Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to warm your heart and home, you’ve come to the right place! These Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not just another dessert; they’re a cozy hug in donut form. Perfect for those crisp autumn mornings or family gatherings, these donuts are a wonderful way to celebrate the season without compromising on dietary needs.

I love how easy this recipe is to whip up. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight treat or serving them at a festive brunch, these donuts are sure to impress everyone around the table. The sweet aroma of pumpkin and spices fills your kitchen, making it feel like fall no matter the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these donuts can be ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore these treats, from kids to adults!
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and maple glaze creates a magical flavor experience.
• Health-Conscious Treat: Gluten and dairy-free means everyone can indulge without worry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that these simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create mouthwatering donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 wonderfully flexible! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Some Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices such as ginger or cloves for a unique twist.
• Fruit Flavors: Mix in some mashed banana or applesauce for added moisture and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top with dairy-free chocolate ganache instead of maple glaze for a decadent variation.

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 even baking right from the start.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pureed pumpkin, and dairy-free milk until smooth. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a light and fluffy donut texture!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing dry ingredients separately allows for even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so be careful!

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan lightly and fill each cavity about three-quarters full with batter. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake!

Place the filled donut pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let your donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they cool down, prepare your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, maple extract, and coconut milk until smooth.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze or drizzle it over top—whichever you prefer! Enjoy these delicious treats fresh or store them in an airtight container for later munching.

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

Making these pumpkin donuts is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and dairy-free milk to room temperature can improve the dough’s consistency, making it easier to mix and resulting in a lighter donut.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet helps maintain a fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that aren’t as enjoyable.

• Invest in a good donut pan: A non-stick donut pan ensures easy release from the mold and makes for perfectly shaped donuts. Silicone pans work wonders too!

• Experiment with spices: While pumpkin pie spice is classic, consider adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra kick of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures that each bite is perfectly sweetened.

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

These pumpkin donuts not only taste amazing but also look delightful on any table. Here are some fun ways to present your treats!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and enhances the nutty flavors in your donuts.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar gives your donuts an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries adds freshness to your meal while balancing out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Dairy-free yogurt parfait: Layering dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruit creates a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the soft texture of the donuts.
• Spiced chai tea: This warm beverage pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall mornings or afternoon snacks.
• Maple syrup drizzled oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal drizzled with maple syrup echoes the sweet glaze on your donuts, making for a comforting breakfast duo.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your delicious gluten and dairy free pumpkin donuts! Happy baking!

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 in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making breakfast or snack time a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week.
• Ensure the glaze is fully set before storing to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled donuts 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

• For best results, reheat your donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry—just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Yes! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water per egg).

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

Keep your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them!

What can I use instead of dairy-free milk?

Coconut milk works great, but you can also use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the donut batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking for an extra crunch.

How long will these pumpkin donuts last after baking?

These donuts stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, but they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze! They’re not just delicious; they’re also a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at breakfast or enjoying one with your afternoon coffee, these treats are sure to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!