Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes

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Why Make This Recipe

When the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to indulge in fall’s favorite flavors. Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes provide the perfect treat to embrace the season. These little bites of heaven are not only delicious but also easy to make. They combine the warmth of spices with the sweetness of pumpkin, creating a cozy dessert that can bring joy to anyone. Whether you serve them at a gathering, enjoy them as a snack, or treat yourself to a comforting breakfast, these donut holes are sure to please. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love.

How to Make Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes

Making these Pumpkin Donut Holes is simple and quick. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time. Here’s how you can whip up these tempting little bites.

Ingredients:

1 cup low fat buttermilk
1 large egg
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for the glaze)
2-4 tablespoons warm water or whole milk (to achieve the desired consistency)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that your donut holes bake evenly and come out with a nice golden color.
Lightly grease a mini muffin or donut hole pan with non-stick spray. This step is crucial because it prevents the donut holes from sticking to the pan, allowing them to pop out easily once they are done baking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, pumpkin puree, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps, as a smooth batter will lead to fluffy donut holes.
In another bowl, mix the flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step combines the dry ingredients evenly and prepares them to be added to the wet ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. It’s important not to overmix; you just want to combine everything until the flour is incorporated.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This will allow space for the donut holes to rise without overflowing.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until they turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. It’s better to check early than to overbake, as you want to keep them moist.
Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer the donut holes to a wire rack. This allows them to cool completely, and the air circulating around the donut holes helps prevent them from getting soggy.
For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and enough warm water or milk to achieve a smooth consistency. This glaze is what will give your donut holes that sweet, shiny finish.
Dip the tops of the donut holes into the glaze or drizzle it over them. Let them sit for a bit to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Now that you know how to make them, you can impress friends and family with these deliciously baked Pumpkin Donut Holes.

How to Serve Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes

Serving pumpkin donut holes is an opportunity for creativity. You can present them in various ways to enhance the experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve these delightful treats:

Morning Treat: Serve them with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack option. The spices in the donut holes pair well with a hot beverage.
Dessert Platter: Arrange the donut holes on a decorative platter. You can dust them with extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch and serve them at parties or gatherings.
Kids’ Snack: A great way to introduce pumpkin flavors to kids is by adding these donut holes to their lunchboxes or after-school snacks. They’re cute, bite-sized, and delicious.
On-the-Go: Place a few in a resealable bag for a quick snack when you’re in a hurry. They’re easy to take with you and satisfy a sweet tooth.
At a Gathering: These pumpkin donut holes can be a hit at fall-themed parties and potlucks. Consider accompanying them with a warm latte or cider for a cozy feel.

How to Store Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store your pumpkin donut holes easily. Here’s how:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is best if you plan to consume them quickly.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
Freezer: To prolong their shelf life even further, these donut holes freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or warm them gently in the microwave.

Tips to Make Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes

Creating the perfect pumpkin donut holes can be easier with a few helpful tips. Here are some ideas to ensure your baking experience is fun and successful:

Use Fresh Pumpkin: If possible, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Fresh pumpkins can give a more vibrant flavor. If using canned, ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cold ingredients, like the egg and buttermilk, to come to room temperature. This helps in better mixing and results in a more consistent batter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can cause them to be dense rather than light and fluffy.
Customize the Spices: If you prefer a bit more spice, feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the batter. You can even add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
Experiment with Glaze: The glaze can also be modified. You can add a hint of maple syrup or replace some of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.

Variation

Feel free to play around with this Pumpkin Donut Holes recipe for delicious variations:

Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs well with the pumpkin.
Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and an added layer of flavor.
Different Glazes: Instead of a pumpkin spice glaze, try a cinnamon sugar coating by mixing cinnamon and sugar together and rolling the warm donut holes in it after baking.
Mini Muffins: If you don’t have a donut hole pan, simply bake the batter in a mini muffin pan for a slightly different texture and shape. Bake for the same time or until each muffin is puffed and golden.
Vegan Options: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and the buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Using pumpkin pie filling is not recommended as it contains added sugars and spices that will affect the final outcome of your donut holes. Opt for pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

2. Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for longer storage.

3. What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for pumpkin donut holes, but if you want a healthier alternative, you can substitute some of it with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

4. Can I make a larger batch?
Yes! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you’re serving a crowd. Just ensure you have enough baking pans or bake in batches if needed.

5. How can I tell when they’re done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the donut holes will be slightly golden on top. If they look set and spring back when lightly pressed, they’re ready!

With a little bit of effort, you can create these delightful Irresistible Pumpkin Donut Holes. The combination of warm spices, pumpkin flavor, and sweet glaze makes them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth of fall with this easy and scrumptious treat!