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To make these tasty pumpkin donut holes, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup almond flour - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted These ingredients blend well for a moist and flavorful bite. The pumpkin puree brings moisture and a rich taste. The almond flour adds a nice texture, while whole wheat flour gives it heartiness. You can enhance your donut holes with a few optional ingredients: - Powdered sugar for dusting - Cinnamon sugar for a sweet touch These additions can make the donut holes feel more festive. Sprinkle them while the donut holes are warm for the best flavor. If you want to make healthier choices, consider these substitutions: - Use honey instead of maple syrup for natural sweetness. - Replace coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option. - For a gluten-free version, swap whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. These swaps help you enjoy the treat while keeping it light and healthy. Each option maintains the delicious taste while offering a different twist. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the process! Start by gathering your mixing bowls. You need a large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry ingredients. This helps keep things organized. In the large bowl, add the canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. Next, take the medium bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt together. This step is key for even mixing. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula to fold them together gently. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay! Now it’s time to bake! Grab a spoon or a small cookie scoop. Fill each cavity of the greased pan about two-thirds full. This allows the donut holes to rise nicely. Place the pan in the oven, set to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness by sticking a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For a sweet touch, dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar while warm. Enjoy these tasty treats! To make perfect healthy pumpkin donut holes, follow these tips: - Measure Carefully: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups. Accurate amounts ensure the right texture. - Mix Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently. Overmixing can make them tough. - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and baking powder give the best flavor and rise. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: - Skipping Preheating: Always preheat your oven. This helps the donut holes rise properly. - Filling Too Much: Fill your pan only two-thirds full. Overfilling can lead to messy overflow. - Not Testing for Doneness: Insert a toothpick to check if they are baked through. Don’t rely on time alone. You can prepare these donut holes in advance: - Make Ahead: Prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves time. - Freezing: Bake the donut holes, then let them cool. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. - Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw and warm them in the oven for a few minutes. This keeps them soft and tasty. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can make your pumpkin donut holes even better with spices. Adding a pinch of ginger or allspice gives a warm kick. You might also try a splash of almond or orange extract for a fun twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite mix. Glazing can add sweetness and fun. Instead of sugary glazes, try a yogurt dip. Mix plain Greek yogurt with honey for a creamy and tasty option. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer taste. Just melt it and dip each donut hole for a tasty treat. Mix-ins can boost both flavor and nutrition. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and healthy fats. Flaxseeds or chia seeds can give a fiber boost. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add natural sweetness. Just fold any mix-ins into your batter before baking for a delightful surprise. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your healthy pumpkin donut holes fresh, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This method helps keep them moist and tasty. If you have many, you can layer them with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. I recommend using glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. Glass containers do a great job of sealing in moisture. They also let you see what’s inside. If you use plastic, look for containers with tight-fitting lids. This keeps air out and keeps them fresh longer. When you want to enjoy your donut holes again, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or an oven. For the microwave, heat them for about 10-15 seconds. If you want them warm and crispy, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes. This way, they taste almost like fresh! For more details on making these delicious treats, check out the Full Recipe. Healthy pumpkin donut holes have about 60 calories each. This makes them a great treat. You can enjoy them without too much guilt. They are low in sugar and made with wholesome ingredients. If you want to cut calories, skip the sugar dusting. Yes, you can use pumpkin spice! It is a great time-saver. Just use one teaspoon of pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. This blend gives you the same warm flavor. It also makes your baking easier and faster. No, these donut holes are not gluten-free. They use whole wheat flour and almond flour. If you want them gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a similar texture for the best results. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! Healthy pumpkin donut holes are easy to make and taste great. We explored the right ingredients, from the main items to tasty options. I shared simple steps for mixing and baking to help you succeed. Remember my tips for perfecting your donut holes and avoiding common mistakes. You can even customize them with flavors and healthy glazes. Store extras properly for the best taste later. Now, enjoy your creation and share it with friends!

Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Indulge in these healthy pumpkin donut holes that are perfect for any fall treat! Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and whole wheat flour, these delicious bites are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and are easy to make. Follow our simple recipe to whip up a batch in just 22 minutes. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a guilt-free snack that’s bursting with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup almond flour

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or coconut oil.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until all ingredients are smooth and well incorporated.

      In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.

        Gradually pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Ensure you do not overmix; some lumps are perfectly fine.

          Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, carefully fill each cavity of the prepared pan with the batter, aiming to fill them about two-thirds full to allow for rising during baking.

            Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut hole comes out clean.

              Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donut holes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                For an added touch of sweetness, while they are still warm, dust the donut holes with powdered sugar or lightly sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 24 donut holes

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the donut holes in a charming rustic basket lined with parchment paper. For a delightful visual appeal, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top before serving, or arrange them in a spiral for an eye-catching display!