Delightful & Healthy Gummy Candy Donuts: A Low-Calorie Recipe for Fun Treats
As you might gather from the abundance of donut recipes on my blog, I have a deep passion for creating healthier versions of everyone’s favorite baked goods. The inspiration for this particular recipe struck when I noticed a bag of baking gummies in my pantry. A thought popped into my head: “Why not turn these into a truly unique donut flavor?” And so, the concept of gummy candy donuts was born – a fun, whimsical, and utterly delicious experiment. The results were absolutely fantastic, a vibrant burst of flavor and color that’s sure to put a smile on your face. Just a crucial heads-up: it’s vital to use specific baking gummies, not your everyday gummy bears, which I’ll explain further in the tips section.
One of the aspects I cherish most about these homemade gummy candy donuts is their incredible nutritional profile – each one clocks in at a mere 100 calories. Finding a dessert that’s this enjoyable and satisfying, yet keeps the calorie count so low, is a true win in my book. It allows for a fun and flexible approach to eating, ensuring that I never feel overly restricted in my diet. Moreover, this is a recipe that genuinely appeals to the whole family, making meal planning and dessert time so much simpler when I don’t need to prepare separate treats for different preferences or dietary goals. For more inventive yet healthy dessert options that your family will adore, be sure to explore these 29 Best Weight Watcher’s Desserts.
Three Irresistible Reasons to Bake These Gummy Candy Donuts!
1. Experience a Truly Unique Donut Flavor
Forget the standard chocolate, vanilla, or glazed options you find at your local donut shop. These gummy candy donuts offer an extraordinary taste experience that’s exceptionally rare, if not impossible, to discover in commercial bakeries. Crafting them at home not only provides a delightful culinary adventure but also ensures a freshness and customization level that store-bought treats simply can’t match. It’s an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, experimenting with different colors and gummy flavors to tailor them to your preference. The novelty alone is enough to spark excitement, and you’ll love the process of bringing such a whimsical dessert to life right in your own kitchen. This is baking beyond the ordinary, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
2. A Guaranteed Hit with the Kids (and Adults!)
Children are naturally drawn to foods that are vibrant, colorful, and playful, and these unique gummy candy donuts perfectly fit the bill. The bright hues of the gummies and sprinkles embedded within the donut batter create an eye-catching appeal that will instantly captivate young ones. Beyond their visual charm, parents can feel good about offering these as a fun snack because they are a healthier alternative. Each donut contains less than 10 grams of sugar, a stark contrast to many bakery donuts which can pack anywhere from 15 to a whopping 30 grams of sugar per serving. This makes them a “yes” dessert, allowing kids to enjoy a sweet treat without the excessive sugar rush or the guilt often associated with traditional donuts. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the joy of healthier baking!
3. The Perfect Centerpiece for Colorful Parties and Celebrations
Imagine a dessert table brought to life with an array of vibrant, homemade gummy candy donuts! Whether you’re planning a lively kid’s birthday party, a festive summer backyard bash, a baby shower, or any event that calls for a splash of color and fun, these donuts are sure to be a showstopper. They are more than just a treat; they’re a conversation starter, drawing guests in with their whimsical appearance and intriguing flavor profile. Everyone will be eager to try a gummy candy donut, making your dessert spread memorable. The best part? Your guests don’t even have to know that these eye-catching delights are also a healthier option, allowing them to indulge guilt-free. They seamlessly combine visual appeal, unique taste, and a health-conscious approach, making them ideal for any celebratory occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gummy Candy Donuts:
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful treats. Most of these items are likely staples in your pantry, with the star being the special “baking gummies.” Make sure to look for them in the baking aisle of your grocery store or at a specialty bulk food retailer for the best results.
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2.5 Tbsp white cake mix
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp unsweetened original almond milk
- 1 Tbsp sprinkles (colorful, of course!)
- 33 g baking gummies, cut in half (approximately 3 Tbsp)
How to Make Gummy Candy Donuts (Step-by-Step Guide):
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and promises a quick path to deliciousness. Follow these simple steps to bring your gummy candy donuts to life, ensuring each bite is as perfect as the last.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 6-hole donut pan by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set it aside. This ensures your donuts will pop out easily once baked.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, white cake mix, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk them together until they are well combined, eliminating any lumps.
- To the dry mixture, add the wet ingredients: egg whites, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
- Carefully cut your baking gummies in half. Once your batter is ready, gently fold in the sprinkles and the halved baking gummies. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and appearance in each donut.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full. Try your best to ensure the gummies and sprinkles are equally divided among the 6 donuts for a balanced treat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This recipe yields 6 delicious donuts. Each donut contains approximately: Calories 100, Fat 1 g, Saturated fat 0.6 g, Carbs 20 g, Fiber 0.35 g, Sugars 9 g, Sodium 157 mg, Protein 3 g. These numbers highlight just how balanced and wholesome these fun treats are!
Weight Watchers Points (WW Points):
For those following the Weight Watchers program, these gummy candy donuts are an excellent, points-friendly dessert choice. The thoughtful selection of ingredients keeps the point value low without sacrificing flavor or fun, allowing you to enjoy a sweet indulgence while staying on track with your wellness goals. Here’s a breakdown of the point values for the individual ingredients, based on general Weight Watchers guidelines:
- All Purpose flour: 6 points
- White cake mix: 3 points
- Sugar: 4 points
- Baking powder: 0 points
- Egg whites: 0 points
- Vanilla extract: 0 points
- Unsweetened Original Almond milk: 0 points
- Sprinkles: 1 point
- Baking gummies: 5 points
Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, each donut comes out to just 3 points, making them an incredibly smart choice. For those using older versions of WW, each donut would be approximately 4 SmartPoints (SP) or 2 PersonalPoints (PP), making them accessible for various program structures. This low point value makes these donuts a guilt-free pleasure you can easily incorporate into your daily plan.
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Gummy Candy Donut Recipe:
While the core gummy candy donut recipe is a showstopper on its own, there are several exciting ways you can customize it to suit different tastes, occasions, or dietary preferences. Get creative and make these donuts uniquely yours!
- You’re somewhat limited in altering the gummy candies (as noted in the essential tips below), but you can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of the donuts themselves. Consider adding a few drops of food coloring to your batter to create donuts that are even more vibrant and perfectly themed for holidays or specific party palettes. Think pastel pinks for a baby shower or bold primary colors for a superhero party!
- For an extra layer of sweetness and visual flair, create a simple yet stunning colorful glaze. Combine Swerve Confectioners sugar (or another powdered sugar substitute) with just a tiny bit of water and a few drops of food coloring. Whisk until smooth, then either drizzle the vibrant glaze artfully over each cooled donut or dip the tops of the donuts directly into the mixture for a fully coated finish. This adds a delightful texture and a pop of color.
- If you prefer a classic, sprinkle-focused donut or simply don’t have baking gummies on hand, you can easily omit the gummy candy altogether. Increase the amount of sprinkles in the batter for a festive and traditional sprinkle donut. This simple modification allows for versatility while still delivering a delicious, fun treat.
- To further reduce sugar content and Weight Watchers points, consider experimenting with sugar substitutes in place of regular sugar. Brands like baking Splenda or Swerve are excellent choices that provide sweetness without the added calories or impact on blood sugar. Swerve, in particular, measures cup-for-cup like sugar, making substitutions incredibly easy and seamless in your baking.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gummy Candy Donuts:
Achieving the perfect gummy candy donut is all about understanding a few key details. These tips and tricks will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your donuts turn out light, fluffy, and full of delicious gummy goodness every single time.
- Only Use Baking Gummies: This is perhaps the most critical tip. DO NOT use regular gummy bears or typical gummy candies! Standard gummies, made with traditional gelatin and sugar, will melt completely and potentially “explode” or create a sticky mess in your oven, leading to a burnt sugar disaster. Baking gummies, on the other hand, are specifically formulated to withstand oven temperatures, retaining their shape and chewy texture. Look for them in the baking aisle of larger grocery stores or at specialty bulk food stores. They are designed to hold up to heat and add that wonderful chewy surprise without dissolving.
- Whip Those Egg Whites: For an even lighter and airier donut texture, consider an extra step: whip the egg whites until they are light, frothy, and form soft peaks before gently folding them into the batter. This technique incorporates more air into the mixture, counteracting the potential for dense donuts and ensuring a tender crumb. It’s a small effort that yields a significant improvement in the final product’s texture.
- Optimal Storage for Freshness: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will last for up to 3 days, maintaining a good texture. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, though be aware that chilling can make the gummy candies a bit harder. For long-term storage, these donuts freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. However, gluten-free baking often results in a denser product, so to combat this, add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder to your dry ingredients. Additionally, it becomes even more crucial to whip the egg whites until light and fluffy before gently folding them in. These two adjustments will help ensure your gluten-free gummy candy donuts remain wonderfully light and airy, rather than heavy.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love:
If you enjoyed making these fun and healthy gummy candy donuts, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic recipes from my kitchen. Each offers a unique twist on classic desserts, ensuring plenty of delicious options for any occasion or craving.
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Gummy Candy Donuts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2.5 Tbsp white cake mix
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 Tbsp egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp unsweetened original almond milk
- 1 Tbsp sprinkles
- 33 g baking gummies, cut in half (about 3 Tbsp)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175°C), spray your 6-hole donut pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
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In a bowl, mix together your all-purpose flour, white cake mix, sugar, and baking powder.
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Stir in your egg whites, almond milk, and vanilla extract until just combined.
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Cut your baking gummies in half. Gently fold in the sprinkles and the halved gummies into the batter.
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Fill your donut pan with batter, making sure the gummies are equally divided among the 6 donuts. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
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Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the donut pan. This recipe makes 6 donuts, each approximately 94 Calories, 0.9g Fat, 0.4g Saturated fat, 19g Carbs, 0.5g Fiber, 7.2g Sugars, and 2.4g Protein. Each donut is 4sp or 2pp for Weight Watchers.
Additional Info