If you’re craving a seriously cozy treat that’s every bit as irresistible as it is wholesome, these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes will win your heart! They’re soft, warmly spiced, and covered with a glossy maple glaze, making them perfect for fall breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or a guilt-free dessert fix.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes slide right into your busy schedule.
- Nutritious Twist: Thanks to coconut flour and real pumpkin puree, each bite is packed with wholesome goodness that makes snacking feel virtuous.
- No Frying Required: These donut holes are baked, not fried, so you get that classic treat experience without the heaviness.
- Kid and Adult Approved: The warm spices, soft center, and sweet maple glaze make these a hit with everyone around the table!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes come together with a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches. Every ingredient plays a starring role, creating a donut hole that’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.
- Coconut Flour: This grain-free flour keeps the donut holes tender and fluffy, while also adding fiber—just a little goes a long way!
- Eggs: They provide structure and help make our donut holes perfectly moist (essential when working with coconut flour!).
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient adds natural sweetness, gorgeous color, and irresistible moisture.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Either choice brings a lovely, mellow sweetness—feel free to use your favorite or what’s at hand.
- Vanilla: Just a teaspoon lifts all the other flavors and adds a comforting aroma.
- Pumpkin Spice & Cinnamon: These spices infuse each bite with cozy fall flavor—don’t skip them!
- Baking Powder: Helps the donut holes rise and stay light.
- Coconut Butter, Maple Syrup, and Dairy-Free Milk (for the glaze): This quick glaze ties it all together with a creamy, maple-kissed finish.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 350°F (160°C) and grease a mini muffin tray well with coconut oil or nonstick spray. Setting everything up ahead makes the whole process a breeze—and ensures those Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes don’t stick!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. This step helps create a uniform batter and distributes the sweetness evenly.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the coconut flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir slowly at first, then mix until you don’t see any lumps. The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for these perfectly rounded donut holes!
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tray
Spoon the batter into the greased mini muffin wells, filling each about 3/4 full. You should have enough for 16 donut holes. A cookie scoop works like magic here to keep things tidy and even.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the donut holes are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes—this helps them set up just right for glazing.
Step 6: Whip Up the Maple Glaze
While the donut holes are cooling, mix together melted coconut butter, maple syrup, and a splash of dairy-free milk in a shallow bowl. If the glaze feels a bit thick, microwave it for 20–30 seconds and stir well—the result should be pourable and dreamy.
Step 7: Dip & Decorate
Once slightly cooled, gently dip each donut hole top into the maple glaze, then return them to a wire rack. If you love a little extra flair, dust with coconut flour or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for bakery-style charm. There you have it: Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes ready to steal the spotlight!
How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes
Garnishes
For a pretty finish and added flavor, a light dusting of coconut flour or a gentle sift of powdered sugar on top of the glaze is lovely. Try adding a few pumpkin seeds for texture, or a teeny pinch of extra cinnamon for an eye-catching, warmly spiced treat.
Side Dishes
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are scrumptious on their own, but pair beautifully with a cup of spiced chai, hot coffee, or a velvety golden milk latte. For savory contrast, try serving them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a breakfast yogurt bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your donut holes on a tiered dessert stand for festive gatherings, or skewer them on pretty sticks for a fun brunch party treat! You can also pack them in mini favor bags tied with ribbon for a sweet edible gift—Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes never fail to impress, however you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or keep them in the fridge for slightly longer freshness. The glaze does best when added right before enjoying, but it’ll hold up for a day or so if needed!
Freezing
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes freeze wonderfully—simply arrange the cooled, unglazed donut holes in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to 2-3 months. Glaze just before serving for best results!
Reheating
Let frozen donut holes thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. Add fresh glaze after reheating for maximum flavor and that tempting gooey finish.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of flour instead of coconut flour?
Coconut flour is quite unique—it soaks up a lot of moisture, which means other flours often won’t substitute one-to-one. If you want to experiment with almond or oat flour, start with a larger quantity (about 1/2 cup almond or 3/4 cup oat), but you may need to adjust liquid and egg amounts for the right texture.
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Can I make these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs for structure because coconut flour is very absorbent, but you might try using flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons water). The result might be a bit denser, but still tasty!
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How do I know when my donut holes are done?
Look for lightly golden tops and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out with just a crumb or two. The donut holes should feel springy to the touch and not wet in the middle.
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Is there a substitute for coconut butter in the glaze?
If you don’t have coconut butter on hand, you can use melted coconut oil in a pinch, though the glaze will be thinner. Nut butter (like almond or cashew) can also work, giving a different but delicious creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes—each bite is a cozy celebration of fall flavors with a nourishing twist! Whether you enjoy them with morning coffee or serve them at your next get-together, they’re sure to bring joy and a bit of (pumpkin-)spiced magic to your day.
PrintHealthy Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 mini donut holes 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a delicious treat that’s perfect for fall. Made with coconut flour and pumpkin puree, these donut holes are gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they’re a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any time!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Donut Holes
- 1/4 cup/ 27g coconut flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup/ 125g pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Maple Glaze
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon dairy-free milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 160C/350F and grease a mini muffin tray with coconut oil/spray.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the coconut flour, spices, and baking powder until smooth.
- Bake: Fill 16 mini muffin holes with batter (about 3/4 full) and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.
- Make the glaze: Mix together the melted coconut butter, maple syrup, and milk. Microwave for 30 seconds if needed, and stir until combined. Set aside.
- Glaze the donuts: Let the donuts cool for a few minutes, then dip them into a shallow bowl with the maple glaze and dust with coconut flour or powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut hole
- Calories: 78
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 31mg