Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

Name: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free 1-1 flour blend; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ginger; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup almond milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (for icing); 1/4 cup almond milk (for icing); 1 tablespoon dairy-free butter (for icing); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing); 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for icing); A pinch of sea salt (for icing)

Author: Melon Claire

Published: November 22, 2024

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Get Ready to Indulge in Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

There’s something truly magical about the arrival of fall, and these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts capture its essence perfectly. Imagine biting into a soft, tender donut infused with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Each donut is glazed to perfection, creating a sweet contrast that melts in your mouth. This recipe is an emotional journey back to childhood, where cozy kitchen moments filled with the aroma of baking spices remind us of family gatherings and warmth.

Whether you’re easing into the fall season or craving those comforting, nostalgic treats, this recipe for gluten-free pumpkin donuts will become a cherished addition to your collection. These deliciously moist donuts are quick to prepare and are sure to please both kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a fast, kid-friendly recipe that feels indulgent yet wholesome, look no further!

How About Some Pumpkin Spice Dreams?

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about sinking your teeth into a fluffy, freshly made pumpkin donut? Is there anything better than enjoying a sweet treat on a crisp fall afternoon, perhaps with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate by your side? This is not just any ordinary dessert; it’s a warm hug in donut form, perfect for those moments when you’re craving something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: You won’t need advanced baking skills to pull off this delightful fall treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simple weekend breakfasts, these donuts are guaranteed to impress.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll whip these up effortlessly.
Health-Conscious: Made gluten-free, they are a more wholesome choice without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

To create these delectable Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts, you will need:

2 cups gluten-free 1-1 flour blend
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the irresistible icing, gather:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon dairy-free butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
A pinch of sea salt

Each ingredient adds depth and warmth to these donuts, transforming your kitchen into a pumpkin-spiced paradise.

Timing

These gluten-free donuts offer the perfect blend of fast and indulgent. You can whisk them together in just 15 minutes, with an additional 12 minutes in the oven. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of baking pumpkin and spices, making it a fast yet gratifying endeavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two donut pans to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and sea salt until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to mingle.
In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, avocado oil (or melted coconut oil), brown sugar, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms.
To make filling the donut pans a breeze, transfer the batter to a zip-top bag and snip a corner to create a piping bag.
Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity just about 3/4 full.
Bake the donuts for 11–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently tapped, revealing a golden brown exterior.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 2 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the delightful icing, combine the brown sugar, almond milk, and dairy-free butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until you achieve a luscious glaze. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before using.
Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops in the warm icing and place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.

Nutritional Information

Indulging in a delectable pumpkin donut is a treat worth savoring! Each gluten-free pumpkin donut contains approximately 150 calories—perfect for an occasional sweet bite without overindulgence. Enjoy every delightful morsel without the guilt!

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to reduce sugar or dairy, consider these simple swaps:

Use a low-sugar sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol instead of brown sugar.
Opt for coconut or almond milk instead of regular dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
For a lower-fat option, try substituting the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Serving Suggestions

These luscious pumpkin donuts shine on their own but can be even more delightful when paired with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delicious dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. Serve them on a cozy fall morning alongside hot apple cider, or bring them to a potluck for a festive touch!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your gluten-free pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time, heed these common pitfalls:

Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaked donuts can become dry and dense.
Texture Issues: Ensure your ingredients are weighed accurately to maintain the desired texture.
Messes: Use a piping bag for a neat and tidy filling process to avoid messes in the kitchen.

Storing Tips

If you find yourself with leftover donuts (which is unlikely!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Freezing Portions: Once cooled, freeze donuts in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating Instructions: Warm in the microwave for about 15 seconds for that freshly baked taste!

Tempting Conclusion

Don’t wait to experience the irresistible flavors of these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts! With their warm spices and fluffy texture, they are not only an indulgent treat but also a celebration of all things fall. Gather your ingredients and get ready to unleash the magic of pumpkin into your kitchen today!

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, if gluten is not a concern, feel free to use all-purpose flour.
Can I make these donuts in advance?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
You can substitute with applesauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Chocolate chips would add a nice touch of sweetness.
Is there a vegan option for these donuts?
You can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and ensure the other ingredients are plant-based.

Dive into the world of flavors with these gluten-free pumpkin donuts, and make fond memories with every scrumptious bite!

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