Pumpkin Donut Holes
You might not know that pumpkin donut holes can be traced back to a blend of seasonal flavors and health-conscious baking trends. These bite-sized treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer a guilt-free alternative to traditional donuts. With a moist texture and customizable toppings, they’re perfect for any occasion. But what sets them apart from regular donuts, and how can you make them even more delightful? Let’s explore the nuances and possibilities that make pumpkin donut holes a standout choice in the world of baked goods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious treat that fits your healthy lifestyle, you’ll absolutely love these pumpkin donut holes. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional donuts, made with gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free ingredients. You’ll appreciate their low sugar content, with only 2 grams per donut hole. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, reducing grease and making them a lighter snack.
Preparing these donut holes is easy. You only need a handful of ingredients and just one bowl. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and they bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. A mini muffin tin helps shape them perfectly. For a tasty finish, you can make a simple glaze or topping with a few ingredients.
These donut holes highlight the rich flavors of fall. Pureed pumpkin adds depth, while spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice enhance the seasonal taste. Additionally, pumpkin is high in vitamins A, C, E, which contributes to their nutritional benefits.
You can customize toppings with different spices or glazes, ensuring you’ll have a delightful treat for breakfast or a snack. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or a seasonal indulgence, these pumpkin donut holes are sure to satisfy.
History
The delightful history of pumpkin donut holes reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. You might be surprised to learn that Dunkin’ introduced pumpkin donuts and MUNCHKINS® over ten years ago, making them a seasonal favorite. In 2007, they added the pumpkin flavor swirl, which quickly became popular in drinks. This excitement around pumpkin flavors leads brands to release products early in the fall to meet consumer demand.
Traditional donut holes originated from cutting out the centers of donuts, and over time, they’ve evolved into various forms, including baked versions that resemble mini muffins. Baked pumpkin donut holes offer a lighter, fluffier alternative to fried ones, and they often incorporate pumpkin puree and traditional spices for added flavor. Recently, Dunkin’ has introduced new pumpkin offerings that cater to the growing consumer interest in pumpkin flavors.
As healthy options gain popularity, many recipes now focus on baked versions and even gluten-free alternatives. Dunkin’ has also expanded its pumpkin offerings for home use, including Pumpkin K-Cup pods and packaged coffee.
The seasonal fanfare surrounding these items evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making pumpkin donut holes a beloved treat during the fall.
Recipe
Pumpkin Donut Holes
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these easy-to-make pumpkin donut holes. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these soft and fluffy treats are infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, making them a cozy addition to your culinary repertoire. These donut holes are not only delicious but also a healthier option since they are baked instead of fried.
Whether you’re serving them for a gathering or enjoying them solo, these donut holes are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
With a simple process, you’ll mix dry and wet ingredients to create a smooth batter before baking them to golden perfection. Once they’re out of the oven, you can coat them in a delectable cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra touch of sweetness.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pumpkin goodies!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted butter or oil until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and glossy.
- Fill each muffin slot in the tin about ¾ full with the batter, using a spoon or piping bag for precision.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the donut holes are baking, prepare the coating by melting additional butter in a small bowl and combining granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Once the donut holes are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
- Dip each donut hole in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Shake off any excess before serving.
For the best results, make sure not to overmix the batter, as that can lead to denser donut holes.
You can also experiment with different spices or add-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist. Enjoy your pumpkin donut holes warm, and consider serving them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience!
Final Thoughts
Savoring pumpkin donut holes not only brings the flavors of fall to your kitchen but also creates warm memories with each bite. These delightful treats are easy to store and serve, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings.
If you choose Bake Crafters pumpkin donut holes, you’ll appreciate that they’ve a shelf life of 10 days at room temperature and can last up to 365 days when frozen. Packaged conveniently in an 18/11 oz pack, you’ll get 99 servings per case, perfect for sharing. Each case has a gross weight of 13.79 lb, ensuring you have plenty to enjoy.
When it comes to nutrition, each serving, consisting of four donut holes, provides 230 calories. They contain 11g of total fat, meeting specific dietary requirements.
For those who like variety, you can personalize your donut holes by adding chopped nuts or trying a cream cheese glaze instead of the traditional sugar coating.
To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container without the topping for up to four days. If you want to make them ahead of time, just remember to add the cinnamon and sugar topping right before serving.
Enjoy exploring different flavors and variations as you indulge in these seasonal delights!
FAQ
If you’re keen to learn more about pumpkin donut holes, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you in your baking adventure.
Most recipes require about 10-15 minutes of preparation time, followed by 10-15 minutes of baking at 350°F (180°C). When it comes to ingredients, you can use various types of flour, including all-purpose, self-rising, or coconut flour for gluten-free options.
Common spices like pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg will add that signature flavor. A popular topping is cinnamon sugar, which you create by mixing granulated sugar with cinnamon and rolling the cooled donut holes in it after dipping in melted butter. Additionally, these donut holes are baked, not fried, which results in a moist and fluffy texture.
If you encounter issues, be careful not to overfill the muffin tin, as this can lead to overflow. Use a small scoop for easier batter transfer. Confirm your oven is set to the right temperature for the best results, and let the donut holes cool completely before adding toppings.
For storage, keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings!
Pumpkin Donut Holes
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir in the melted butter or oil until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and glossy.
- Fill each muffin slot in the tin about ¾ full with the batter, using a spoon or piping bag for precision.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the donut holes are baking, prepare the coating by melting additional butter in a small bowl and combining granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Once the donut holes are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
- Dip each donut hole in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Shake off any excess before serving.
- For the best results, make sure not to overmix the batter, as that can lead to denser donut holes.
- You can also experiment with different spices or add-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist. Enjoy your pumpkin donut holes warm, and consider serving them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience!