Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a light, flavorful snack. Made with pumpkin purée and almond flour, they offer a moist texture and warm spices without the guilt of traditional fried donuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your air fryer at 320°F (160°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or line it with silicone molds.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and all the spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 4: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes or air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the donut holes are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let them cool slightly before removing from the molds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little almond milk.
- Customize the spices to your liking by adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice.
- Use canned pumpkin purée for convenience, making sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Swap almond flour for oat flour if you prefer a different texture.
- To ensure even baking in an air fryer, check and rotate halfway through cooking.
Storage
Store the pumpkin donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven before serving to restore their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these donut holes vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Adjust baking time slightly as needed.
Can I fry these instead of baking or air frying?
While these donut holes are designed to be baked or air fried for a healthier option, you can shallow fry them in a small amount of oil until golden. Keep in mind this will increase the fat content significantly.
PrintHealthy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delicious and guilt-free treat, made with wholesome pumpkin purée and almond flour to keep them gluten-free and naturally sweetened with warm spices. Perfect for a cozy fall snack or breakfast, they are easy to prepare and can be baked or air-fried to perfection for a light and fluffy texture without the excess calories of traditional donuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Donut Hole Batter
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Coating
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or cinnamon sugar blend
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- Preheat your cooking method: If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F as well.
- Shape the donut holes: Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, portion the batter into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket, leaving space between each donut hole.
- Cook the donut holes: Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if necessary, until the donut holes are firm and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and coat: Allow the donut holes to cool slightly. If desired, roll them in coconut sugar or a cinnamon sugar blend to add a sweet, spiced coating.
- Serve: Enjoy the donut holes warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- Almond flour can be substituted with oat flour for a different texture but may affect cooking time.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the donut holes light and fluffy.
- If air frying, check for doneness early as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: pumpkin donut holes, healthy pumpkin snacks, almond flour donuts, gluten free donuts, baked pumpkin treats
