Name: Gluten Free Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 + 1/3 cups Coconut sugar; 1/2 cup Palm Shortening; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup almond milk; 2 2/3 cups Gluten Free All Purpose Flour; 1.5 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 3/4 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 90 reviews

If you have been searching for a delightful treat that is friendly to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing any of the classic donut charm, this Gluten Free Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy donuts with just the right hint of sweetness and spice, baked to perfection and crafted from wholesome ingredients that bring both comfort and joy. These donuts are not only easy to make but also wonderfully satisfying, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a blue and white container of Spectrum organic shortening at the bottom left, next to a blue carton of Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Above the shortening is a beige box of Bowl & Basket pure baking soda, next to a dark brown bottle of Watkins organic pure vanilla, and two brown eggs placed side by side. To the right of the eggs, there is a clear spice bottle of Happy Bell ground nutmeg, followed by a white and blue container of Kalas classic salt. On the far right is a yellow bag of unrefined coconut sugar with a clear window showing the sugar inside. In front of the eggs and vanilla bottle, there is a white and blue bag of Krusteaz gluten-free all-purpose flour with an image of flour in a blue bowl. Lastly, in front of the salt container and coconut sugar is a beige tin of Trader Joe’s baking powder with a vintage cake illustration on it. The colors are soft and natural, and the ingredients are well lit, with the whole scene conveying a clean and organized baking setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating the perfect gluten free donuts. From the coconut sugar adding rich sweetness to the almond milk that lends a tender crumb, each component is simple yet essential for achieving that delightful donut experience.

Coconut sugar (1/2 + 1/3 cups): Provides a natural, caramel-like sweetness that enhances flavor without overpowering.
Palm shortening (1/2 cup): Keeps the donuts moist and tender with a delicate crumb and helps with a light texture.
Eggs (2): Bind and add richness, giving the dough structure and stability.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and depth, rounding out the sweetness beautifully.
Almond milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle nutty note while keeping the batter dairy-free.
Gluten free all-purpose flour (2 2/3 cups): The heart of the recipe, this blend ensures a soft, yet sturdy donut base.
Baking powder (1.5 tsp): Gives the donuts a light, airy lift during baking.
Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Works with the baking powder to create the perfect rise and texture.
Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle warm spice that makes the donuts feel cozy and comforting.
Salt (3/4 tsp): Balances and elevates all the sweet and savory notes.

How to Make Gluten Free Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s hot and ready when your batter is prepared. Having the oven properly preheated ensures your donuts get that golden crust while staying tender inside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, palm shortening, and coconut sugar until everything is completely combined and smooth. This mixture creates a rich, velvety base for your donuts.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry elements helps distribute the rising agents and spices evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients little by little into the wet mixture, mixing gently with a hand mixer or beaters. It’s important to stop as soon as everything is incorporated — overmixing can make your donuts tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Molds

Spoon the batter into a gallon-sized ziplock bag and cut off one corner or use a reusable piping bag for ease and precision. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut molds, making sure not to overfill — a thin, steady layer that goes around each mold twice is just right.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the filled mold in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or thin knife into a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready to come out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan briefly, then carefully remove them to a wire rack. Once they reach room temperature, you can frost or decorate them to your heart’s content before serving.

How to Serve Gluten Free Donuts Recipe

A teal silicone donut baking tray holds nine freshly baked light brown donuts with a slightly cracked and rough texture. Each donut has a small round hole in the center, and some have a little excess dough around the edges. Cocoa powder is lightly dusted on a few donuts and the tray. A soft white cloth with a faint pattern is partially visible underneath the tray on one side. The scene is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider topping your donuts with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of almond milk. Fresh berries or chopped nuts also make wonderful additions that add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte for a classic combo. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or dairy-free yogurt to balance sweetness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your donuts on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display or place them on parchment paper-lined baskets for a casual, friendly vibe. You can also sandwich frosting or jam between two donuts to make mini donut sandwiches for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover gluten free donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out too quickly.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them on a tray to freeze individually first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts will keep well for up to a month.

Reheating

To enjoy your stored or frozen donuts, gently warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving for best texture — warming slowly helps preserve that perfect donut softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond milk with another milk?

Absolutely! You can use any plant-based milk or dairy milk you prefer. Just keep in mind that almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements this recipe wonderfully.

Will these donuts be as fluffy as traditional donuts?

Yes, by using a combination of gluten free flour and the right leavening agents, these donuts come out tender and light, almost indistinguishable from their gluten-containing counterparts.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, and make sure to use vegan shortening and milk. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Do I need special gluten free flour for this recipe?

It’s best to use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to ensure the right texture and structure for the donuts.

How long do these donuts last fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed within two days of baking for optimal freshness and texture. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain quality.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Donuts Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to enjoy a delicious snack without worry or compromise. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you can treat yourself and those you love to a warm, fluffy, and utterly delightful dessert anytime. Go ahead and try making these donuts — I promise they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.