Gluten-Free Donuts

If you’re someone like me who has been avoiding gluten for health reasons, you know that finding delicious treats can sometimes feel like a challenge. Donuts, those fluffy, sugary bites of joy, are often at the top of the list of favorite treats I miss.

But here’s some exciting news that I have discovered for us gluten-free diet people: gluten-free donuts can be just as tasty, satisfying, and indulgent as the traditional kind, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!  I’ve included my free donut recipe at the bottom! 

Why Gluten-Free Donuts Can Be Just as Good

The first question many people have is whether gluten-free donuts can really stand up to the texture and flavor of their gluten-filled counterparts. The answer is a resounding yes!

When made with the right ingredients, gluten free doughnuts can be just as soft, light, and flavorful as the traditional yeast donuts like krispy kreme donuts. The key is in selecting the right combination of gluten-free flours and other ingredients to create that pillowy texture we all love in donuts and donut holes.. Some common gluten-free flour blends include rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour, white rice flour, and tapioca starch. These can mimic the fluffiness of wheat or all purpose flour when used in the right ratios.  I don’t see many donut shops offering certified gluten-free donuts to accommodate people’s dietary restrictions, so finding a way to make these myself was of upmost importance since my kids enjoy a good donut every now and then!

Another reason gluten-free donuts taste just as good is because they don’t sacrifice flavor. Many gluten-free donut recipes use natural flavor like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa to bring out rich, delicious tastes. You won’t even miss the gluten!

The Benefits of Making Gluten-Free Donuts at Home

While gluten-free donuts may be available at some bakeries or stores, there’s something special about making them yourself at home. Here are some reasons why homemade gluten-free donuts are a win!

• Control Over Ingredients: When you make gluten-free donuts at home, you get to choose what goes into them. You can opt for healthier, organic ingredients, like almond flour, coconut oil, or beef tallow like I use, and avoid artificial sweeteners or preservatives that may be found in store-bought versions.
• Customization: Homemade donuts allow for endless customization. You can try different flavor combinations, like chocolate and raspberry, lemon glaze, or even stuffed donuts. If you’re vegan, you can easily substitute ingredients like eggs or dairy to suit your dietary needs.
• Fresher and Softer: Donuts made from scratch are always fresher than anything you can buy. Plus, they tend to stay soft and moist longer when they’re homemade, making every bite just as enjoyable as the first.
• Fun to Make: Making donuts at home can be a fun and rewarding activity. Whether you’re baking with your family or trying a new recipe by yourself, there’s something special about the process of mixing the batter, frying (or baking) them, and then glazing them with your favorite toppings.

Making gluten-free donuts at home is easier than you might think. Here’s my best donuts recipe to get you started. Whether you’re using a donut pan or muffin pan to bake them or deep frying them, the result of this delicious recipe will be a batch of mouthwatering donuts!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups gf flour
• ¼ cup raw organic sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp allspice (or can use cinnamon)
• 1/3 cup whole milk (you can use almond milk or oat milk if needed though I haven’t tried it) 
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons butter (or for dairy free, 3 tablespoons apple sauce)
• 1 red apple peeled and diced into small pieces
• Beef tallow for frying

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (plus a little extra)
• ½ tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Whisk dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until well combined
2. Make a well in the middle of your mixture and add wet ingredients
3. Stir until just combined
4. Fold in diced apples
5. Bring tallow up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  The hot oil can be very hot, so be careful.
6. With a spoon, or your hands, flatten about 4 tablespoons of batter mixture into the shape you would like
7. Carefully drop the batter into the tallow
8. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side (you want the color to be slightly past golden brown)
9. Use slotted spoon to remove the warm donuts and place on cooling rack

Glaze

1. Whisk together milk, powdered sugar and vanilla until fully and completely combined. You want it to be slightly runny. You can add a bit extra milk to achieve desired consistency.
2. Dunk or pour the glaze over the donuts once cool enough to handle.
3. (optional) You can sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a little crunchiness on your donuts.
4. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. 

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Donuts

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense donuts. Stir until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Use a donut pan: If you’re baking your donuts, a donut pan is essential for achieving that classic shape. If you don’t have one, consider getting one, as they’re affordable and make a huge difference!
• Fry them for a traditional texture: If you want the classic, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside donut texture, frying your gluten-free donuts is a great option. Just make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) to avoid greasy donuts.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavorings in your batter or glazes. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate donut, or citrus zest for a fresh, zesty twist.  Even adding a different twist on the glazed donuts (like a chocolate glaze) can be a game changer. 

There’s no need to miss out on delicious donuts just because you follow a gluten-free lifestyle. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can enjoy soft, fluffy, and indulgent gluten-free donuts that are just as good—if not better—than traditional ones. Plus, making them at home is fun and allows you to tailor them to your tastes and dietary needs whether you are gluten free or not! So next time you’re wanting a gf donut, be sure to check out my free donuts recipe below! The recipe card is easy to print or save!  HERE are my favorite tools I use! I hope you will mark it as a keeper!