Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that warm, cozy bite of autumn with a healthy spin, you absolutely must try these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes. They’re delightfully fluffy, just the right amount of sweet, and capture everything we love about pumpkin season in a perfectly poppable treat. Whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests, surprise your family, or simply have a little snack to brighten your own day, these donut holes will not disappoint — and you don’t even need to fry them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of wholesome ingredients can create such soft, bakery-quality treats! Each component in these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes brings something unique, ensuring that every bite is moist, flavorful, and guilt-free.

• Coconut flour: This gluten-free flour keeps the donuts tender and light, with a subtle, nutty flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and fluffiness; helps bind all the goodness together.
• Pumpkin puree: The secret star—real pumpkin brings irresistible moistness and that beautiful orange hue.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness without any refined sugar, adding flavor depth as well.
• Vanilla: Just a dash lifts up all the cozy aromas, rounding out the fall flavors.
• Pumpkin spice: The heart of autumn! This spice blend gives each bite that classic seasonal kick.
• Cinnamon: An extra pinch of warmth and comfort—because there’s no such thing as too much cinnamon.
• Baking powder: The key to a beautiful rise, making sure your donut holes are cloud-soft.
• Melted coconut butter: For the glaze, it adds luscious creaminess and a subtle coconut undertone.
• Maple syrup (glaze): Sweetens the glaze naturally and brings that signature maple flavor.
• Dairy free milk: Just a splash ensures your glaze is silky-smooth for dipping.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 160C/350F. Take a mini muffin tray and generously grease it with coconut oil or a non-stick spray. This ensures your Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes pop out with ease and don’t stick to the pan later—no one wants to lose even a crumb!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This dreamy combination forms the flavor-packed base for your donut holes and sets the cozy, autumnal tone right from the start.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in your coconut flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Coconut flour absorbs a lot of liquid, so don’t be surprised if your batter thickens quickly—this is what helps the donut holes stay moist instead of dense!

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tray and Bake

Spoon your batter into the muffin holes, filling each one about 3/4 full. You should get around 16 donut holes. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake them for about 15 minutes. When the tops are set and lightly golden, you’ll know they’re done—the smell wafting from your oven is a telltale sign too!

Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While your donut holes are cooling, it’s time for the glaze! Mix melted coconut butter, maple syrup, and dairy free milk in a bowl. If the glaze seems hard to stir, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds and mix again until smooth. This glaze is the finishing touch that makes them truly irresistible.

Step 6: Dip and Dust

Once the donut holes are cool enough to handle, dunk them in the glaze and let any excess drip off. For a final flourish, dust them with a little coconut flour or, if you’re feeling indulgent, use powdered sugar. Now step back and admire your batch of Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes!

How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Garnishes

For a lovely finish, try a light dusting of cinnamon or coconut flour over the glazed donut holes. If you’re feeling festive, a tiny sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or chopped toasted pecans adds crunch and color, making Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes look even more spectacular on your table.

Side Dishes

A plate of these warm, spiced donut holes naturally pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced herbal tea. For brunch, set them alongside a big fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt so your spread feels special and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

Dynamic presentation can make these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes the star of any gathering! Stack them on a rustic cake stand, skewer them with cocktail sticks for a donut “pop” theme, or arrange in muffin wrappers for grab-and-go treats. You could even serve them as a mini dessert board with fall fruits and extra glaze on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (which honestly never happens in my house), store the Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay delicious for up to five days—just let them come to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

These donut holes are freezer-friendly! Once fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze till firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature, and voila—Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back a just-baked taste, warm your Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in the oven at low heat for a couple of minutes. This perks up both the texture and the glaze, making them taste as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Coconut flour has unique absorbency, so substituting with almond or all-purpose flour won’t produce the same results. If needed, look for recipes specifically tailored for your desired flour, or consider experimenting with additional tweaks to liquid measurements.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and choose maple syrup instead of honey. The result will still be fluffy, rich Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes with a plant-based twist.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree, because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance of your donut holes. Stick with pure pumpkin for the most perfect, consistent taste.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can shape small mounds of batter on a lined baking sheet for a more rustic donut hole look (they might spread a bit), or use a regular muffin tin and adjust baking time, keeping a close eye until cooked through.

How do I prevent the glaze from getting too runny?

If your glaze is a bit thin, add a touch more melted coconut butter to thicken it up, or just let it cool for a minute before dipping. Consistency is key for coating your Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes evenly!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that tastes like fall, feels like a special indulgence, and is surprisingly good for you, these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are it! Give them a try, share with friends, and savor every spiced, fluffy, pumpkin-packed bite—you deserve it!

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