Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. Imagine biting into a soft, moist donut that’s bursting with pumpkin flavor and topped with a sweet maple glaze—absolute heaven! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these donuts bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, they are gluten and dairy free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them without worry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple steps, you’ll have homemade donuts ready in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These donuts are great for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time for busy mornings or surprise guests!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and maple makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you need for your delicious Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze:

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 (or any dairy free milk)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize these donuts to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy free chocolate chips to give your donuts a sweet surprise.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for a unique flavor twist.
• Frosting Options: Instead of maple glaze, try a chocolate glaze or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

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 ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise nicely while developing that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pureed pumpkin, and dairy free milk until smooth. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the batter, making your donuts light and fluffy!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the GF all-purpose flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, pumpkin pie spice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking these dry ingredients thoroughly will ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your donuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your donuts tender!

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Spray your donut pan lightly with cooking spray. Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each cavity about three-quarters full with batter. This allows room for rising without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake!

Place your filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Baking them just right ensures they stay moist inside while getting that perfect outer texture.

Step 7: Cool & Prepare Glaze

Once baked, let your donuts cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, you can prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, maple extract, and coconut milk until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze or drizzle it on top—whatever suits your fancy! Allow them to set for a few minutes before serving so you get that perfect glossy finish.

And there you have it! A batch of warm Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze ready to be enjoyed by all!

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

Making these delightful donuts is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and dairy-free milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to fluffy donuts.

• Sift the dry ingredients: Sifting the gluten-free flour and other dry ingredients can help eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution, giving you a more consistent texture in your donuts.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense donuts rather than light and airy ones.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean when they’re done baking. This prevents overbaking, which can dry them out.

• Cool before glazing: Allow your donuts to cool completely before applying the maple glaze. A hot donut will cause the glaze to melt off instead of coating nicely.

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

These pumpkin donuts are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, presentation can make all the difference!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of your glazed donuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Mix equal parts cinnamon and coconut sugar, then lightly dust over the glazed donuts for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy side dish that complements the flavors of pumpkin.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats. Consider pumpkin spice coffee or chai tea for a cozy vibe.
• Oatmeal: Serve a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts alongside your donuts for a hearty breakfast option that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making breakfast or an afternoon treat easy and delightful. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate them to prolong freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispier texture, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I make Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! These donuts are great for meal prep. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them as mentioned above.

What is the best way to store Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?

Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out dairy-free milk with your preferred non-dairy milk. Additionally, if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

How can I make these donuts healthier?

You could reduce the sugar by using less brown sugar or by substituting it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! They’re not just delicious; they’re also easy to make in batches for any gathering or simply as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy making these delightful donuts and share them with friends and family—your warm-hearted baking will surely brighten their day!