Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts (Gluten Free Recipe)

These Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts are packed with cozy fall flavors and protein for a healthy treat! Easy to make, baked not fried, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!

Alright, pumpkin spice lovers, it’s officially that time of year—pumpkin spice everything season! And while we love a good latte, we’re taking things to the next level with these Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts. 

Yes, you heard me right—donuts that are not only packed with all those cozy fall flavors but also loaded with protein to keep you fueled up for all your pumpkin-spiced adventures.

Forget your basic donut run; we’re talking about homemade, fluffy, and way healthier donuts that won’t leave you in a sugar coma. 

Oh, and did I mention these babies are baked, not fried? So, you can feel totally good about devouring them. 

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a little post-workout treat that feels indulgent without the guilt, these donuts are your new best friend.

If you love pumpkin spice flavors you may also want to try my Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars or my Protein Pumpkin Baked Oats.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN DONUTS

• Protein-Packed Goodness: With a scoop of protein powder in the mix, these donuts aren’t just for show. They’ll keep you full and energized, whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or post-workout fuel.
• Pumpkin Spice Heaven: These donuts deliver ALL the fall vibes, with that perfect balance of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. It’s like your favorite fall latte, but in donut form.
• Baked, Not Fried: Because who needs the deep-fried guilt? These baked donuts are just as delicious but way healthier, so you can feel good about indulging.
• Easy AF: No complicated steps here, just mix, bake, and enjoy. You’ll be whipping these up faster than you can say “Pumpkin Spice Latte.”
• Totally Customizable: Want a chocolate glaze? Go for it. Feeling a maple glaze vibe? Yes, please! These donuts are your canvas for all kinds of flavor fun.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PUMPKIN PROTEIN DONUTS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this delicious dessert (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Pumpkin puree (because obviously, we’re not skimping on the pumpkin)
• Vanilla protein powder or pumpkin spice protein powder – we prefer using whey protein or a whey casein blend. PEScience is a favorite and you can use code BAILEY to save money on all products.
• Almond flour (keeping it gluten-free and fabulous)
• Oat flour
• Pumpkin pie spice (the star of the show)
• Ground cinnamon (because we’re extra like that)
• Baking powder
• Large eggs (gotta get that fluffy texture)
• Maple syrup or honey (for a touch of natural sweetness)
• Unsweetened almond milk (to keep it moist and delish)
• Vanilla extract (because we fancy)
• Dark chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
• Optional – gluten-free baking flour, monk fruit sweetener, dairy-free cream cheese, pea protein, coconut sugar, chocolate chips, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE PUMPKIN DONUTS

1. Preheat that oven to 350 degrees F and spray your donut pan with some non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and baking powder.
3. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is combined and smooth. You’ll get a thick, dreamy batter that smells like fall in a bowl. 
4. Grab a ziplock bag or piping bag, fill it with the donut batter, and pipe the mixture into your prepared donut pan. This step makes you feel like a donut pro, trust me.
5. Pop those donuts into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden and firm. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Now comes the fun part! Drizzle your donuts with some dark chocolate, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or keep it classic with a dusting of extra cinnamon.

STORING LEFTOVER PUMPKIN SPICE DONUTS

To keep your pumpkin spice protein donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

For a warm treat later, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also freeze them! Just wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. 

Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat in the microwave for a quick pumpkin spice fix.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir your wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Use a Piping Bag for Easy Filling: To get that perfect donut shape, use a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) to pipe the batter into your donut pan without the mess.
• Spray the Donut Pan Well: Make sure to generously coat your donut pan with non-stick spray. You don’t want any sticking when it’s time to remove those beauties.
• Cool Completely Before Topping: Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help the donuts set and make them easier to decorate or glaze.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t limit yourself! Drizzle with dark chocolate, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or go wild with a protein glaze for extra flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Donuts should be firm to the touch and spring back slightly when done. Insert a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Freeze for Later: These donuts freeze beautifully! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pop one in the microwave for a quick snack whenever you’re craving fall vibes.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE DONUT HOLES INSTEAD OF FULL SIZED DONUTS?

Simply pipe the batter into a mini muffin tin to create donut holes. Bake them for about 8-10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

CAN I USE PUMPKIN PIE FILLING INSTEAD?

No, it’s better to stick with pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which might throw off the balance of the recipe.

HOW MANY GRAMS OF PROTEIN ARE IN EACH DONUT?

The grams of protein will vary depending on the protein powder you use, but on average, you’ll get about 8-10 grams of protein per donut.

HOW LONG SHOULD I LET THE DONUTS COOL?

Let the donuts rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding any toppings.

More Pumpkin Recipes For Pumpkin Spice Season You May Like To Try!

• Pumpkin Pie Protein Ice Cream
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Pie Protein Cheesecakes
• Easy Pumpkin Cake Pops
• Pumpkin Sheet Pan Pancakes
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Waffles With Pancake Mix
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
• Copycat Pumpkin Perfect Bars (Protein Recipe)
• Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
• Starbucks Homemade Pumpkin Coffee Syrup

IF YOU TRIED THESE DELICIOUS PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN DONUTS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE PUMPKIN SEASON DONUTS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails