Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the cool breeze of autumn slips through the window, the aroma of fresh-baked goods fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. I’ve traded in my usual sugary indulgences for something that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also echoes the flavorful charm of the season: Healthy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar. With a delectable balance of light cakey texture and invigorating spice, these pumpkin donuts are sweetened with monk fruit sweetener, making them a guilt-free treat. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or cozy weekend brunches, and can easily cater to a variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free and low-sugar diets. Who wouldn’t want to embrace autumn’s flavors in this healthier way? So, are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe and enjoy a sweet, wholesome twist on a classic favorite? Why Try These Pumpkin Donuts? Irresistible taste: These donuts boast a perfect blend of pumpkin and cinnamon, making each bite a warm hug of flavor. Gluten-free goodness: Enjoy a classic treat reimagined for gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste or texture! Quick preparation: With a simple recipe that comes together in under an hour, you’ll have delicious donuts ready for any occasion. Flexible sweetness: Sweetened with monk fruit, they cater to those seeking lower sugar options without compromising satisfaction. If you love sweet treats, you might also enjoy these indulgent Blueberry Cake Donuts! Versatile variations: Easily adapt the recipe with different purees or add-ins, making these pumpkin donuts a canvas for your creativity. Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home, these donuts bring smiles to everyone around the table! Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients For the Batter Almond Flour – Provides structure and a nutty flavor; substitute with almond meal for a coarser texture. Eggs – Acts as a binder and contributes to the moistness of the donuts; no substitution recommended for best results. Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture, flavor, and is the star ingredient; ensure you’re using unsweetened pumpkin puree to control sugar levels. Cinnamon – Enhances flavor and aroma; adjust quantity to taste for stronger spice notes. Monk Fruit Sweetener – Serves as the primary sweetener, perfect for low-sugar diets; can be replaced with coconut sugar or regular sugar, but that will alter sweetness levels. Baking Powder – Provides the necessary leavening for a light texture; make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise. Coconut Oil – Used for greasing the pan and adding moisture; substitute with melted butter if preferred. For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating Monk Fruit Sweetener – Ensures you maintain a low-sugar option while still providing sweetness. Cinnamon – Adds that delightful spicy kick, making those pumpkin donuts irresistible! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Donuts Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (160°C), ensuring it’s fully heated for even baking. While the oven warms up, grease your donut pan generously with coconut oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because a well-greased pan ensures your gluten-free pumpkin donuts come out easily and maintain their perfect shape. Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the unsweetened pumpkin puree and eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, taking about 2-3 minutes. This will create a rich base for your donuts. The vibrant orange color of the pumpkin should shine through, signaling that you’re on the right track. Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and cinnamon. Once the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, gently fold them into the pumpkin mixture. Stir until well incorporated, which should take about 2 minutes. The batter will be thick and fragrant, embodying the essence of your healthy gluten-free pumpkin donuts. Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan Spoon the thick batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. An ice cream scoop works wonderfully for this step, providing mess-free filling. Ensure the batter is evenly distributed to allow for uniform baking. You can visualize your delicious pumpkin donuts taking shape! Step 5: Bake to Perfection Slide the filled donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-27 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch when done. Enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen as they bake! Step 6: Cool & Remove From Pan Once baked, carefully remove the donut pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is crucial; gently flip the donuts out onto a wire rack afterward. If you experience some resistance, take your time to avoid breaking the delicate donut structure. Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating In a shallow bowl, mix together monk fruit sweetener and cinnamon for the coating. Lightly spray each donut with coconut oil to help the cinnamon sugar adhere nicely. This should take just a minute or two. The warm, sticky surface will ensure that the delightful flavor of cinnamon sugar clings perfectly to your freshly baked pumpkin donuts. Tips for the Best Pumpkin Donuts Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the donuts; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Underbaking can lead to a gooey texture. Grease Well: Generously grease the donut pan with coconut oil to prevent sticking. A well-greased pan ensures your pumpkin donuts come out intact. Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can create denser donuts. Cool Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dipping in cinnamon sugar. This helps the coating cling better and prevents it from melting away. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. This is key for achieving a light, airy texture in your donuts. Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions Feel free to play around with these ideas to make your pumpkin donuts uniquely yours! Sweet Potato Substitution: Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree to give a richer flavor profile. This alternative brings a naturally sweet and smooth texture that works beautifully in donuts. A Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch. This gives each bite an extra layer of flavor and a satisfying texture that complements the soft donuts. Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of clove for a warm, spiced kick. These additions can transform the flavor and elevate your pumpkin donuts to the next level of deliciousness. Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of any dairy ingredients if you’re avoiding dairy. This keeps your donuts moist while accommodating dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some sugar-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with pumpkin’s natural sweetness, making for an indulgent treat that still aligns with your dietary choices. Fruity Add-ins: Add finely diced apples or pears to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor. This touch livens up the donuts and offers a refreshing contrast to the soft, spiced pumpkin. Glazed Treats: Try drizzling a low-sugar glaze made from powdered erythritol over the cooled donuts for a sweeter look and taste. This elevates your pumpkin donuts into eye-catching treats perfect for sharing. If you’re intrigued by creative flavors, don’t forget to check out these delicious Blueberry Cake Donuts for another twist on a classic! Let your inner chef shine as you enjoy these delicious variations! Make Ahead Options These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. To maintain their delightful flavor and texture, remember to bring the batter back to room temperature before filling the donut pan. Additionally, you can bake the donuts and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the ultimate freshness, consider cooling and freezing the extras for up to a month—just reheat them gently in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. With these smart make-ahead options, you’ll have delicious pumpkin donuts whenever the craving strikes! Storage Tips for Pumpkin Donuts Room Temperature: Keep leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Lay a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness. Fridge: For a longer shelf life, store the donuts in the fridge for up to 1 week. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Freezer: Freeze pumpkin donuts for up to 1 month. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. Reheating: Reheat frozen donuts in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to refresh their taste and texture before enjoying! What to Serve with Healthy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts? Embrace the warmth of autumn and complement these delightful gluten-free pumpkin donuts with a variety of flavorful pairings. Spiced Chai Latte: This aromatic beverage adds a cozy touch, enhancing the sweet pumpkin flavors with its warm spices. Perfect for chilly mornings! Maple Pecan Oatmeal: Rich in texture and flavor, this hearty bowl brings nutty sweetness that blends beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating. Coconut Yogurt with Berries: Creamy and tangy, coconut yogurt topped with fresh berries creates a refreshing contrast that keeps the meal light and balanced. Warm Apple Cider: This classic fall drink elevates the seasonal experience, featuring comforting spices that echo those in the donuts and warm the soul. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A luxurious addition, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate transforms these donuts into an indulgent dessert, creating a delightful sweet and bitter pairing. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of caramelized sweet potatoes offers a savory counterpart, balancing the dessert with a wholesome element. Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and juicy fruits add a burst of freshness, cleansing the palate between bites of the rich pumpkin donuts and enhancing the overall experience. Almond Milk: This creamy, nutty drink brings a lovely, light finish to your meal while keeping the flavors in harmony. Cinnamon Coffee: Pair your donuts with a warm cup of cinnamon-infused coffee for an extra cozy treat that’ll make your mornings feel special. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie: Blend together your favorite fruits with pumpkin puree and spices for a nutritious drink that complements and echoes the flavors in your donuts beautifully. Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right pumpkin puree for this recipe? Absolutely! Make sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree to control sugar levels. Look for brands with only pure pumpkin listed on the ingredient label, avoiding those that include added sugars or spices. Freshly made pumpkin puree is a delightful alternative and provides a great natural flavor. What’s the best way to store leftover pumpkin donuts? Very! Keep your leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I often place a paper towel underneath to help absorb any excess moisture, keeping them fresher for longer. If you’re keeping them longer, feel free to pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for about a week. Can I freeze the pumpkin donuts, and how should I do it? Absolutely! Freezing is a great option to enjoy these donuts later. Here’s how I do it step-by-step: First, allow the donuts to cool completely. Then, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. I’m gluten-sensitive; can I trust this recipe? Very! This recipe is entirely gluten-free, using almond flour as a base. If you have specific gluten allergies, ensure that all your ingredients, especially the baking powder and any additional sweeteners, are certified gluten-free. Happy baking without worry! What should I do if my donuts stick to the pan? Oh no! If you find that your donuts have stuck to the pan, don’t fret. Next time, ensure you generously grease the donut pan with coconut oil before filling it. If they still stick, let them cool for a few minutes before trying to remove them; sometimes a little patience goes a long way! If they are particularly stubborn, you can also run a thin knife around the edges to release them gently. Can I make these donuts nut-free? Absolutely! For a nut-free alternative, you could swap the almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or sunflower seed flour. However, this might slightly alter the texture. Just remember, adjusting the flour can impact the moisture and density, so be sure to monitor the batter while mixing. Enjoy exploring these variations! Irresistible Pumpkin Donuts That Are Gluten-Free and Guilt-Free No ratings yet Experience guilt-free Pumpkin Donuts that celebrate autumn flavors with a light, cakey texture and health-friendly ingredients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 27 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 47 minutes mins Servings: 12 donutsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 90 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter2 cups Almond Flour Substitute with almond meal for a coarser texture.2 large Eggs No substitution recommended for best results.1 cup Pumpkin Puree Ensure using unsweetened to control sugar levels.1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust quantity to taste.1/2 cup Monk Fruit Sweetener Can be replaced with coconut sugar.1 teaspoon Baking Powder Make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.1/4 cup Coconut Oil Substitute with melted butter if preferred.For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating1/4 cup Monk Fruit Sweetener Maintains a low-sugar option.1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adds a delightful spicy kick. Equipment Donut PanMixing bowlswhiskmeasuring cupsSpoon or Ice Cream Scoop Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin DonutsPreheat your oven to 350°F (160°C) and grease your donut pan with coconut oil.In a large mixing bowl, add pumpkin puree and eggs. Whisk until smooth and creamy.In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, and cinnamon. Fold into the pumpkin mixture.Spoon the thick batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity three-quarters full.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-27 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before flipping them onto a wire rack.Mix monk fruit sweetener and cinnamon for the coating. Spray each donut with coconut oil before coating. Nutrition Serving: 1donutCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesCheck for doneness with a toothpick; cool before coating to prevent melting away. Use fresh ingredients for best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
