Skinny Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Your Perfect Fall Recipe

There’s an undeniable magic in the air as autumn settles in. Here in Baltimore, the mornings and evenings bring a crisp, refreshing nip that carries hints of fresh pine and woodsmoke. The birds sing a joyful chorus, and the sky boasts a brilliant, crystal-clear blue, dotted with fluffy, cotton-like clouds. It’s truly a picturesque scene, inspiring a deep sense of coziness and a desire to fill the home with warmth and delicious aromas.

My kitchen has been a whirlwind of baking activity, with windows wide open, undoubtedly tempting my neighbors with tantalizing scents. And if you’re guessing the star ingredient in most of my recent creations, you’d be absolutely right: pumpkin! It’s no secret that I adore pumpkin. Its vibrant orange hue, the comforting blend of warm spices, that unmistakable autumnal fragrance—it’s simply irresistible during these cooler months. As any dedicated pumpkin enthusiast would, I make sure to stock up, ensuring a steady supply for all my fall baking adventures.

Hello, I’m Jennie, and yes, I admit it—I’m a dedicated pumpkin hoarder. It feels good to get that out! Now that we’ve established my autumnal obsession, let’s channel that passion into something truly delightful: baking a batch of irresistible pumpkin donuts!

This week, our beloved #SundaySupper gathering is all about celebrating the incredible flavors of fall. And what could make this occasion even more exciting? How about the revelation of “skinny” donuts?

Did you just do a double-take? The words “skinny” and “donut” rarely appear in the same sentence, let alone describe a single treat. But today is your lucky day! I’ve successfully crafted a recipe for luscious skinny pumpkin cinnamon chip donuts, crowned with a delectable maple cream cheese glaze. Prepare to have your perceptions of healthy treats transformed!

Boom! Deliciousness meets mindful eating.

Conquering the Donut Craving, the “Skinny” Way

Here’s the honest truth: I have a serious soft spot for donuts. One is simply never enough. My personal consumption habits typically involve devouring three in a single sitting, and then I find myself reaching for yet another. It’s a testament to the donut’s irresistible charm—that glossy glaze, the tantalizing sprinkles, the comforting dough. Can you really blame a gal for being enchanted?

So, how do I address this delightful, albeit slightly overindulgent, donut addiction? Giving up donuts entirely would be an act of pure cruelty, something I simply cannot bear. My solution is far more enjoyable: I make them skinny! My personal philosophy is that three skinny donuts are roughly equivalent to one traditional, full-fat donut. Problem solved, and my cravings are satisfied without the guilt.

The Secret Behind These Guilt-Free Delights

Crafting these lighter-than-air donuts involved a thoughtful combination of ingredients designed to maximize flavor while minimizing excess. I started with white whole wheat flour, which provides a wholesome, nutty base without compromising on texture. The star, of course, is pure pumpkin puree, lending its signature flavor and incredible moisture. A modest amount of brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness, complementing the pumpkin beautifully.

For fat, I opted for healthy coconut oil instead of traditional butter. Many might worry about a coconut flavor, but rest assured, you won’t even notice it! The coconut oil blends seamlessly, allowing the rich pumpkin flavor to shine through, while contributing a lovely moistness to the donuts. We’re also using just one egg, homemade pumpkin pie spice for that authentic fall taste, and a generous handful of cinnamon chips for bursts of warm, sweet spice throughout.

The result? Oh boy, these donuts are incredibly moist and tender. They practically melt in your mouth, delivering a burst of pumpkin and cinnamon with every bite. The texture is light and fluffy, far from what you might expect from a “skinny” baked good, proving that healthier choices don’t mean sacrificing indulgence.

The Irresistible Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

I almost forgot to tell you about the absolute best part – and shame on me for nearly withholding this crucial detail! These sweet, perfectly formed circles get generously dunked in a velvety maple cream cheese glaze. I know, right?! The combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese with the warm, rich sweetness of maple syrup is simply divine. It elevates these donuts from delicious to utterly unforgettable.

The best part about this glaze, besides its incredible flavor, is how unbelievably simple it is to whip up. You only need a few staple ingredients: low-fat cream cheese, pure maple syrup, a touch of vanilla extract, and a splash of milk to reach the perfect consistency. That’s it! It comes together in minutes, transforming these already fantastic donuts into an even more decadent experience.

“Squirrel Approved” and Remarkably Quick

These donuts even come with the coveted “Squirrel Approved” seal. My husband, affectionately known as Squirrel, poured himself a big glass of milk and eagerly dug into a donut. I looked over, and he simply gave a satisfied nod – the ultimate sign of approval. When Squirrel gives his silent endorsement, you know it’s a winner.

I used to have this misguided impression that making donuts was an incredibly time-consuming and complicated endeavor. Boy, was I wrong! This recipe completely shattered that myth. From start to finish, the batter took me a mere 10 minutes to prepare, and the baking itself was just 12 minutes. That’s a total of 22 minutes for freshly baked, warm, and utterly delicious donuts!

Can somebody say “donut party” every weekend? With such a quick and easy recipe, there’s no excuse not to indulge in these delightful fall treats whenever the craving strikes. They’re perfect for a cozy Sunday breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a light dessert after a fall feast. The satisfaction of baking your own donuts, especially ones that are a healthier alternative, is truly unparalleled.

Enjoy these delightful, guilt-free treats and embrace the flavors of autumn!

Check out the other fantastic fall-inspired #SundaySupper recipes:

Amazing Breakfasts, Brunches, and Breads

• Apple Spice Muffins from Pixie Dust Kitchen
• Skinny Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze from The Messy Baker
• Apple Spice Waffles from Treats and Trinkets
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Donuts from Daily Dish Recipes
• Mini Pumpkin Pancake Kebobs from The Urban Mrs.
• Mini Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Cinnamon Apple Crepes from Juanita’s Cocina
• Maple Apple Bread from The Foodie Army Wife
• Pumpkin Ale Pretzel Buns from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

Outstanding Soups, Starters and Sides:

• Bacon, Corn and Shrimp Chowder from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Pumpkin Tomato Sauce with Andouille Sausage from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Parmesan Polenta from That Skinny Chick can Bake
• Farro Date Salad with Mango and Arugula from Shockingly Delicious
• Butternut Squash Tian with Herb Topping from Food Lust People Love
• Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup from Alida’s Kitchen

Comforting Main Dishes:

• Autumn Risotto with Chicken & Cranberries from Momma’s Meals
• Mushroom and Sorrel Lasagne from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• Roasted Fig & Pancetta Pasta Carbonara from Nik Snacks
• Chili from Casa De Crews
• Vegan Mushroom Pie from Killer Bunnies Inc
• White Pizza with Kale and Meatballs from The Hand That Rocks the Ladle
• Spicy Korean Monkfish Stew (Agu Jjim) from kimchi MOM
• Creole Shrimp & Cheddar Basil Grits Cake from The Roxx Box
• Penne with Spicy Pumpkin and Sausage Sauce from Webicurean
• Bacon Spinach Pasta from Magnolia Days
• Chicken, Spinach, and Gnocchi Soup from Cookin’ Mimi
• Stuffed Meatballs in Tomato Alfredo Sauce from Family Foodie
• Butternut Squash and Lentil Pot Pie from Curious Cuisiniere
• Mini Meatball and Goat Cheese Risotto from MarocMama
• Onion Tart {Zwiebelkuchen} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili from Neighborfood

Decadent Desserts:

• Pumpkin Marshmallows from Home Cooking Memories
• Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars from Table for Seven
• Apple Cider Five Spice Caramels from girlichef
• Italian Apple Torta from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Apple Fig and Pomegranate Crisp from Take a Bite Out of Boca
• Caramel Apple Sugar Cookie Pizza from Chocolate Moosey
• Pumpkin Bourbon Pie with Walnut Crumble from Gotta Get Baked
• Camotes Enmielados (Mexican Candied Yams/Sweet Potatoes) from La Cocina de Leslie
• Maple Syrup Pumpkin Bars from What Smells So Good?
• Pear Almond Graham Cracker Tart from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Walnut-Stuffed Baked Apples from Foxes Loves Lemons
• Buttery Bourbon Ice Cream from NinjaBaking
• Caramel Apples from Pies and Plots
• Funnel Cakes from The Texan New Yorker
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies from In The Kitchen With KP
• {Gluten-Free} Pumpkin Swirl Pecan Crumb Cake from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Chocolate Pumpkin Swiss Roll Cake from Big Bear’s Wife
• Hot Apple Pizza from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Savory & Sweet Coconut Cream Salted Caramel Apples from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz

Tasty Drinks:

• Pumpkin Juice – Harry Potter Style from The Dinner-Mom
• The Best Wines for Fall Foods from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog