There’s something magical about the smell of pumpkin spice in the air – it just screams cozy sweaters, falling leaves, and all things autumn. But who says those warm, spiced flavors can’t be part of your healthy routine? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with these pumpkin spice protein donuts. They’re my guilt-free way to enjoy that classic fall flavor while actually fueling my body right. I first whipped these up during marathon training when I needed a post-run treat that wasn’t just empty carbs. Now they’re my go-to snack from September through November (okay fine, sometimes I make them year-round – they’re that good). The best part? These baked delights come together in one bowl and are packed with 8 grams of protein per donut. Forget sad diet food – this is how healthy eating should taste!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
Oh, trust me, these aren’t your average donuts. Here’s why they’ve become a permanent fixture in my kitchen:
- They’re secretly healthy! No guilt here – they’re packed with protein and real pumpkin.
- So easy to whip up. One bowl, ten minutes of prep, and you’re done.
- That cozy fall flavor hits all the right notes with warm spices.
- They actually keep you full thanks to all that protein and fiber.
Seriously, it’s like having dessert for breakfast, but your fitness goals are totally cool with it.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
Gathering these simple ingredients is half the battle – and trust me, you probably have most of them already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 2 large eggs at room temperature – they mix in better this way
- 1/4 cup maple syrup – the real stuff, not pancake syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – splurge on the good vanilla if you can
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour – just blend rolled oats if you don’t have flour
- 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla protein powder – my favorite brand works best
- 1 tsp baking powder – check that it’s fresh!
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice – or make your own blend
- 1/4 tsp salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
Alright, let’s get baking! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect protein-packed donuts in no time.
Preparing the Batter
First things first – grab your biggest mixing bowl (I always use my favorite yellow one). Start by whisking together the wet ingredients – pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix until it’s completely smooth, no egg streaks remaining! In another bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Now here’s my secret: add the dry ingredients to the wet in two batches, stirring gently after each addition. You want the batter just combined – a few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing will make your donuts tough, and nobody wants that.
Baking the Donuts
While you were mixing, your oven should have been preheating to 350°F (if not, wait for it!). Lightly grease your donut pan – I swear by coconut oil spray for this. Now, here’s my trick: use a piping bag or a ziplock with the corner snipped off to neatly fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes – you’ll know they’re done when they spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes (patience is hard, I know!), then transfer to a wire rack. They’ll pop right out when they’re ready!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
After making these dozens of times (what? I told you I’m obsessed!), I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:
- Don’t overmix! Stir until just combined – lumpy batter makes tender donuts.
- That piping bag trick is worth the extra minute – you’ll get picture-perfect rings every time.
- Taste your batter before baking – add an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you like things sweeter.
- Let them cool completely before glazing or they’ll soak it all up.
- Double the batch! They freeze beautifully for up to a month.
See? Pro-level donuts with zero fuss!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Listen, I get it – sometimes you’re halfway through a recipe and realize you’re out of something. No panic needed! These pumpkin spice protein donuts are crazy forgiving. Here are my favorite swaps:
- Out of oat flour? Almond flour works beautifully (just add an extra tbsp since it’s dryer).
- No maple syrup? Honey or agave will do the trick – use the same amount.
- Vegan? Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) work like magic.
- Different protein powder? Any vanilla or unflavored variety works – just avoid chocolate unless you want chocolate-pumpkin (actually…not bad!).
- Extra indulgent? Swap half the oat flour for whole wheat pastry flour.
The beauty is you can tweak this base recipe endlessly – I’ve even added chopped pecans or dark chocolate chips when feeling fancy!
Serving & Storing Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but let me tell you my storage secrets! Pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days – if they last that long! For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer (I use parchment between layers) for up to a month. Quick tip: 10 seconds in
Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
Let me tell you why these donuts make me feel so good about indulging! Each one packs a solid 8 grams of protein – that’s like eating a hard-boiled egg but way more delicious. With only 6g of sugar and 2g of fiber, they won’t leave you crashing later. And at just 120 calories? Yes please! (Values are estimates and may vary based on your exact ingredients). It’s the perfect balance – satisfying that sweet tooth while actually nourishing your body. Who said treats can’t be good for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these pumpkin spice protein donuts?
Absolutely! These freeze like a dream. Just let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to a month – perfect for meal prep! Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave.
What if I don’t have vanilla protein powder?
No worries! Any unflavored protein powder works great. I’ve even used chocolate protein powder when I wanted to mix things up – just reduce the maple syrup slightly since chocolate powder tends to be sweeter.
How do I make these gluten-free?
They’re already gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats! Just make sure your oat flour comes from GF oats, and you’re golden. Some folks swear by almond flour too – it gives a slightly nuttier flavor that’s delicious.
Can I bake these as muffins instead?
You bet! The batter works perfectly in a muffin tin – just increase the baking time to about 18-20 minutes. I love making them both ways depending on my mood!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite way to enjoy pumpkin spice season without any guilt! I hope you love these protein-packed donuts as much as I do. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out – snap a pic and tag me so I can see your delicious creations! Happy baking, friends!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts Pack 8g Protein Per Bite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Enjoy these delicious pumpkin spice protein donuts as a healthy snack or dessert. Packed with protein and warm spices, they’re perfect for fall or any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Substitute almond flour for oat flour if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American