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The moment the air turns crisp and the leaves start to blush with shades of amber and crimson, pumpkin spice season arrives in full force. And while pumpkin spice lattes tend to steal the spotlight, there’s another cozy indulgence worth making part of your autumn tradition — Paleo Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
These donuts are baked, not fried, so they’re light yet satisfyingly tender. They’re also free from gluten, grains, dairy, and refined sugar, making them perfect for anyone following a paleo lifestyle or simply looking for a more nourishing way to enjoy a sweet treat. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves paired with earthy pumpkin creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and lingers long after the donuts are gone.
I first made these on a rainy October Saturday when the world outside was damp and gray. The simple act of whisking pumpkin purée with spices, watching the batter come together, and sliding the pan into the oven was almost as comforting as eating the finished product. Since then, they’ve become a staple in my fall baking rotation — equally welcome at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of hot tea.
And the best part? They taste like an indulgence but leave you feeling good afterward — no sugar crash, no heaviness, just pure autumn joy.
Why Make These Paleo Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
They’re Naturally Paleo and Gluten-Free
These donuts skip refined flours entirely, using a wholesome mix of almond flour and coconut flour for structure. That means no gluten, no grains, and no empty carbs — just nutrient-dense ingredients that satisfy your sweet tooth without the crash.
They’re Perfectly Spiced
Pumpkin pie spice is the star here, and for good reason. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is warming and aromatic, enhancing the pumpkin flavor while making your whole home smell incredible.
They’re Healthier Than Traditional Donuts
Baked instead of fried, these donuts avoid the excess oil and heaviness that often comes with conventional versions. They’re lightly sweetened with coconut sugar or maple sugar, keeping them in line with paleo principles.
They’re Quick and Easy to Make
In under 30 minutes, you can go from mixing your ingredients to pulling a batch of golden donuts out of the oven. No yeast, no deep fryer, no complicated steps.
They’re Crowd-Pleasing
Even friends and family who aren’t following paleo will love them. They’re flavorful, moist, and feel like a special treat without tasting “healthy” in the way some alternative baked goods do.
If you love recipes that deliver on both flavor and nutrition, the Practical Paleo Cookbook is an excellent resource. It’s packed with paleo-friendly breakfasts, desserts, and snacks that are simple to make but feel like gourmet creations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 12 donuts.
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups almond flour (finely ground for best texture)
¼ cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free, aluminum-free)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for an extra layer of warmth)
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
3 large eggs (room temperature)
¾ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened; not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
¼ cup coconut oil (melted and cooled slightly)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan with melted coconut oil or use silicone molds for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until there are no clumps. This ensures even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add pumpkin purée, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and silky.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined — overmixing can make the donuts dense. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
Step 5: Fill the Pan
Spoon the batter into the donut molds, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the tops for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and (Optional) Coat
Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For the cinnamon-sugar topping, brush each donut lightly with melted coconut oil, then roll in the cinnamon and coconut sugar mixture.
The Practical Paleo Cookbook offers fantastic topping variations and glaze recipes that pair perfectly with donuts like these, including dairy-free chocolate glazes and maple drizzles.
Tips and Substitutions
Egg-Free Option: Use 3 flax eggs (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water; rest 10 minutes before using).
Sweeter Treat: Use maple syrup instead of coconut sugar, reducing the coconut oil slightly to account for extra moisture.
Nut-Free Swap: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour (texture will be similar, but color may darken slightly due to natural reactions).
Extra Moisture: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce for an even softer crumb.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Donuts: Once cooled, dip in melted dark chocolate and let set on parchment paper.
Maple-Glazed Donuts: Mix coconut butter, maple syrup, and a splash of almond milk for a creamy drizzle.
Pumpkin Protein Donuts: Add 1–2 scoops of paleo-friendly protein powder and slightly increase pumpkin purée for balance.
If you’re inspired by this recipe, the Practical Paleo Cookbook has an entire section dedicated to desserts that are both nutrient-rich and crave-worthy.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 60% DV
Manganese: 20% DV
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, while almond flour adds vitamin E and healthy fats for lasting energy.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: Wrap individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Serving Ideas:
Pair with herbal tea or black coffee for a balanced start to your day.
Slice in half and spread with almond or cashew butter for extra protein.
Serve with fresh berries for a colorful brunch plate.
For more ideas on pairing paleo baked goods with nutrient-rich beverages and snacks, check out the seasonal meal plans in the Practical Paleo Cookbook.
Common Questions
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
No. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture of the donuts.
2. Can I make these in a muffin tin instead?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to 22–25 minutes.
3. How do I get the donuts extra fluffy?
Use room-temperature eggs and avoid overmixing the batter.
4. Can I make these low-carb?
Replace coconut sugar with a paleo-friendly, low-carb sweetener and slightly adjust liquids for the best texture.
Conclusion
There’s something deeply satisfying about enjoying a treat that feels indulgent yet fuels your body with nourishing ingredients. These Paleo Pumpkin Spice Donuts capture the essence of autumn in every bite — the cozy warmth of cinnamon, the rich sweetness of pumpkin, and the soft, tender crumb that makes each donut irresistible.
Whether you serve them for a lazy Sunday breakfast, bring them to a fall gathering, or simply enjoy one with your afternoon coffee, they’re proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the flavors you love. With just a few wholesome ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can create something that delights your taste buds and supports your wellness goals.
