Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts That Taste Like A Treat

I never thought I'd fall in love with a donut that doesn’t leave me with a sugar crash. These Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts are soft, warmly spiced, and naturally sweetened — the kind of baked treat that satisfies cravings while sneaking in some serious nutrients. Perfect for fall mornings or cozy afternoons, they’re a great alternative to typical sugary donuts.

The butternut squash adds a beautiful golden hue and a subtle earthiness that complements cinnamon and nutmeg so well. I love how each bite feels indulgent, even though it’s made with wholesome ingredients. You can enjoy them guilt-free for breakfast, snack time, or dessert — they’re that versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts Recipe

These donuts strike the perfect balance between comfort and health. They're moist, flavorful, and feel like a bakery treat without being fried or overly sweet. Baking them gives a fluffy, cake-like texture that’s super satisfying. Plus, they’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a sneaky way to add veggies into your day.

What Kind of Butternut Squash Should I Use?

Roasted, mashed butternut squash is best for this recipe. Roasting deepens the flavor and removes excess moisture, giving you that creamy consistency we want in a donut batter. You can also use canned pureed butternut squash if you're short on time, just make sure it's 100% squash with no added sugar or spices.

Options for Substitutions

• Flour: You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free blend.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey works great in place of coconut sugar.
• Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) or dairy milk is fine.
• Spices: Feel free to add pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for a shortcut.
• Topping: If you want to skip the cinnamon sugar topping, a simple glaze or even a dusting of powdered monk fruit sweetener works beautifully.

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Ingredients for this Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts Recipe

• Butternut Squash (pureed): This is the star ingredient, giving the donuts their soft texture, rich color, and subtle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the donut and ensures a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices pair perfectly with squash and give the donuts a cozy flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that adds caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with leavening.
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture to the batter and helps blend everything smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Coconut Oil (or melted butter): Adds richness and moisture.
• Cinnamon Sugar (optional topping): A delicious finishing touch that gives a bakery-style look and taste.

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Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

If using fresh squash, peel, cube, and roast it at 400°F for about 25 minutes until soft. Puree until smooth and let it cool. If using canned squash, skip this step and ensure it's unsweetened.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a non-stick donut pan with oil spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pureed butternut squash, eggs, coconut sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the donuts soft and tender.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan molds, filling each about ¾ full. This allows room for the donuts to rise.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The tops should be springy to the touch.

Step 8: Cool and Add Topping

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, sprinkle or dip in cinnamon sugar if using.

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How Long to Prepare the Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts

Preparation Time: The bulk of the prep time goes into roasting and pureeing the squash if you're using fresh. That can take around 30–40 minutes. If you're using canned puree, prep time is reduced to just 10 minutes. Mixing the batter and filling the donut pan takes another 10 minutes.

Baking Time: The donuts bake in just 12–15 minutes, and cooling them takes another 10 minutes. All in all, the total time from start to finish is roughly 35 minutes (if squash is pre-prepped) or about 70 minutes from scratch.

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Tips for Perfect Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps them tender.
• Lightly grease the pan even if it's nonstick to avoid tearing the donuts.
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a snipped corner to fill the molds neatly.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before adding any toppings to avoid melting or sogginess.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Too Much Moisture in the Squash: If your puree is watery, your batter will be too loose. Roast rather than steam the squash.
• Overbaking: These donuts bake quickly; keep a close eye after the 12-minute mark to avoid drying them out.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Removing donuts from the pan too early can cause breakage.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can cause the coconut oil to solidify in the batter.
• Overfilling the Pan: Filling more than ¾ can lead to overflow and misshapen donuts.

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What to Serve With Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts?

1. Chai Tea Latte

The warm spices in chai perfectly complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the donuts.

2. Greek Yogurt with Honey

For a balanced breakfast, pair with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

3. Fresh Apple Slices

Crisp apples offer a refreshing contrast to the soft donuts.

4. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Double down on the fall flavors with a smoothie made from banana, pumpkin puree, almond milk, and spices.

5. Scrambled Eggs or Egg Muffins

Add protein to your plate with something savory on the side.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration: They can last up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Freezing: These donuts freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick snack.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per donut (based on 12 donuts):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Absolutely. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and a plant-based milk.

Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan helps with the classic shape, but you can also use a muffin tin or mini bundt molds.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the coconut sugar slightly, but it may affect sweetness and texture.

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Conclusion

Healthy Butternut Squash Donuts bring the best of both worlds — a delicious treat with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast idea, a seasonal snack, or a kid-approved dessert, these donuts fit the bill. Warm, soft, and lightly sweet, they’re a cozy way to enjoy fall flavors any time of the day.

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