Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are the perfect autumn treat that everyone can enjoy! They are soft, flavorful, and packed with pumpkin goodness. Ideal for breakfast or as a delightful snack, these donuts offer a unique twist for any occasion. Plus, they are easy to make, ensuring that even novice bakers will find success in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these donuts ready in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion like Thanksgiving gatherings.
• Health-Conscious Choice: These donuts are gluten and dairy free, making them an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Bake Ahead: You can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy fresh donuts throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience as smooth as possible, gather your equipment beforehand. Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving the perfect donut texture.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut Pan: This ensures your donuts hold their shape while baking, providing a perfect round form.
• Mixing Bowls: Using various sizes helps keep your ingredients organized while mixing dry and wet components.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for folding ingredients together without deflating your batter.

Ingredients

These easy gluten free cake donuts are a fun fall treat that everyone will love.

Wet Ingredients

• 2 Eggs
• ¾ Cup Sugar
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Pureed Pumpkin
• 1 Cup Dairy Free Milk (I used coconut)

Dry Ingredients

• 3 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 Cups GF All Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp. Xanthan Gum
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Dash of Salt
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. Nutmeg

Maple Glaze Ingredients

• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
• ½ tsp. Cinnamon
• ½ tsp. Maple Extract
• ½ TBSP. Coconut Milk (any dairy free milk will do)

How to Make Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to give your donuts a nice rise.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pureed pumpkin, and dairy-free milk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Mix together the baking powder, GF all-purpose flour, xanthan gum, pumpkin pie spice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan about ¾ full for each cavity.

Step 6: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into a donut.

Step 7: Prepare Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool:
1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, maple extract, and coconut milk until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze Donuts

Once cooled slightly:
1. Dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle it over for a sweet finish.

Enjoy your delightful Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze! They’re sure to brighten up any morning or afternoon snack time!

How to Serve Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These delightful pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and sweet maple glaze make them a hit at breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

With Coffee

• Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat. The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the donuts perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the donuts on a dessert platter with other gluten-free treats. This makes for an inviting display at parties or gatherings.

As Part of a Breakfast Spread

• Serve these donuts alongside fresh fruit and dairy-free yogurt for a balanced breakfast. This adds color and nutrition to your meal.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the glazed donuts for added crunch. This enhances the texture while providing healthy fats.

How to Perfect Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

For the best results, follow these simple tips to ensure your pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree – Fresh puree enhances the flavor of your donuts compared to canned options.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Use a spoon to fluff and scoop flour into your measuring cup. This prevents dense donuts.
• Don’t Overmix – Gently mix the batter until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this helps achieve that perfect rise.
• Cool Before Glazing – Allow the donuts to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent it from melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These side dishes complement gluten and dairy free pumpkin donuts beautifully. They add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making it a refreshing side.
2. Dairy-Free Yogurt Parfait – Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a satisfying, creamy addition.
3. Chia Seed Pudding – This nutritious pudding can be flavored with vanilla or cinnamon, pairing well with sweet donuts.
4. Spiced Applesauce – Warm applesauce spiced with cinnamon offers a comforting contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
5. Almond Butter Toast – Whole grain toast topped with almond butter provides healthy fats that go well with sweet flavors.
6. Herbal Tea – A soothing cup of herbal tea balances out sweetness while offering warmth, ideal for chilly mornings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gluten and dairy free pumpkin donuts with maple glaze can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using incorrect substitutes can alter the texture and flavor. Always check if a substitute works well for your specific recipe.
• Bold Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time and consistency. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Bold Skipping the Xanthan Gum: This ingredient adds structure to gluten-free recipes. Don’t leave it out if you want the right texture.
• Bold Not Allowing Donuts to Cool: Removing donuts too soon can cause them to break apart. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep donuts at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer a chilled treat.

Freezing Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual donuts on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: For a crispy finish, place in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?

To make these delicious donuts, combine eggs, sugars, pumpkin puree, dairy-free milk, and dry ingredients. Bake until golden brown.

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes! You can experiment with different gluten-free flours, but ensure they have similar properties as the all-purpose blend used.

How do I customize my Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor or texture!

What can I use instead of maple extract?

If you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract is a great alternative that still provides delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

These gluten and dairy free pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are not only tasty but also versatile. They are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack anytime. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Give this delightful recipe a try!