Description
Light, fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp outside, these baked blueberry fritter bites are the kind of treat you’ll want morning, noon, or night. With juicy berries and a sweet glaze, they deliver all the joy of a fritter—without the deep frying.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup fresh blueberries (rinsed and patted dry)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat & Prepare (10 minutes)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients (2 minutes)
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
Whisk Wet Ingredients (2 minutes)
In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Combine & Fold (2 minutes)
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Blueberries (1 minute)
Gently fold in the blueberries so they are evenly distributed.
Scoop & Bake (11–13 minutes)
Drop spoonfuls (about ¼ cup each) of batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until bottoms are golden and centers are set.
Make the Glaze (2 minutes)
While the bites bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze & Broil (2–4 minutes)
Brush a light layer of glaze over the fritter bites.
Switch oven to broil and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and begins to take on a golden hue (watch closely!).
Finish & Serve (2 minutes)
Let them cool slightly. Brush with any remaining glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 13 minutes
Broil/Glaze Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: ~27 minutes
Servings: ~8–10 fritter bites
These bites are best enjoyed fresh, with their crisp edges and soft centers still tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container—but know they won’t stay quite as crisp as when fresh!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect fritter bites every time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking sheet. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the 2 cups of flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the ½ cup milk, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until fully emulsified. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Gently fold in the 1 cup of blueberries. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop ¼-cup mounds of batter onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake on the middle rack for 11-13 minutes until puffed and golden on the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
These fritter bites are incredibly versatile. For a decadent breakfast, serve them warm alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of lemon curd. As an afternoon snack, pair them with a cup of tea or coffee. For a dessert presentation, drizzle with extra glaze and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch buffet.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Whisk dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients separately, then combine. Fold in blueberries gently. Scoop batter onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Brush glaze on warm bites and broil for 2-4 minutes until bubbly and golden. Cool slightly and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, but do not thaw them first. Toss frozen berries in a tablespoon of the measured flour to prevent them from bleeding and sinking.
Why is my batter too thick or dry? This can happen if you over-measure the flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. If the batter seems excessively thick, add a tablespoon more milk.
Can I make these ahead of time? They are best served the day they are made. You can prepare the dry and wet mixes separately the night before and combine them just before baking.
What if I don’t have a broiler? Simply drizzle the glaze over the fully cooled bites. They will be sweeter but lack the crisp, caramelized top.
Can I use a different fruit? Absolutely! Diced strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries work well. For firmer fruits like apples, consider sautéing them lightly first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, leading to tough, dense bites. Mix until just combined.
- Not patting blueberries dry: Excess moisture can make the batter soggy.
- Walking away during broiling: The glaze can burn in seconds. Watch it constantly.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature for better batter integration and rise.
- Crowding the baking sheet: Proper spacing allows for air circulation and even baking.
Conclusion
These baked blueberry fritter bites successfully capture the essence of a classic fried treat in a simpler, lighter form. The step-by-step process is straightforward, and avoiding common pitfalls like overmixing ensures a perfect texture. With the added versatility of serving options and easy ingredient swaps, this recipe is sure to become a reliable favorite for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the crisp, glazed exterior and the soft, berry-filled interior.