25 Amazing Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes You Need to Try Now

Name: 25 Amazing Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes You Need to Try Now
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup coconut flour; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 2 eggs; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ginger; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

Author: lia

Published: August 6, 2025

Updated: August 7, 2025

Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes (Paleo + Gluten-Free)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen when fall arrives. My obsession with healthy pumpkin donut holes started years ago when I wanted a guilt-free treat that still felt indulgent—something my gluten-free friends could enjoy too! These little bites are packed with real pumpkin flavor, naturally sweetened, and Paleo-approved, but trust me, nobody will guess they’re good for you. I love making them on chilly weekend mornings with my kids—they go crazy for the mini size (and licking the bowl clean!). Perfect with coffee or packed in lunchboxes, these are our family’s favorite way to celebrate pumpkin season without the sugar crash.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes (Paleo + Gluten-Free) - detail 1

Let me tell you why these little guys have become a staple in my kitchen – they’re seriously the easiest, coziest fall treat you’ll make this season! Here’s the magic:

Crazy simple – One bowl, 10 minutes prep, and you’ve got warm pumpkin spice goodness without any fuss
Naturally gluten-free & Paleo – Almond and coconut flour make them grain-free but still perfectly fluffy
Kid-approved sneaky healthy – My picky eaters gobble them up not realizing they’re packed with real pumpkin
That autumn aroma – Cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin will make your whole house smell like a cozy cafe

Honestly? I’ve caught myself “testing” them straight from the pan more times than I’d care to admit!

Ingredients for Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Here’s everything you’ll need for these perfect little pumpkin bites – and yes, every ingredient matters! I’ve learned through many batches that precision makes all the difference with gluten-free baking.

1 cup almond flour (not packed – lightly spooned into measuring cup)
1/4 cup coconut flour (this absorbs liquid differently than other flours)
1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling – check the label!)
2 large eggs (room temperature helps them incorporate better)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup (grade A for milder flavor)
1 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation)
1 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp ginger (fresh spices make all the difference)
1/4 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
1 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free is my preference)
2 tbsp coconut oil (melted but not hot)

See? Nothing weird or complicated – just pantry staples transformed into something magical!

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Alright, let’s get baking! These pumpkin donut holes come together in about 5 minutes flat – I swear they’re even easier than regular donuts because there’s no frying involved. Just follow these simple steps for perfect little pumpkin bites every time.

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first – grab your biggest mixing bowl (I always use my trusty yellow one for this recipe). Whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder and salt until everything is evenly distributed. This is the secret to getting those warm spices perfectly blended throughout every bite. You’ll know it’s ready when you see no more little flour lumps!

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl (or I sometimes just use a large measuring cup), whisk the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Then add in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. The batter will look gorgeously orange at this point – my kids always say it looks like liquid pumpkin pie! Make sure the coconut oil isn’t too hot when you add it, or it might start cooking the eggs.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Now the fun part! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined – the batter will be thick like muffin batter. Scoop into a greased mini muffin tin (a small cookie scoop works perfectly for this). Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until they’re puffed up and a toothpick comes out clean. Here’s my pro tip: let them cool completely in the pan before removing – they firm up as they cool and won’t crumble!

Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes (Paleo + Gluten-Free) - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned all the little tricks to get these pumpkin donut holes just right:

Cookie scoop is your BFF – That little plunger makes perfectly even portions so they bake uniformly (and saves your fingers from sticky batter!)
Wait for the cool down – I know it’s tempting, but letting them rest for 10 minutes prevents crumbly disasters
Grease those tins well – A quick swipe of coconut oil prevents sticking better than cooking sprays
Spice it up – For extra autumnal vibes, roll warm donut holes in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before serving

Trust me – these tiny tweaks make all the difference between good and “oh-my-goodness-I-need-another-one” great!

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Okay, let’s talk swaps because I know we all rummage through pantries mid-recipe! For vegan versions, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) work great – just know the texture will be denser. Honey can replace maple syrup, but reduce it by 1 tsp since it’s sweeter. And that coconut flour? Don’t try subbing it – its crazy absorbency is what keeps these from crumbling! If you must use almond flour only, reduce liquids by 1 tbsp. See? Flexibility with boundaries!

Storing and Freezing Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

These little pumpkin bites disappear fast in my house, but when they do last (miracle!), here’s how I keep them fresh: Pop them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag – they’ll stay perfect for a month! When that pumpkin craving hits, just microwave frozen ones for 15 seconds or toast them lightly – tastes like fresh from the oven all over again.

Nutritional Information for Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

Let’s talk numbers – these pumpkin donut holes make indulging feel guilt-free! One little bite packs about 85 calories, 6g of good fats (mostly from almond flour and coconut oil), and just 3g of natural sugar from the maple syrup. Keep in mind these are estimates – exact nutrition will vary slightly based on your specific ingredients. My motto? Enjoy them knowing you’re getting real pumpkin’s vitamin A boost and fiber from all those wholesome flours. Now that’s what I call a smart treat!

FAQs About Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes

“Can I use regular flour instead?”
Nope – almond and coconut flour absorb liquid differently. All-purpose flour would make dense hockey pucks! Stick to the gluten-free combo for perfect texture.

“How can I make these dairy-free?”
They’re already dairy-free! Coconut oil replaces butter beautifully. Just double-check your vanilla extract – some brands contain alcohol derived from dairy.

“Why did mine turn out dry?”
Overbaking is usually the culprit! Check at 12 minutes – they should spring back lightly when touched. Also, measure pumpkin puree precisely (packed cups add too much moisture).

“Can I bake these as regular donuts?”
Absolutely! Use a donut pan and bake 14-16 minutes. The batter’s thick enough to hold the ring shape beautifully. Kids love decorating them with cinnamon “sprinkles.”

“What’s the best egg substitute?”
For vegan versions, flax eggs work ok but create denser results. If eggs are your only issue, try 1/4 cup applesauce per egg – just expect cakier texture.

Did you make these pumpkin donut holes? I’d love to see your creations! – your reviews make my day and help other bakers too! You can also find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.