Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with wholesome ingredients, these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are the perfect choice. They’re tender, naturally sweetened, and bursting with that warm pumpkin spice goodness. Whether you want a guilt-free snack or a charming dessert to impress friends, this recipe delivers a light yet satisfying bite-sized indulgence that you’ll find hard to stop eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward yet purposeful these ingredients are, making your Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes not only delicious but also nourishing. Each element plays a key role — from coconut flour’s light texture to pumpkin puree’s moist richness, and fragrant spices that truly bring autumn to your taste buds.

• ¼ cup coconut flour: Use coconut flour for its absorbent quality and subtle sweetness, which helps create a soft, light texture.
• 2 eggs: Eggs bind everything together while adding protein and keeping the donut holes fluffy.
• ½ cup pumpkin puree: This adds moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor that makes these so special.
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that enhance the flavor without overwhelming the pumpkin’s earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: A splash of vanilla deepens the overall aroma and complements the pumpkin spice.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice: The magical mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes this recipe irresistible.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds an extra kick of warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives those donut holes a light lift so they stay airy and tender.
• Maple glaze ingredients: 1 tablespoon melted coconut butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon dairy-free milk come together to create a luscious, naturally sweet topping.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 160°C (350°F) and grease a mini muffin tray with coconut oil or cooking spray. This ensures your donut holes come out cleanly and hold their perfect shape.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla together until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture. This sets the stage for those moist, tender bites.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now mix in the coconut flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and evenly blended, creating a thick but scoopable consistency perfect for mini muffin pans.

Step 4: Bake the Donut Holes

Fill each of the 16 mini muffin holes about three-quarters full with your batter. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen means you’re almost there.

Step 5: Make the Maple Glaze

While your donut holes bake, combine melted coconut butter, maple syrup, and dairy-free milk in a small bowl. If the glaze feels too thick or brittle, microwave it for 30 seconds and stir until silky smooth.

Step 6: Dip and Dust

Once baked, let the donut holes cool for a bit. Then dip them into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off. For a final touch, dust them lightly with a sprinkle of coconut flour or powdered sugar to give them a beautiful, delicate finish.

How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Garnishes

These donut holes look just as good as they taste when topped with a few thoughtful garnishes. Try a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a tiny pinch of crushed nuts like pecans for added crunch and visual appeal. Even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can make them party-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair your Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich, creamy latte for the ultimate fall treat. They also make a lovely companion to fresh fruit or a simple dollop of coconut whipped cream for a balanced snack or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Place these bite-sized gems on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a cozy gathering, or serve them in a pretty ceramic bowl as an irresistible office or classroom snack. Feeling festive? Thread a few on decorative cocktail skewers to create fall-themed dessert kabobs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge where they’ll last up to a week but remember to bring them back to room temp before eating for maximum flavor and softness.

Freezing

These donut holes freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and make a quick, healthy snack right out of the freezer.

Reheating

To enjoy your donut holes after storage, reheat them gently in a warm oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5–7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 15 seconds. Finish up with a quick dip in your maple glaze to refresh their moist, delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of homemade?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works fine here, but it can vary in moisture. If your batter seems too dry, add a splash of dairy-free milk to help maintain that soft texture.

What can I substitute for coconut flour?

Coconut flour is quite absorbent, so subbing it with oat or all-purpose flour may change the texture. If you try a different flour, reduce the quantity and keep an eye on the batter consistency to maintain that perfect donut hole texture.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Absolutely! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup for sweetness along with plant-based milk, and you’re all set for a vegan-friendly treat.

Can I make these without the maple glaze?

Definitely! The donut holes are delicious on their own with just a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar, especially if you prefer a less sweet snack.

How do I prevent the donut holes from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake and keep them stored in an airtight container. A quick warm-up before serving helps restore their soft texture perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Making these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes is like capturing the magic of fall in every bite, all while keeping things nourishing and naturally sweet. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for sharing, and just waiting to become your new favorite snack or dessert. Give them a try — your taste buds and your friends will thank you!

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