How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Fritters
If you are planning on hosting or attending a brunch this fall, pumpkin fritters are the perfect addition to your menu. Having this simple recipe in your arsenal is the perfect way to make a simple dish that can be both sweet or savory. This is a great variation to the classic fritter that is perfect for fall.
Like so many fall recipes, this fritter uses pumpkin and a combination of warm spices which seems to be a favorite for almost everyone.
I tend to always have a can of pumpkin puree or even leftover puree, as one of the essential ingredients in my pantry.
This recipe looks like a lot of work but is as simple as can be.
If you’re looking for other simple pumpkin recipes, be sure to check out my pumpkin syrup that is perfect for coffee, my pumpkin bread, and pumpkin banana muffins!
What are pumpkin fritters?
By definition a fritter is to divide into small pieces.
It is most commonly is served as a dessert or as a sweet or savory breakfast.
This recipe is a spin that includes pumpkin puree and cinnamon, and fried in a skillet until golden and crispy.
Believe me, this recipe is as delicious as it sounds.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- You will love how quick and easy this recipe comes together.
- Fritters are so versatile and can be made with a variety of different ingredients based on your taste.
- Because this recipe is so simple and versatile, substitutions can be made very easily.
- There is no special equipment required to make fritters and includes pantry staples you probably already have on hand, saving you a trip to the store.
- This recipe can be made for breakfast, dessert, a side dish or even as a snack.
Tell me about pumpkin fritters
- Taste- The pumpkin takes center stage in this recipe, while the warm spices really round out the flavor.
- Texture- Since the dough is fried you will have a crispy golden outer layer and a sweet fluffy dough in the center.
- Ease- All of the ingredients are mixed in a large bowl , and deep fried in small batches until done. Done.
- Time- In under 20 minutes you will have the perfect dish for your next brunch or dinner party.
Ingredients for pumpkin fritters
- Egg – Using an egg will help bind the ingredients together. You can use an egg replacer, flax egg to make this recipe vegan.
- Pumpkin Puree – This recipe calls for 1 cup of can puree, but you can use fresh pumpkin as long as it is in pumpkin season and the one you choose is made for baking.
- All Purpose Flour – You can substitute with any flour you have on hand, but there may be a subtle change to the flavor or texture depending on which flour you use. I suggest checking your package instructions when making any substitutions with flour.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg – This is the peanut butter to pumpkins jelly. Adding these two spices to the fluffy fritters really is a must. If you want to make it easier on yourself, you can use a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to give a fall flavor to this easy recipe.
- Vanilla – Vanilla extract is another ingredient that I find essential in any sweet dish. This will add a subtle note that really rounds out the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar – If you would like to substitute with a different type of sugar, you may need to add more or less depending on the level of sweetness you desire.
- Tallow, Lard, or Cooking Oil – Using a neutral flavored oil will make sure that your fritters are fried to the perfect crispness while not changing the flavor of the fritter.
Make pumpkin fritters in 3 easy steps
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients: Combine ingredients into the large mixing bowl of your electric stand mixer.
- Fry in Frying Pan: Preheat your oil to 325 degrees, and carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into hot oil in the skillet. You may also use a deep fryer for this step.
- Set on Lined Baking Sheet: Once golden brown, remove from oil with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tips for making the best pumpkin fritters
- Make sure you do not overcrowd the pan by leaving about one inch of space between each fritter. Overcrowding the pan will drop the oil temperature below 325 degrees.
- This recipe is best when served warm, straight from the pan. Prior to serving, allow the fritters to rest on paper towels to soak up the extra oil.
- If you are using fresh pumpkin make sure you choose a baking or sweet pumpkin, otherwise it may be too bitter. You will also want to drain any excess liquid from the pumpkin so that you can have a crispy crust. Too much moisture will make your fritter fall apart in the oil.
- To make a savory version you could add onion, parmesan cheese and herbs. These flavors pair perfectly with the pumpkin and compliment each other nicely. Omit the spices and powdered sugar so that you do not make the fritter too sweet.
Variations for this Pumpkin Fritters Recipe
- Banana Fritters– Use mashed banana in place of all of your pumpkin recipes
- Apple Fritters– Shred some apple and add it to this recipe
- Sugar Coated Fritters– If you’d rather have a brown sugar or cinnamon sugar sprinkling on the outside, then use that in place of the powdered sugar
- Ice Cream– Add these fluffy pumpkin fritters to the the top of you homemade vanilla ice cream for a fun treat.
- Drizzle with Syrup– Drizzle maple syrup of even a caramel sauce over your delicious fritters and create a super dessert your whole family will love
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. The trick is to make sure that you have enough flour and eggs to make sure that the ingredients bind together. Without a binding ingredient the dough will be too loose and fall apart in the oil. If your puree seems a little too runny, you can squeeze out any extra moisture with a paper towel or using a sieve.
Fritters are usually made with flour, egg and milk. Since this recipe is using pumpkin puree, you do not need to add milk, as this would make the dough runny and will cause the fritter to fall apart in the oil. As long as you have a binding ingredient (egg) , a dry ingredient (flour) and a wet ingredient (pumpkin puree), you have the base to a great fritter.
Fritters are best when served warm, so I do not recommend freezing them. If you have leftover fritters you can store for a few days in the refrigerator using an airtight container. To reheat you can wrap in a wet paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 325 degrees.
Pumpkin Fritter Recipe
Easy Pumpkin Fritters
Equipment
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups tallow, lard, or other frying oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl on your electric mixer, combine pumpkin, egg, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, baking powder, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Heat oil in a deep cast iron skillet to 325°F.
- Carefully, drop batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure you do not overcrowd the pan by leaving about one inch of space between each fritter. Overcrowding the pan will drop the oil temperature below 325 degrees.
- This recipe is best when served warm, straight from the pan. Prior to serving, allow the fritters to rest on paper towels to soak up the extra oil.
I loved this recipe, although I didn’t have pumpkin puree, so I substituted with a ripe plantain and a frozen banana I found in the freezer! I just added 2tbsp of water! It was so delicious and I can’t wait to try it with pumpkin!