Pumpkin Tahini Spiced Donuts

Donuts have a shape of a mandala, a circle, a shape that reflects harmony, joy, and instant child-like wonder. Holding a sweet, tasty treat With real food serves a purpose that delights our palates and our soul.

Why Pumpkin? 

Pumpkin is a good fiber source, an outstanding nutrient to add to pancakes or sweet treats like donuts. 

Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A (also known as beta-carotene), which is essential for skin health. Pumpkin is also rich in the antioxidants alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, which, like the antioxidant beta-carotene, help fight free radicals in the body. These antioxidants can also help prevent sun damage to the skin (or help treat existing damage).

Why Tahini?

Tahini is one of the most popular health foods today, and I decided to add it to a seasonal ingredient of nutrient-rich pumpkin puree.

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is an incredible source of healthy fats and has a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. It’s rich in selenium, phosphorus, fiber, Zinc, and iron.  Its most notable mineral is copper, an essential nutrient for absorbing iron. Just one tablespoon provides 27% of the daily recommended intake.

Why it's good to Spice? 

Pumpkin pie spice combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can substitute any or all of these seasonings for pumpkin pie spice if you have trouble finding it. Cinnamon is incredible at improving circulation and can help regulate blood sugar. Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties and is antibacterial, which can help ward off illness. Ginger supports digestion and contains powerful antioxidants to help fight free radicals in the body.

Why Quinoa flakes?

Quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of the proteins that make up your muscles, bones, skin, and blood. The nine classified as “essential” must be obtained from food daily — your body cannot produce or store them — and quinoa provides all nine. One donut contains 5 grams of protein.

Fun FACT: More protein than any other grain, quinoa is so nutritious that NASA has used it to feed astronauts on long-term space missions.

These donuts are protein-packed treats that are delicious and easy to whip up.

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ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Oat Flour

• 1/2 Cup Quinoa Flakes

• 1 tablespoon Arrowroot Powder

• 1/4 Cup Coconut Sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder

• 1/8 Teaspoon Sea Salt

• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon

• 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

• 2/3 Cup Unsweetened Oat Milk

• 1/2 Cup Tahini

• 1/2 Cup Pureed Pumpkin (BPA-FREE CAN)

• 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce

• Optional Topping:

• 1/3 Cup White Chocolate Chips

• 1 Tablesoop Coconut Oil

• 1 Tablespoon Mixed Nuts

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1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then lightly grease your donut pan with coconut oil.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, quinoa flakes, coconut sugar, baking powder, sea salt, and spices.

3. Add the milk, pumpkin puree, tahini, and applesauce. Mix and transfer to a piping bag or a large reusable zip lock bag with the corner sliced off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan using a circular motion.

4. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, melt white chocolate chips and coconut oil for the glaze. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool.

5. Once cooled, drizzle with melted glaze.

notes:

No Donut Pan: Use a muffin tin instead

No Coconut Sugar: Use monk fruit or sugar of choice

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days and freeze for future use.

Serving Size: One serving is equal to one donut.