Welcome to your new favorite fall tradition! These **Gluten-free Baked Pumpkin Donuts** are designed for ease, flavor, and pure satisfaction, ready to delight your senses in under 30 minutes. Forget the heavy, greasy feeling of traditional fried donuts; ours are lovingly baked to golden perfection. Sweetened naturally with a kiss of pure maple syrup and completely free from refined sugars, these pumpkin spice donuts offer a truly guilt-free indulgence. You’ll be amazed at how incredibly moist, fluffy, and flavorful they are, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready to embrace the warmth and comfort of autumn with every single bite of these wholesome, delicious homemade donuts!
This post has been lovingly updated and expanded from its original version, first published on September 8, 2019, to bring you even more delicious details and tips!
Donuts. The mere mention of them often sparks a debate: are they a guilty pleasure or a permissible treat? For many years, my relationship with donuts was complicated. As a teenager, I adored them, but my body certainly didn’t. I experienced the familiar post-sugar crashes, breakouts, bloating, and irritability that often accompany highly processed, sugar-laden foods. It was a cycle of craving, indulging, and then regretting, a one-sided crush where I gave my affection but received only discomfort in return.
The journey to understanding how to truly nourish my body while still enjoying the foods I loved was a long one. It involved a deep dive into ingredient quality and learning to craft healthier versions of my favorite treats. I yearned for options like these **healthy baked pumpkin donuts** during those struggling years. The revelation came when I discovered the power of whole, unprocessed ingredients. Sugar, in its refined form, has never been a friend to me. It’s a common culprit for many, triggering inflammation, disrupting sleep patterns, and leading to energy fluctuations that impact overall well-being and mood. Breaking free from its allure meant rethinking how I approached sweetness in my diet.
This is where the magic of these **maple syrup sweetened pumpkin donuts** comes in. They are incredibly easy to make, taste absolutely phenomenal, and, most importantly, leave me feeling energized and vibrant, not bogged down or guilty. This recipe isn’t just about making a donut; it’s about embracing a lifestyle where you can genuinely have your cake (or, in this case, your donut) and eat it too, provided you choose ingredients that support your health. Say hello to a truly fabulous, feel-good solution that satisfies your sweet tooth the wholesome way!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts
Creating these delightful **gluten-free pumpkin donuts** requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful substitution tips:
- Canned Pumpkin: Always opt for pure canned pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor profile and sweetness of your donuts. Pure pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, adding natural moisture and a beautiful color. While it would change the flavor profile significantly, you could technically substitute with mashed bananas for a banana donut variation, but for authentic pumpkin flavor, stick to pumpkin puree.
- Eggs: Large eggs provide structure and binding to the donut batter, helping them rise and stay moist. They also add a good source of protein and healthy fats.
- Maple Syrup: This is our star natural sweetener. Pure maple syrup offers a rich, complex sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice, without the downsides of refined sugar. You’ll find that only a small amount is needed to achieve a perfectly balanced sweetness, highlighting the natural flavors of the pumpkin and spices. For a lower glycemic option, you could experiment with erythritol or stevia, but be mindful that the texture might change slightly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): ACV reacts with the baking soda to create lift and tenderness in the donuts, giving them that wonderful cake-like texture. Don’t skip it!
- Almond Flour: This is the foundation of our gluten-free base. Almond flour is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, contributing to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb while keeping the donuts grain-free and low-carb. Ensure you use blanched, superfine almond flour for the best results, not almond meal which is coarser.
- Arrowroot Powder: Also known as arrowroot starch, this ingredient helps lighten the texture of the donuts, making them less dense and adding a delicate chewiness. It also acts as a binder. Cornstarch can be used as a substitute if arrowroot is unavailable, but use slightly less.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses act as an excellent binder and provide a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They help absorb moisture, contributing to the donuts’ soft texture and structure, especially in gluten-free baking.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend is key to achieving that signature fall flavor. If you don’t have a pre-mixed spice, it’s incredibly easy to make your own! Follow my simple homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe, which typically includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes allspice. A robust spice blend means less added sweetener is needed, letting the natural flavors shine.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work in conjunction with the apple cider vinegar to ensure your donuts rise beautifully and have a light, airy texture.
- Coarse Sea Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for balancing and enhancing all the sweet and savory flavors in the donuts.
Why These Baked Pumpkin Donuts Make a Healthy Breakfast Option
Breakfast donuts? Absolutely! While traditional donuts are often laden with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, making them a less-than-ideal start to your day, these **gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts** are a game-changer. They’re crafted with nutrient-dense ingredients that actively contribute to your well-being, transforming a typically indulgent treat into a surprisingly wholesome breakfast or brunch option.
Here’s why these donuts are a smart choice for your morning meal:
- Nutrient Powerhouse Pumpkin: Pumpkin is more than just a seasonal favorite; it’s packed with essential nutrients. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), crucial for vision and immune function, as well as potassium, vital for heart health, and iron, important for energy levels.
- Protein-Rich Foundation: The inclusion of eggs and almond flour significantly boosts the protein content of these donuts. Protein is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels, preventing that dreaded mid-morning energy crash often associated with sugary breakfasts.
- Fiber for Fullness and Digestion: Chia seeds, almond flour, and pumpkin all contribute a healthy dose of dietary fiber. Fiber is key for digestive health, helps you feel full for longer, and further aids in regulating blood sugar by slowing the absorption of glucose.
- Healthy Fats: Almond flour and chia seeds also provide beneficial healthy fats. These fats are important for brain function, hormone production, and increasing satiety, helping you stay satisfied until your next meal.
Compared to a conventional donut that might leave you feeling sluggish and craving more sugar, these provide sustained energy and a feeling of genuine satisfaction. If you’re enjoying them for breakfast, I often recommend omitting the glaze or opting for a very light drizzle. They are incredibly tasty on their own and a whole lot less messy, making them perfect for busy mornings!
Crafting the Perfect Gluten-Free Donut Batter
Making the batter for these **healthy pumpkin donuts** is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The key to a light and fluffy gluten-free donut lies in proper mixing and ingredient consistency. Follow these simple steps for a flawless batter:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure your pumpkin puree is at room temperature for easier mixing and a more uniform batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the almond flour, arrowroot powder, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and coarse sea salt over the wet mixture.
- Mix Until Uniform: Using a whisk or spatula, mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture. Mix just until the batter is uniform in consistency and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can sometimes lead to a tougher texture in baked goods. The batter should be thick, similar to a cake batter.
Baking Your Delightful Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts
The beauty of baked donuts lies in their ease and healthier profile. Achieving perfectly shaped and textured donuts requires just a few simple steps and a good donut pan. Here’s how to bake your batch of **healthy pumpkin spice donuts**:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the donuts go in.
- Prepare the Donut Pan: Lightly brush your donut pan with a high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy release of your beautifully baked donuts. Even with non-stick pans, a little oil goes a long way.
- Fill the Donut Wells: Transfer your donut batter into the prepared donut pan. For the neatest and most even donuts, I recommend pouring the batter into a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, and then piping the batter into the wells. Alternatively, you can carefully spoon the batter in.
- Don’t Overfill: Be sure to only fill each donut well about three-quarters full. This allows ample room for the donuts to rise without overflowing, ensuring they maintain their classic donut shape.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the donut pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted into the thickest part should come out clean.
- Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps them firm up, making them easier to transfer. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate, preventing the bottoms from getting soggy.
No Donut Pan? No Problem! Here’s a Clever Hack
While donut pans are incredibly convenient and make cleanup a breeze, you don’t have to put off making these delicious **baked pumpkin donuts** if you don’t own one! I’ve got a fantastic hack that allows you to achieve a similar shape using a standard muffin tin you likely already have on hand. No special equipment required to enjoy these homemade treats right now!
Here’s how to make donuts without a donut pan:
- Prepare your muffin tin: Grab your muffin tin and lightly spray each cup with oil.
- Create the “donut hole”: Take a small piece of aluminum foil and roll it tightly into a ball, aiming for a size that will create your desired donut hole (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Place in muffin tin: Place one foil ball securely in the center of each greased muffin cup. This will create the iconic donut hole shape.
- Fill and bake: Spoon or pipe the donut batter into the muffin cups around the foil balls, filling no more than three-quarters full, just as you would with a donut pan. Then, bake as directed in the recipe. Once baked and slightly cooled, carefully remove the foil balls, and you’ll have perfectly shaped donut rings!
This simple trick ensures you can enjoy these wonderful **homemade gluten-free donuts** whenever the craving strikes, without needing to rush out for specialized bakeware!
Crafting the Perfect Refined Sugar-Free Glaze for Your Donuts
A delicious glaze is the crowning glory of any donut, and these **baked pumpkin donuts** are no exception. Our refined sugar-free glazes are simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly complement the warmth of the pumpkin spice. Choose between a classic maple or a rich chocolate variation.
- For the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and pure maple syrup until smooth. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, gives the glaze its rich, creamy texture without the need for powdered sugar or dairy. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor and a boost of healthy fats.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add water, one teaspoon at a time, continuing to whisk until you achieve your desired glaze consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less water; for a thinner, more pourable glaze, add a bit more.
- For the Chocolate Glaze: If you’re craving a decadent chocolate topping without refined sugar, simply add unsweetened cacao powder to your tahini and maple syrup mixture, as directed in the recipe card below. Cacao powder provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spice. Again, adjust the water to reach your preferred consistency.
How to Glaze Your Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Once your **baked pumpkin donuts** have cooled completely, it’s time for the fun part: glazing! A perfectly glazed donut is not just delicious, but also visually appealing. Follow these simple steps for beautifully coated treats:
Ensure your donuts are entirely cool before glazing. If they are still warm, the glaze will melt and not adhere properly. When ready, gently dip one side of each donut into your chosen maple or chocolate glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donut back onto a wire rack. You can then let the glaze set completely, which usually takes about 15-30 minutes, or enjoy them immediately while the glaze is still slightly soft. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice, chopped nuts, or even a few cacao nibs on top of the wet glaze for added texture and flavor.
Debra’s Pro Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Achieving bakery-quality **gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts** at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips. These tricks will help you ensure a perfect batch every time, from batter consistency to a flawless glaze.
- Don’t Overfill Your Muffin Tins or Donut Pans: This is a golden rule in baking! Whether you’re using a dedicated donut pan or the muffin tin hack, never fill the wells more than three-quarters full. Allowing enough room for the batter to rise is crucial for light, airy donuts with a perfect shape. Overfilling can lead to misshapen, dense donuts that bake unevenly.
- Ensure Your Tahini is Well-Mixed: Tahini can separate in its jar, with oil rising to the top and a thick paste settling at the bottom. Before measuring, make sure to mix your new jars of tahini REALLY WELL until it has a consistent, creamy texture. This uniform consistency is vital for creating a smooth, luscious donut glaze that thickens up beautifully without the need for powdered sugar. Runny tahini will result in a runny glaze.
- Catch Those Drips: When glazing your donuts, place a sheet of parchment paper or a paper towel directly under the wire rack where your donuts are cooling. This simple trick will catch any excess glaze that drips off, making for a much easier cleanup and preventing sticky countertops.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For most baking recipes, including this one, using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps the ingredients emulsify more smoothly, resulting in a more uniform batter and a better final texture for your donuts.
- Storage Savvy: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you plan to store them, it’s best to store them UNGLAZED in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw, and then glaze them fresh! This keeps the glaze from getting messy or dissolving during storage.
Explore More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
Love pumpkin as much as we do? Don’t let that leftover can of pumpkin puree go to waste! The versatility of pumpkin makes it a fantastic ingredient for a wide range of healthy and flavorful dishes. Whether you’re looking for another delightful snack, a hearty breakfast, or a comforting dessert, we have plenty of ideas to keep your pumpkin cravings satisfied all season long. Check out these other amazing pumpkin recipes:
- Gluten-free Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Frosting
- Pumpkin Spice Bliss Balls
- Vegan Banana Pumpkin Bread
- Mini Pumpkin Pies (vegan & gluten-free)
Did you know commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite food bloggers? If you made this recipe, please consider leaving a five-star rating below and a comment sharing your experience. Also, we’d love to see your creations! Please share your photos on instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debraklein. Your feedback and shares truly help our community grow!
📖 Recipe
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Debra Klein
Rate this Recipe
Pin Recipe
10 mins
15 mins
5 mins
30 mins
Breakfast & Brunch, Dessert
American
12
donuts
163
kcal
Equipment
- Donut Baking Pans
Ingredients
-
¾
cup
organic pumpkin -
2
large eggs -
¼
cup
pure maple syrup -
1
Tablespoon
apple cider vinegar -
1
Tablespoon
oil
olive or avocado -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
1
cup
almond flour -
¼
cup
arrowroot powder -
2
Tablespoons
chia seeds -
2
Tablespoons
pumpkin pie spice -
1
teaspoon
baking soda -
1
teaspoon
baking powder -
â…›
teaspoon
coarse sea salt
Maple Glaze
-
2
Tablespoons
Tahini -
2
Tablespoons
Pure Maple Syrup -
2
teaspoons
water
Chocolate Glaze
-
2
Tablespoons
Tahini -
2
Tablespoons
Pure Maple Syrup -
4
teaspoons
cacao powder -
4
teaspoons
water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with olive or avocado oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and vanilla extract until smooth. Sprinkle all the dry ingredients (almond flour, arrowroot powder, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) on top of the wet mixture, then whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and the batter is uniform.
- Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan wells. For easier and neater filling, you can pour the batter into a pastry bag (or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off) and pipe the batter into the donut wells. Do not fill more than three-quarters full to allow for rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the donuts bake, prepare your chosen glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, pure maple syrup, and any additional ingredients for the chocolate glaze (if making). Add water 1 teaspoon at a time as needed, whisking until you reach your desired consistency.
- Allow the baked donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This helps them set. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Once completely cool, dip one side of each donut into your chosen glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the donuts. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
- Unglazed donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Glaze them fresh before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
Calories:
163
kcal
Carbohydrates:
15
g
Protein:
5
g
Fat:
10
g
Saturated Fat:
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g
Cholesterol:
31
mg
Sodium:
184
mg
Fiber:
3
g
Sugar:
9
g
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete, and useful.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag me @dkhealthcoach or use hashtag #dkhealtcoach on Instagram so I can see it!!
Looking for more healthy and delicious pumpkin recipes to add to your repertoire?
Pumpkin Spice Bliss Balls are one of my absolute favorite ways to use up any leftover pumpkin puree. They’re quick, nutritious, and perfect for an energy boost!
Another fantastic pumpkin recipe that serves as an awesome healthy breakfast or snack is these Pumpkin Overnight Oats. They’re an excellent choice for busy mornings since you can easily meal prep them in advance, ensuring a wholesome and delicious start to your day with minimal effort.