Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavor of fall with these delicious Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes! Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive treat for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, canned pumpkin, and milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the donut holes to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Popular questions:
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin? Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of fresh pumpkin puree for canned pumpkin in this recipe.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly denser.
- Can I omit the spices if I don’t have them on hand? The spices are essential for the pumpkin flavor, but you can adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I make these ahead of time and store them? Yes, you can store these donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Can I glaze these donut holes? Yes, you can drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter? Yes, you can customize these donut holes by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Can I freeze these donut holes? Yes, you can freeze these donut holes once they are completely cooled. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil? Yes, you can use melted butter or coconut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donut holes gluten-free.
- Can I bake these in a regular-sized muffin tin instead of mini muffin tin? Yes, you can adjust the baking time and fill a regular-sized muffin tin to make larger donuts.
Helpful tips:
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
- For a boost of flavor, try adding a splash of maple syrup to the batter.
- To make these donut holes more decadent, drizzle them with a cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce.
- Create a pumpkin spice coating by mixing sugar and pumpkin spice together and rolling the donut holes in the mixture.
- To make these donut holes vegan, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute.
- If you prefer a denser texture, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of milk in the batter.
- Experiment with different mix-ins such as chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips to add variety to the donut holes.
- For a gluten-free option, make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free and use a gluten-free baking powder.
- To enhance the pumpkin flavor, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice in addition to the individual spices listed in the recipe.
- To make these donut holes more festive, use fall-themed sprinkles or edible gold leaf for decoration.
Expert Secrets:
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough donut holes – a few lumps are okay.
- For a richer flavor, toast the spices in a dry skillet over low heat before adding them to the batter.
- For a light and fluffy texture, sift the flour before adding it to the wet ingredients.
- For a more intense pumpkin flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned.
- For a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
- For a vegan version, you can replace the egg with a mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce.
- For a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves according to your taste preferences.
- For an extra crispy exterior, brush the tops of the donut holes with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.