Donuts have long been a beloved treat for people around the world, but finding a version that is both gluten free and vegan can sometimes feel like an impossible quest. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to enjoy a wholesome yet indulgent snack, this recipe is your new go-to.
These donuts are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor—without any dairy, eggs, or gluten-containing ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re easy to make at home and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
With a perfectly balanced blend of natural sweeteners, plant-based milk, and gluten free flours, these donuts manage to achieve that classic soft texture and tender crumb. Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, making them a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Whether you top them with a simple glaze, cinnamon sugar, or your favorite vegan chocolate, these donuts will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gluten free vegan donut recipe combines the best of both worlds: delicious flavor and dietary inclusivity. Here’s why it stands out:
- Easy to make: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or flavors.
- Healthier: Baked, not fried, preserving the donut texture while reducing oil.
- Diet-friendly: Perfect for those avoiding gluten and animal products.
- Impressively fluffy: Light and airy, just like traditional donuts.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ cup almond flour (for added moisture and tenderness)
- ½ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm flavor)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or another neutral oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment
- Donut pan: A standard 6 or 12-cavity donut baking pan works best.
- Mixing bowls: One large for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula: For mixing the batter evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Cooling rack: To let the donuts cool properly before glazing.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle and create a vegan buttermilk substitute.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Blend wet ingredients: Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract to the almond milk mixture and whisk until combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture light.
- Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the donut cavities, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze or decorate: Once cooled, dip the donuts in your choice of vegan glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Tips & Variations
“For a more decadent touch, try glazing your donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze made from powdered sugar, almond milk, and a splash of vanilla.”
- Flour blends: Use a high-quality gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum included for best results.
- Oil substitutions: Avocado or light olive oil can be used instead of coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor twists: Add lemon zest or pumpkin spice for seasonal variations.
- Chocolate lovers: Stir in ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips into the batter or dip donuts in melted vegan chocolate.
- Baking alternative: For a fried version, heat oil to 350°F and fry the batter scoops for 1-2 minutes per side, but watch carefully to avoid burns.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Donut (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. You can also enjoy them as a delightful dessert after dinner, especially when topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.
For parties or gatherings, arrange them on a platter with a variety of glazes and toppings to let guests customize their own. Don’t forget to check out our Magic Dough Recipe for a versatile dough that works well in many vegan baked treats!
If you love experimenting with vegan baked goods, you might also enjoy our Marzipan Challah Recipe or our savory Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for plant-based comfort food inspiration.
Conclusion
Making the best gluten free vegan donuts at home has never been easier or more rewarding. This recipe proves that dietary restrictions don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or texture.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of fluffy, delicious donuts ready to share with family and friends. Plus, the flexibility to customize with your favorite toppings means you can enjoy these treats any time of the year.
Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Gluten Free Vegan Donut Recipe
Description: Delicious and fluffy gluten free vegan donuts that are easy to make at home. Perfectly sweet and light with a tender crumb.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 8 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 26 g
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