Soft, fluffy, and bursting with juicy blueberries, these Baked Blueberry Fritter Bites are a delightful twist on a classic fried treat — made easier, lighter, and just as delicious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these bite-sized morsels are baked to golden perfection and finished with a simple vanilla glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
This recipe captures all the flavor and texture of traditional blueberry fritters without the mess or extra oil from frying. With minimal prep time and wholesome ingredients, these baked fritter bites are a treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth and depth of flavor)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (no thawing if frozen)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of lemon zest for a citrusy brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper cups. Using a mini muffin pan gives the fritter bites their perfect size and shape, while ensuring even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon (if using)
- Granulated sugar
This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your fritters a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk (or buttermilk)
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot before combining, to prevent scrambling the eggs.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
- Use a spatula to fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing — it’s okay if the batter looks slightly lumpy. Overmixing can make the fritter bites dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- If using frozen blueberries, toss them lightly in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom and helps them stay evenly distributed.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Add a few extra blueberries on top of each cup if you want a bakery-style look.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking. The edges should be slightly crisp while the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool
- Allow the fritter bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack.
- Let them cool completely before glazing, or the glaze will melt and slide off.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl:
- Combine powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- For a refreshing twist, mix in a pinch of lemon zest.
Step 10: Glaze the Fritter Bites
- Dip the tops of each fritter bite into the glaze or drizzle it over them using a spoon.
- Place them back on the cooling rack and allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
For Breakfast
Serve warm with your morning coffee or tea. These bites pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
For Dessert
Turn them into an elegant dessert by serving with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream, or
- A swirl of whipped cream and extra blueberry sauce.
For Snacking
Perfect for on-the-go snacks, brunch buffets, or school lunchboxes. Store in a container and enjoy anytime a sweet craving hits.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Fritter Bites
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness: It adds a slight tang and keeps the bites moist.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: This ensures the fritters stay light and fluffy.
- Avoid Thawing Frozen Blueberries: Thawing releases excess moisture, which can affect the texture.
- Cool Before Glazing: A cooled surface helps the glaze cling and set perfectly.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar or streusel topping on the batter before baking for a crisp finish.
- For More Blueberry Flavor: Drizzle with a quick blueberry glaze made by blending blueberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritter bites for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh before serving.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5–6 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.
Nutritional Information (Per Fritter Bite)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
(Nutritional values are approximate and vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
Yes! You can substitute blueberries with diced apples, raspberries, blackberries, or chopped peaches. Just make sure to adjust for moisture — firmer fruits work best.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
3. Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! These fritter bites are delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
4. What’s the difference between using milk and buttermilk?
Buttermilk gives a tangy flavor and softer crumb, while regular milk yields a classic, neutral taste.
5. Can I air fry them?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, checking halfway through. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter before air frying for color and crispness.
6. How can I make them more lemony?
Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter and a few drops of lemon juice to the glaze for a bright citrus note.
7. How do I keep them from sticking?
Make sure your muffin tin is well-greased or use high-quality paper liners for easy removal.
Conclusion
These Baked Blueberry Fritter Bites deliver everything you love about classic fritters — sweetness, fruitiness, and soft texture — in a convenient, mess-free baked version. Whether served fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of glaze or enjoyed later as a grab-and-go snack, they bring a bakery-quality taste straight to your kitchen.
Light, fluffy, and perfectly glazed, these fritter bites are sure to become a family favorite — proving that baked can be every bit as indulgent as fried.