Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy! I remember one fall afternoon when my son, Jake, insisted on helping me in the kitchen. We ended up with flour everywhere, but those pumpkin donut holes were worth every giggle and mess. These donut holes are not only paleo and gluten-free, but they also bring the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice right to your home.
Why You’ll Love It
- They're easy to make and perfect for family gatherings.
- You can enjoy them guilt-free as they are healthy and delicious.
- They are versatile and can be served as breakfast or dessert.
Pure Comfort
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are pure comfort food. They are soft, fluffy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them a perfect treat for chilly days.
What You Need
- 1 cup 1 cup almond flour (96 g) – Can substitute with coconut flour, but use less.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (120 g) – Make sure it's pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup maple syrup (60 ml) – Honey can be used as an alternative.
- 2 2 large eggs – For a vegan option, use flax eggs.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – Ensure it's fresh for the best rise.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice – You can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- as needed Coconut oil, for greasing – Can use any oil of choice.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, they can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. The warmth will help your donut holes bake perfectly, giving them a lovely golden color.
- In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This will create a nice dry mix to hold all the flavors together.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well combined, which will ensure a moist donut hole.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Grease a mini muffin pan with coconut oil. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to help your donut holes pop out easily.
- Spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full. The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy, which is just right.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They should be lightly golden on top and smell heavenly.
- Let the donut holes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up and maintain their shape.
- Serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re delightful on their own, but you can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- These donut holes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- If you want to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
- For a chocolate version, substitute some almond flour with cocoa powder.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a delightful dessert.
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FAQs
Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I freeze these donut holes?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
You can use coconut flour, but reduce the amount since it absorbs more moisture.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and they are lightly golden on top.
Conclusion
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. They are perfect for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the taste of fall!
Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes
Equipment
- mini muffin pan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour Can substitute with coconut flour, but use less.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup Honey can be used as an alternative.
- 2 large eggs For a vegan option, use flax eggs.
- 1 tsp baking soda Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice You can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- 1/4 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- as needed Coconut oil, for greasing Can use any oil of choice.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. The warmth will help your donut holes bake perfectly, giving them a lovely golden color.
- In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This will create a nice dry mix to hold all the flavors together.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well combined, which will ensure a moist donut hole.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Grease a mini muffin pan with coconut oil. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to help your donut holes pop out easily.
- Spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full. The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy, which is just right.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They should be lightly golden on top and smell heavenly.
- Let the donut holes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them firm up and maintain their shape.
- Serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re delightful on their own, but you can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for extra sweetness.