Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bites are a delightful fall treat perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack on the go. These bite-sized delights combine tender pumpkin cake with a crisp, cinnamon-sugar coating for a comforting and flavorful experience.

Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the pumpkin bites cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Step 8: Brush each warm bite with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice mix.
- Roll bites in chopped nuts along with cinnamon sugar for added crunch.
- Use almond flour to make a gluten-free version.
- Serve with cream cheese glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Always roll the bites while warm to help the cinnamon sugar stick well.
Storage
Store the pumpkin bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore their warmth and crisp coating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, but make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and remove excess moisture to maintain the right batter consistency.
What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is pure cooked pumpkin without added sugars or spices, while pie filling contains sugar and spices, which can alter the taste and texture of the bites.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini pumpkin bites 1x
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bites are delightful, bite-sized fall treats featuring a tender, moist pumpkin-infused batter baked to perfection and rolled in a warm cinnamon sugar coating. They perfectly balance cozy autumn spices and a sweet, crunchy exterior with a soft, cake-like interior, ideal for festive gatherings, snacks, or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few flour streaks remain to ensure a tender texture.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a bite comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the bites are baking, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Once the pumpkin bites come out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. Brush each warm bite with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The coating adheres best while the bites are still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the coated bites on a serving platter. For best flavor and texture, serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for enhanced flavor complexity.
- For a nutty crunch, roll the bites in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cinnamon sugar.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices that can alter the taste and texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the pumpkin bites light and cakey rather than dense.
- Roll the bites in the cinnamon sugar coating immediately after baking to ensure the coating sticks well.
- If pumpkin puree feels watery, consider thickening it slightly before use to maintain the ideal batter consistency.
- You can chill the batter before baking to prevent spreading and maintain plump, tender bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin bites, cinnamon sugar pumpkin bites, fall dessert, autumn treats, mini pumpkin cakes, easy pumpkin recipe, holiday baking, spiced pumpkin snack

