Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts: The Ultimate Fall Recipe

Gluten free pumpkin donuts, warm from the oven and spiced to perfection, are the autumn treat you didn’t know you were missing! Imagine biting into a soft, cakey donut, the subtle sweetness of pumpkin mingling with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s like a hug in every bite, and the best part? You can enjoy it completely guilt-free, knowing it’s entirely gluten-free.

While the exact origins of the donut are debated, variations of fried dough have been enjoyed for centuries across numerous cultures. The modern donut, with its signature hole, gained popularity in America in the 19th century. Pumpkin, a quintessential fall ingredient in North America, naturally found its way into countless recipes, including these delightful donuts.

What makes these gluten free pumpkin donuts so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The pumpkin adds a moistness and subtle sweetness that complements the warm spices beautifully. Plus, baking them instead of frying makes them a healthier option without sacrificing that classic donut taste. Whether you’re gluten-free or simply looking for a delicious and festive treat, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite. Get ready to experience the magic of autumn in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Preparing the Donut Batter

Alright, let’s get started with making these delicious gluten-free pumpkin donuts! The first step is to get all our dry ingredients combined. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving us that perfect rise and flavor in every bite.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure you whisk it really well – we don’t want any clumps of baking powder hiding in there! This step is crucial for a light and airy donut.
2. Combine Sugars: In a separate, slightly larger bowl, add the granulated sugar and the packed light brown sugar. The brown sugar will add a lovely depth of flavor and moisture to our donuts.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the bowl with the sugars, add the pumpkin puree, applesauce, eggs, melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract. The applesauce helps to keep the donuts moist, and the vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
4. Mix Wet and Dry: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the wet ingredients into the sugars until everything is well combined and smooth. Don’t overmix at this stage, just until everything is nicely incorporated.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add about a third of the dry ingredients at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough donuts.
6. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Preparing for Baking

Now that our batter is ready, we need to get our donut pan prepped and ready to go. This is a super important step to ensure our donuts come out easily and don’t stick to the pan. Nobody wants a broken donut!

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you start baking, as this will ensure even cooking.
2. Grease Donut Pan: Grease a donut pan very well with cooking spray. I prefer using a non-stick cooking spray that contains flour, as it provides extra insurance against sticking. You can also grease the pan with melted butter or coconut oil and then dust it with gluten-free flour.
3. Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the donut batter to a large piping bag or a zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one of the corners. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Don’t overfill the cavities, as the donuts will rise during baking.

Baking the Donuts

Okay, the moment we’ve been waiting for! It’s time to bake these beauties and fill our kitchens with the warm, inviting scent of pumpkin spice. Keep a close eye on them while they’re baking – we want them to be perfectly golden brown and springy to the touch.

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking them around 15 minutes.
2. Cool: Remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart while they’re still warm and delicate.

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)

While the donuts are cooling, let’s whip up a simple but irresistible cinnamon sugar topping. This adds a touch of sweetness and spice that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor. Of course, you can skip this step if you prefer a plain donut, but I highly recommend giving it a try!

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Combine: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well until evenly combined.

Making the Maple Glaze (Optional)

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, or just want a richer, more decadent donut, a maple glaze is the way to go! This glaze is super easy to make and adds a beautiful sheen and a delicious maple flavor to the donuts.

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly.

Decorating the Donuts

Now for the fun part! Decorating the donuts is where you can really get creative and make them your own. Whether you choose the cinnamon sugar topping, the maple glaze, or a combination of both, these donuts are sure to be a hit.

1. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them evenly. The warmth of the donuts will help the sugar stick.
2. Maple Glaze: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off. You can place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the glazed donuts with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Serving and Storing

These gluten-free pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here are a few tips for serving and storing them to keep them tasting their best.

• Serving: Serve the donuts immediately after decorating, or let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
• Storing: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the donuts individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your gluten-free pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time:

• Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and give the donuts a better texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in tough donuts. Mix the batter until just combined, and be careful not to overwork it.
• Grease the donut pan well: This is crucial for preventing the donuts from sticking to the pan. Use a non-stick cooking spray that contains flour, or grease the pan with melted butter or coconut oil and then dust it with gluten-free flour.
• Let the donuts cool completely before glazing: If you glaze the donuts while they are still warm, the glaze will melt and run off.

Enjoy!

And there you have it – a complete guide to making delicious gluten-free pumpkin donuts! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These gluten free pumpkin donuts are more than just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, a delightful way to start your morning, or a guilt-free indulgence any time you crave something sweet and comforting. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here’s why: it’s incredibly easy to follow, even for novice bakers. The ingredients are readily available, and the entire process, from mixing to enjoying, takes less than an hour. But most importantly, the taste is simply divine! The combination of pumpkin spice, the slight tang of the glaze, and the soft, cake-like texture of the donut is a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? These donuts are incredibly versatile! While they’re perfect as is, fresh out of the oven, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Elevate the Glaze: Instead of a simple powdered sugar glaze, try adding a splash of maple syrup or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. You could even melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the donuts for a truly decadent treat.
* Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle kick. Or, experiment with different spice blends, such as chai spice or gingerbread spice.
* Add Some Texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted pumpkin seeds on top of the glaze for added crunch and visual appeal.
* Make it a Sundae: Warm a donut slightly and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an unforgettable dessert.
* Donut Holes: Instead of making full-sized donuts, use a mini donut pan to create adorable donut holes. These are perfect for parties or for portion control.
* Breakfast Sandwich: Slice a donut in half and use it as the “bread” for a breakfast sandwich. Fill it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a sweet and savory treat.
* Coffee Pairing: These gluten free pumpkin donuts pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, especially a pumpkin spice latte. The flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a truly comforting experience.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of baking gluten-free; this recipe is foolproof and yields consistently delicious results. I’ve made these donuts countless times, and they always disappear in a flash!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade gluten free pumpkin donuts. I promise you won’t regret it!

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your photos and comments. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you might do differently next time. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your creations!

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