Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts – Healthy, Tasty, Easy!
For a warm, fall-inspired treat that’s both gluten-free and packed with flavor, these Perfect Pumpkin Donuts are a must-try.
With wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and gluten-free flour, these donuts bring a cozy, spiced sweetness perfect for fall mornings or any time you want a seasonal pick-me-up.
Each donut is baked (not fried!) and filled with that classic pumpkin spice flavor we all look forward to as the leaves change.
Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever you’re craving something delicious and comforting.
Let’s get started!
Print The Recipe!
Below is a print-friendly format for your gluten-free pumpkin donuts recipe. Just follow the steps, and feel free to print it for easy reference in the kitchen.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts
15 mins
12 mins
27 mins
Dessert
American
12 donuts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup |
| Gluten-free flour blend | 1 ½ cups |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Baking soda | ¼ tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Plant-based milk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Calories: 137
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 7 grams
Carbs: 19 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Vitamin A: 209% of the Daily Value (DV)
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients, then add to dry ingredients.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Fill the donut pan wells and bake for 12 minutes, until golden brown.
Detail Recipe Instruction
Ingredients Details
Below is the ingredient list with some suggested alternatives. Feel free to experiment if you prefer different flavors or if you’re missing an ingredient.
Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | Ensures a light, fluffy texture |
| Pumpkin Puree | 1/2 cup | Adds moisture and flavor |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup | For sweetness and color |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp | Helps the donuts rise |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds a warm, spiced flavor |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp | Optional, enhances pumpkin flavor |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Egg | 1 | Binds the ingredients |
| Milk | 1/4 cup | Adds moisture; can use dairy-free |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | For enhanced flavor |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tbsp | Keeps the donuts moist |
Important Tips
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Egg Substitute: To make these vegan, swap the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tbsp flax/chia seed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Gluten-Free Flour: Always check the package for recommended ratios if you’re using a different brand. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free flour works perfectly here.
Kitchen Accessories Needed
To make these delicious pumpkin donuts, you’ll need:
- A mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Donut baking pan or a mini muffin pan for donut holes
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for scraping the batter
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the donut or muffin pan with a little oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well mixed. This is the base for our fluffy donuts.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil.
This mixture will give your donuts that moist, rich flavor.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or whisk to mix until everything is just combined.
Don’t overmix, or the donuts might turn out a bit dense.
Step 5: Pour the Batter and Bake
Carefully spoon the batter into your prepared pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
They’re delicious warm, but they also hold up well after cooling!
Decoration
To give these donuts a little extra flair, try one of these finishing touches:
- Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a classic taste.
- Glaze: Mix confectioner’s sugar with a few drops of milk or pumpkin spice for a drizzle. For a thicker glaze, add more sugar.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts make for a crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the soft donuts.
Storing Tips
Here’s how to store these donuts to keep them fresh and tasty:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap each donut individually, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Lets Eat!
And there you have it—soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced gluten-free pumpkin donuts that are bound to make your mornings cozier!
With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, these treats are a hit for pumpkin season.
