Pumpkin Spice Low Calorie Donut Recipe
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This Pumpkin Spice Low Calorie Donut Recipe creates moist, fluffy donuts bursting with flavor—completely dairy-free and egg-free. This vegan donut recipe also adds in plant-based protein naturally, with no protein powder required.
Love pumpkin spice but don’t love the sugar crash or heavy calories from traditional fried donuts? This recipe is the perfect fix.
These are the kind of homemade donuts the whole family will love!
Before losing 125 pounds and switching to a vegan diet, I definitely enjoyed my fair share of donuts. Now, with a focus on nutrition and calories, I created these protein-packed donuts. They curb a sweet tooth while keeping energy steady – no sugar crash included.
But, before I show you how to make this low calorie donut recipe, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains delicious recipes and tips to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free Snacks & Smoothies Mini-Cookbook full of incredible plant-based snack recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Donut Recipe
This will become your favorite healthy donut recipe because it’s healthier than a traditional donut, but also because of the following:
- Low-calorie donut recipe – Perfect for those watching their calorie intake or maintaining a calorie deficit.
- Healthy baked donuts – No deep frying here, just a donut mold and a preheated oven.
- Protein-packed – Made with vital wheat gluten for a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Fluffy texture & delicious flavor – Say goodbye, Krispy Kreme! You’ll never miss the traditional fried donuts.
If you love low-calorie snacks with protein, check out this Peanut Butter Crunch Protein Ball Recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this great recipe both healthy and delicious:
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Vital Wheat Gluten
- Monk Fruit Golden Sugar or Coconut Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Salt
Wet Ingredients
- Non-Dairy Milk – soy milk, oat milk, unsweetened almond milk, or your milk of choice, preferably at room temperature.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil
- Pumpkin
- Vanilla Extract
Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
To take these vegan donuts to the next level, brush them with melted vegan butter, then toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and coconut sugar for a sweet finish.
- Melted Vegan Butter
- Ground Cinnamon
- Coconut Sugar
How to Make This Vegan Donut Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
For metal pans: bake directly on the oven rack unless you want extra stability.
For silicone pans: always place on a baking sheet for support.
Either way, remember to lightly coat your donut pan or doughnut pan (whichever way you want to spell it) with cooking spray or non-stick spray so your homemade donuts release cleanly.
Preheat your oven so it’s ready when your batter is.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour the wet into the dry, stir until just combined. If you overmix the dough, it will become tough due to the vital wheat gluten.
Step 3: Transfer Batter
Lightly press the dough into the donut pan—don’t overwork it, or the donuts will become tough. Fill each cavity about ¾ full.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake until golden brown on top. Bake time usually runs 10–12 minutes.
Step 5: Cool & Finish
Cool the pan on a rack to allow for airflow, then gently remove the donuts and finish cooling them on the rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
More Incredible Recipes:
How To Use Leftover Pumpkin Pie Filling
Donut Toppings & Frostings
Here’s where you can get creative with your favorite frostings and healthy glazes:
- Cinnamon Sugar mixture (use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener)
- Powdered Sugar dusting
- Chocolate Glaze – a chocolate frosting made with chocolate chips
- Peanut Butter or Nut Butter drizzle
- Vanilla Glaze- A light glaze with a plant-based milk like coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk mixed with vegan powdered sugar.
These small touches turn a healthy donut into a sweet treat that feels straight out of a donut shop.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Donuts
For the perfect vegan donuts, follow these tips for the best results:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best rise.
- Don’t overmix—the batter should be thick but smooth.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before applying the cinnamon sugar coating or glazing to avoid soggy donuts.
Storing & Serving
Keep your homemade donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can even freeze them for a great meal prep idea—just reheat before serving.
Whether you’re craving a delicious donut with a fluffy texture, looking for healthier donuts that won’t wreck your calorie intake, or just want a sweet treat to share with your whole family, this baked donut recipe is a good idea every time.
Scroll down to grab the full recipe in the recipe card and bake your own Pumpkin Spice Low Calorie Donuts today!
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Pumpkin Spice Low Calorie Donut Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/3 cup monk fruit golden brown sweetener
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup pumpkin
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk – soymilk, oat milk, or almond milk
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare and Preheat: Preheat oven to 350 °F. Lightly coat donut pan with oil.
- Make Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Allow it to set for 5 minutes to curdle.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients. In a small bowl, combine wet ingredients and add buttermilk. Pour the wet into the dry, stir until just combined. Do not overmix or the dough will become tough.
- Transfer Batter: Lightly press dough into donut pan—don’t overwork, or donuts will get tough.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool: Cool the pan on a rack for airflow, gently remove donuts, and finish cooling on the rack.
Optional: Add Toppings
- Brush cooled donuts lightly with melted vegan butter. Place cinnamon and coconut sugar in a bag or bowl and toss donuts until evenly coated.
Notes
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
Hungry for more? Check Out These Recipes
15 Best Vegan Weight Loss Shakes
No Peel Apple Butter Pressure Cooker Method
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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I hope you enjoyed this low calorie donut recipe and that you found it delicious!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
I hope you enjoy these donuts as much as we do!