Pumpkin donut holes that are coated in irresistible cinnamon sugar crust. These baked pumpkin spice donut holes taste just like the real thing!
Have you seen my pumpkin ebook for 25 pumpkin recipe that aren't pie and 1 that is? I think you would love it.
Hand to God, these baked donut holes taste like fried donut holes. I don't know how I did it. There were several versions, but the last one just popped. I sent the recipe to my Mom to try, and she agreed.
It's not just the cinnamon-sugar coating (which all donuts should have, am I right?); there's a creaminess to the muffins. It's unbelievable, until you try it!
If I had to guess, I would say that it's the high amount of baking powder in such a small recipe. This recipe makes just 9 mini muffins, but calls for a full teaspoon of baking powder. It's a balancing act to use this much baking powder; the spices and pumpkin puree really step up to the plate here.
Pumpkin donut holes:
I'm not one to shy away from frying anything (pickles?, ice cream?, veggies?), but in the interest of getting donuts in my face faster, a baked version can really save the day.
Plus, I'd rather slide these pumpkin donut holes into the oven in the mornings than heat up a big pan of oil. It's so much easier to plop batter in a muffin pan, too, isn't it? you really need a mini muffin pan for this recipe, not a full size muffin pan.
Pumpkin spice donut holes
I love that these pumpkin donut holes are baked before being rolled in melted butter and cinnamon sugar. There's hardly anything that isn't made better by dunking in melted butter and cinnamon sugar post-baking.
This is such a great fall breakfast treat, and I love to make it on Friday mornings before school for my daughter. Nine baked pumpkin donut holes is the perfect amount for our family: my daughter can eat two and my husband and I can take care of the rest, hah. It's a challenge to eat seven pumpkin donut holes for us, but we somehow manage--only kidding.
Happy pumpkin season, friends! Can I suggest my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for an after school snack?
If you try these pumpkin donut holes, let me know how you like them! I'd love to hear from you in the comments.
Pumpkin donut holes with a cinnamon sugar crust. Please note that this recipe uses a MINI muffin pan. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.Pumpkin Donut Holes
Ingredients
For the coating:
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 486Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 285mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 3gSugar: 34gProtein: 6g
Shawnna says
oh yummy!! These look really good!
Nancy Diehl says
I was just thinking about making donuts and these will be perfect. Thanks!
Ashley says
I just made these and they turned out great! They are very moist on the inside. I would say they are more of a small muffin size (which, to me, is bigger than a donut hole). Today in Pittsburgh it's a cold, windy, rainy day-- these little gems were a great "fall" treat.. thanks for sharing :-)
Ashley
Christina Lane says
I'm so glad to hear it! Thanks for making them, and thanks for letting me know :)
bankingonkismet says
unfortunately, canned pumpkin puree is not available anywhere near where I live. Can i replace it with like boiled and pureed squash instead? or applesauce?
Christina Lane says
Sure, give it a try :)
Cheryl R says
These are phenomenal!! So light and yummy, and no guilt. Well, almost.... :)
Jeannette says
I can't get any good (or even decent) donuts where I live, so to me donuts are a real (unfortunately rare) treat. So when I saw your recipe for these baked donut holes I got really excited and was ready to get baking. Until I remembered that I don't own a mini muffin pan. I sat on that realization for a day (and felt sorry for myself and the missed donut opportunity). Then my memory kicked in again - clearly it had been on a little break: my husband bought me a mini muffin pan years ago and I have never used it so far. So straight to the kitchen I went and baked a batch of donut holes. I ate 7 so far in 24h... Clearly, it's dessert for one with those. They are wonderfully soft and moist and the perfect little treat with my afternoon tea. Thanks so much for this great recipe!
P.S.: I replaced the pumpkin puree with apple sauce since that's what I had on hand.