Paleo Pumpkin Donuts

Tis the season.  With autumn well under way, all things pumpkin have arrived in explosion, showcased in abundance on any and many menus.  Pastas with pumpkin, quinoa bowls with chunks of pumpkin among other autumnal flavors and ingredients, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin muffins, and of course, pumpkin donuts.

There is something about the color, that warmth induced coziness via the brilliant orange shade.  As well as of course, the spiced flavor of pumpkin desserts.  Laced through with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, all manner of comforting, cold weather friendly spices.

These pumpkin donuts?  Get super excited, because not only are they moist, cakey, delicious, subtly spiced, and easy to make.  But.  They are also gluten/grain free, lactose free, and low in sugar.  No guilt in enjoying one of these babies.  Clocking in around 250 calories each, frosting included (not an exact count, a very close estimate), they aren’t heavy on the calorie end for a sweet treat of this size and satisfaction inducing either 😉

It is my goal over the next few weeks to perfect the pumpkin donut (albeit, a gluten/grain free, low in sugar one.  My two stipulations).

In the meantime, this is a pretty darn good start.

Note: see bottom of the recipe for a cashew maple glaze frosting and how to make it.

Orange Zest and Spice Baked Donuts

Hi all,

Who doesn’t love donuts?  I cant think of many people.  That’s because donuts are the bomb.  A quintessential American treat.  If made right, they are fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth, lightly sweet, and ideally topped with a swirling of frosting.  The perfect amount for a treat sized snack.  Not so much that you feel ill after consuming one, just enough to feel satisfied and oh so happy.

Behold: my donuts are made with zero grains/gluten, they have no refined sugar, and are dairy free (save for two eggs, but if you like, these can be substituted with egg beaters- found in the grocery store.  An egg substitute).

These babies have a unique, lovely flavor to boot.  Orange zest combined with a plethora of spices (a touch of cinnamon, a lot of ground cloves, and a tad of ginger).  The end result is awesome.  And, I threw the dough together in just ten minutes.  So while the ingredients may sound slightly complex to some who haven’t tried working with nut flours just yet (and no, the donuts do not taste like nuts), its super easy.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.