Low-Calorie Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes

So you want donuts. Warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated, bakery-style donuts. But you don’t want to deep-fry, deal with oil splatter, or emotionally recover from eating three full donuts. Totally valid.
Meet Low-Calorie Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes—soft, fluffy, coated in cozy cinnamon sugar, and baked instead of fried because we like peace.

They’re cute, snackable, and dangerously easy to pop into your mouth “just one more time.”

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

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Here’s why these little guys deserve your attention:

• Baked, not fried. Less mess, fewer calories, same cozy vibes.
• Low-calorie but still donut-y. No sad “diet dessert” energy here.
• Perfect portion control. Small size = built-in restraint (kind of).
• Quick to make. Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-pleaser. Kids, adults, and snack goblins all approve.

Honestly, these donut holes prove you don’t need a fryer to live your best donut life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry ingredients. Nothing weird. Nothing scary.

For the Donut Holes

• 1 cup oat flour – Or blend rolled oats into flour. Easy.
• ½ tsp baking powder – Lift = fluffiness.
• ¼ tsp baking soda – Backup lift. Teamwork.
• ½ tsp cinnamon – Mandatory.
• Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness.
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce – Moisture without extra calories.
• ¼ cup milk of choice – Almond, skim, oat… all welcome.
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup – Sweet, but not over-the-top.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Donut flavor unlocked.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar – We’re keeping it light.
• 1 tsp cinnamon – Because obviously.
• 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil – Just enough to make it stick.

Key tip: Use a mini muffin pan or donut hole pan for best shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Lightly grease your mini muffin or donut hole pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
   In a bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients.
   In another bowl, whisk applesauce, milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry.
   Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—fluffy > dense.
5. Fill the pan.
   Spoon batter into each cavity, filling about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
   Tops should spring back lightly when touched.
7. Prepare cinnamon sugar.
   Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt butter separately.
8. Coat the donut holes.
   Brush warm donut holes lightly with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
9. Serve warm.
   Because warm donuts = happiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking.
  Dry donut holes are a tragedy. Watch closely.
• Overmixing the batter.
  This makes them dense. Stir just until combined.
• Skipping the butter brush.
  Cinnamon sugar needs something to cling to.
• Filling the pan too full.
  They rise more than you think.
• Expecting fried texture.
  These are baked—soft and cake-like, not crispy.

Alternatives & Substitutions

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Customize away.

• Gluten-free:
  Use certified gluten-free oat flour.
• Vegan:
  Use maple syrup and plant-based milk. Already egg-free—nice.
• Extra protein:
  Replace 2 tbsp oat flour with vanilla protein powder. FYI, add a splash more milk.
• Sugar-free coating:
  Use a granulated sugar substitute mixed with cinnamon.
• Glaze option:
  Skip cinnamon sugar and drizzle with light vanilla glaze instead.

IMO, cinnamon sugar is the elite choice, but glaze fans are valid too.

FAQ (Because You’re Definitely Thinking These)

Are these actually low-calorie?
Yes. Each donut hole is usually around 40–50 calories.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best fresh. Reheat briefly in the microwave.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze uncoated, then warm and coat before serving.

Why are mine dense?
Probably overmixed or overbaked. Go easy next time.

Do I need a donut hole pan?
Nope. Mini muffin pan works perfectly.

Are these kid-friendly?
Very. Soft, sweet, and bite-sized = instant win.

Final Thoughts

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These Low-Calorie Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Holes deliver all the cozy donut vibes without the fryer, the mess, or the guilt. They’re warm, fluffy, lightly sweet, and perfect for snacking, brunch, or dessert.

Make a batch. Eat one warm. Eat another.
It’s fine. They’re small.