No bake desserts are a true gift for anyone juggling a busy lifestyle, especially when they come with the comforting flavors of fall. Our No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts are perfect for families on the go. These delicious treats not only are quick to whip up but also pack a nutritional punch with protein and wholesome ingredients. They make a fabulous snack for after school, a cozy breakfast, or even a delightful treat for a gathering. I still remember how my kids eagerly helped me roll out the dough, their excitement filling the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll love these donuts for so many reasons. First, they come together without any baking, making them a perfect project even for novice bakers. Plus, they are made with nutritious ingredients like medjool dates and pumpkin puree, keeping them on the healthier side without sacrificing flavor. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit for gatherings or a special family meal.
"These donuts have become a must-have in our house! Healthy, fun to make, and packed with flavor," says a happy home baker.
Imagine serving these to friends during a fall brunch or whipping them up for a cozy family movie night. They are versatile enough for any occasion, providing a sweet indulgence that does not compromise your health goals.
How to Make No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
Making these donuts is straightforward and a delight. Start by gathering your ingredients and blending them in a food processor until you achieve a thick, smooth dough. From there, roll the dough into thick logs and seal the ends to create your donuts. If you prefer, you can make donut holes as an alternate shape. Once formed, place them in the freezer for about 45 minutes to an hour to firm up. After they are set, you can coat them with powdered sugar or a glaze before returning them to the freezer for a short period. Finally, they are ready to enjoy, and you can store any leftovers for later.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts:
- 10 medjool dates
- 3 scoops plain or vanilla protein powder (33g per scoop)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/4 cup runny cashew or almond butter (if not runny, thin out with more dairy-free milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (start with 1/2 cup and add the remaining 1/4 if too dry)
- 1/8 cup dairy-free milk
These ingredients work together beautifully, creating a sweet, spiced profile that is perfect for the fall season. You can easily substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option or use a different plant-based milk, depending on your dietary needs.
Directions
To prepare your donuts, add all the donut ingredients to a food processor and blend until a thick and smooth dough forms. Roll out the dough into thick logs and seal the ends together to form a donut, or simply make donut holes instead. Next, place the formed donuts in the freezer to set for 45 minutes to one hour. After they are firm, you can coat the donuts in powdered sugar or a glaze and place them back in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Finally, enjoy your delicious creations and store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer, remembering to thaw them a bit before eating.
How to Serve No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
These donuts are delightful on their own but can be even more special with a few simple serving suggestions. You might consider pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy afternoon treat. For a kid-friendly twist, serving them drizzled in a healthy maple syrup or topping them with coconut whipped cream can add a fun flair. They would shine on a dessert table at a fall gathering, combining beautifully with other seasonal flavors.
How to Store
Storing your No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts is a breeze. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to preserve them for longer, feel free to keep them in the freezer, where they can last for about a month. Just remember to thaw them slightly before enjoying, as this will enhance their texture and flavor.
Tips to Make
To ensure your donuts turn out perfectly, here are a few practical tips. Make sure your dates are soft and fresh, as this will affect the sweetness and texture of the dough. If you find the dough too dry, slowly add more of your dairy-free milk until you reach the desired consistency. Rolling the dough into logs may be easier if your hands are slightly damp. Lastly, take your time coating the donuts in sugar or glaze; it adds a beautiful finish and enhances the flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts. You can swap out pumpkin spice for cinnamon or even experiment with adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture. If you want a different flavor profile, consider using mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of pumpkin puree. These variations open up an array of possibilities for enjoying this recipe throughout the year.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, make sure to use gluten-free almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
How many donuts does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically yields about 12-14 donuts, depending on the size you roll them.
Can I sweeten these more?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter donut, add an extra medjool date or a splash of maple syrup to the mixture.
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but keep in mind it will change the texture and nutritional profile of the donuts.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for other healthy treats that fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle, check out our Protein Muffins or our Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse. Both recipes are nutritious, delicious, and family-approved!
Don’t forget to visit our Pinterest for more recipe ideas:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Spice Protein Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Add all the donut ingredients to a food processor and blend until a thick and smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough into thick logs and seal the ends together to form donuts, or make donut holes instead.
- Place the formed donuts in the freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to set.
- After they are firm, coat the donuts in powdered sugar or a glaze, then return them to the freezer for another 20-30 minutes.
- Enjoy your delicious creations! Store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer, thawing slightly before eating.