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

Scale

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