Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then these Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are just what you need! Perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings, this recipe has become a beloved staple in my home. The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor create a cozy atmosphere that makes every bite feel like a hug. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning or serving them at your next celebration, these donuts will surely impress everyone—even those who don’t follow a gluten or dairy-free diet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can have these delicious donuts ready to enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet pumpkin flavor and soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare a batch ahead of time and store them for easy snacking throughout the week.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, natural ingredients that everyone can feel good about.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack—there’s no wrong time for pumpkin donuts!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You probably have most of these on hand already. Each component adds its own unique touch to make these donuts truly special.

For the Donuts

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

For the Maple Glaze

• 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)

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise!
• Spice It Up: Increase the cinnamon or add ginger for a spicier flavor profile.
• Nutty Twist: Include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans in the batter for added crunch.
• Fruity Flavor: Substitute half of the pumpkin puree with applesauce for a fruity twist.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully when placed in the oven.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, sugar, brown sugar, pureed pumpkin, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth. This mixture is where all the flavor begins! The pumpkin adds moisture while also providing that signature autumn taste we all love.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, pumpkin pie spice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet bowl while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones!

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full. This allows enough room for them to rise without overflowing during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens vary! The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While your donuts cool slightly, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, maple extract, and coconut milk in a bowl until smooth. This glaze gives your donuts that perfect sweet finish—don’t skip it!

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

Once cooled enough to handle but still warm, dip each donut into the maple glaze so it’s beautifully coated. Let any excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack.

And there you have it—deliciously warm Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Making gluten and dairy free pumpkin donuts can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: This enhances the flavor of your donuts significantly compared to canned options, adding a fresh, vibrant taste that truly embodies the essence of fall.

• Check your flour blend: Ensure your gluten-free all-purpose flour contains xanthan gum or add it separately. This is crucial for achieving that perfect doughnut texture that holds together beautifully.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust pumpkin pie spice or add more cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preferences. Customizing these spices can give your donuts a unique twist that suits your palate!

• Cool before glazing: Allow the donuts to cool completely before applying the maple glaze. This helps the glaze set properly, creating a beautiful finish that won’t slide off.

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

These donuts not only taste amazing but also present beautifully! Here are some fun ways to serve them up and impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Lightly dust the cooled donuts with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra sweet touch that’s hard to resist.
• Edible flowers: For a touch of elegance, consider adding edible flowers on top. They brighten up the presentation and add visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the flavors of pumpkin perfectly, making it an ideal pairing for these donuts.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds a bright contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for a tasty contrast; it adds creaminess while keeping everything gluten-free.
• Coffee or chai tea: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting beverage option that balances out the sweetness of the donuts.

Enjoy making these delightful treats! They’re perfect for breakfast gatherings or cozy fall afternoons.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings or fall gatherings. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place them in the fridge where they can last about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• If you’re using a microwave, heat them for about 15-20 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat as it can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious donuts!

Can I make Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How do I ensure my Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze turn out moist?

Make sure to use fresh pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Additionally, adding a little extra dairy-free milk can help maintain moisture.

Can I use other types of flour for these pumpkin donuts?

While this recipe works best with gluten-free all-purpose flour, you could experiment with almond flour or oat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary.

What can I use instead of maple extract for the glaze?

If you don’t have maple extract on hand, try vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Can I add toppings to my Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?

Absolutely! Consider adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dairy-free chocolate chips on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze as much as I do! They’re not only a delicious fall treat but also a wonderful way to bring friends and family together. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, I’m sure everyone will love them. Happy baking!