Puerto Rican Pumpkin Fritters aka “Barriguitas de Viejas” or Tortitas de Calabaza means Old Lady Bellies. These pumpkin fritters are easy to make and so delicious. They are crispy on the outside but airy and soft on the inside.
Barrigutas de vieja or tortitas de calabaza are a traditional recipe from Puerto Rico. They are fluffy fritters made with kabocha squash and, fried to perfection. Making them without any doubt the perfect fall treat.
You can coat them with granulated or powdered sugar as well if you like. My favorite way of eating pumpkin fritters is with guava sauce. Also, they pair well with a delicious and warm cup of coffee.
The name comes from the way the fritters become fluffy after frying. These were my grandma’s favorite pumpkin treats. Therefore, they bring me so many memories from my childhood. Even though this is a simple recipe it means so much to me. I found it inside my grandma’s favorite cookbook. It is easy to make and calls for simple ingredients. You can make your pumpkin puree but I like to take shortcuts.
Pumpkin fritters ingredients:
- pumpkin puree
- all-purpose flour
- ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- baking powder
- a large egg
How to make these pumpkin fritters :
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, set aside.
- Then, whisk wet ingredients until combined.
- Add dry ingredients slowly and whisk until well combined.
- Preheat the oil to 375 degrees.
- Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop drop the batter and fry for about 3 minutes on one side, flip carefully using tongs or a spider and, fry for another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oil carefully and place fitters over a plate lined up with paper towels.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before eating or coating with sugar.

Puerto Rican Pumpkin Fritters - Barriguitas de Viejas
Ingredients
- 16 oz pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and, set aside.
- Whisk wet ingredients until combined.
- Add dry ingredients slowly and whisk until well combined.
- Preheat the oil to 375 degrees.
- Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop drop the batter and fry for about 3 minutes on one side, flip carefully using tongs or a spider and, fry for another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oil carefully and place fitters over a plate lined up with paper towels. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before eating or coating with sugar.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think! Leave a comment and don’t forget to take a picture and share it on my Facebook page or tag it #thehungrydragonfly on Instagram! I love seeing your delicious creations!
OTHER PUERTO RICAN RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE:
Black Bean Empanada – Puerto Rican Style
Vegan Sancocho – Puerto Rican Recipe
They be bussin!
Gracias!!