inches of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to a precise 350°F (175°C). Using a deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended to maintain this consistent temperature, preventing the fritters from browning too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside, or absorbing too much oil if the temperature is too low.

Using a standard 1½-inch ice cream scoop will give you nice, consistent fritters. For smaller, bite-sized treats, a small cookie scoop works wonderfully. Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Frying in small batches (typically 4-5 at a time) allows the oil temperature to remain stable and ensures even cooking. Fry the fritters for about 5-6 minutes for standard sizes, or 4-5 minutes for mini fritters, flipping them occasionally to achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color on all sides.

The Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating

As soon as the fritters are golden and cooked through, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over parchment paper to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, gently roll each fritter in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple coating adheres beautifully to the warm fritters, creating that signature crisp, sweet, and spiced exterior that defines these irresistible treats. Serve them immediately while they are still warm for the best experience.

Expert Tips for Fritter Success

Achieving perfect homemade pumpkin fritters is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Temperature Control is Key: Always use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor your oil temperature. Aim for a steady 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they’ll become greasy.
Even Browning: Stay near the pot while frying and gently flip the fritters as they cook. This ensures they achieve an even golden-brown color on all sides and cook thoroughly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature significantly, leading to unevenly cooked and greasy fritters. Typically, 4-5 fritters at a time is ideal for most home setups.
Scoop Size Matters: A standard 1½-inch ice cream scoop (often called a #20 scoop) will yield about 14 nice-sized fritters, requiring about 5-6 minutes of cook time. If you opt for a smaller cookie scoop for mini fritters, reduce the cooking time to approximately 4-5 minutes.
Prep Your Cooling Station: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows excess oil to drain away from the fritters while keeping them crisp and preventing them from getting soggy.
Serve Warm: While still delicious cooled, these fritters are truly exceptional when served warm, straight from their cinnamon sugar bath. The warmth enhances their texture and the aroma of the spices.

Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters Recipe

Here’s everything you need to create these delightful fall treats in your own kitchen.

Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 14 fritters

Crisp on the outside and moist, tender and pumpkiny on the inside, these Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters are seasonally delicious!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 18 mins

Total Time: 33 mins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 15-oz. can pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix
1/2 cup whole milk
2 Tbsp. melted butter
vegetable oil for frying

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients (flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves). Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, milk, and melted butter until well combined. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack over the parchment paper.
Heat several inches of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). You will need enough oil so that the fritters are completely submerged while cooking. Using a standard size (1 1/2 inch) ice cream scoop, drop batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot (cook about 4-5 at a time). Fry until fritters are a golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally for even browning. Remove to the prepared wire rack.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar coating.
Roll each warm fritter in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. Serve fritters while warm.

Nutrition

Keyword: fritters

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert, Breakfast

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen or use #thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram!