The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (2024)

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

If you love pumpkin, this delicious gluten freepumpkin donut recipe will become your new favorite pumpkin recipe to make. They are full of delicious pumpkin and fall flavors. I share simple directions to make these donuts in a donut maker or baked in a donut pan!

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (1)

Table of Contents

Something about the sweet earthiness of pumpkin makes me want to use it more when the weather begins to cool. Our weather in the Bay Area has transitioned to cool mornings and evenings yet hot afternoons. It is the perfect time for pumpkin recipes.

Check out all of my delicious Gluten Free Donuts recipes for even more donut love!

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (2)

Why This Donut Recipe Is Great:

  • One thing I love about the recipe is that this pumpkin gluten free donut recipe makes a healthy breakfast! Go ahead and eat them for breakfast! This is a sweet treat that has no guilt!
  • Your kitchen will smell incredible, with warm spices filling the air.
  • There is very low amount of sugar in this donut recipe. There is only ½ cup of coconut sugar. Another benefit to using coconut sugar is that it is low glycemic.
  • If you use the optional glaze, it uses honey, so these gluten free donuts are completely refined and sugar-free.
  • I include lots of almond flour to give the protein.
  • These donuts are baked and not fried, so they have fewer calories. They are the perfect fall treat!
  • I use simple, wholesome ingredients that you will find at your grocery store.

This is a great homemade gluten free pumpkin donut recipe for fall that your whole family will love. The donuts are moist and full of sweet pumpkin flavor. If you are looking for more fall desserts, try these Gluten Free Caramel Apple Donuts!

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (3)

Top Pick

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (4)

King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour 3 lbs

This is one of my favorite gluten-free flour blends for cookies, cakes, pie crust, biscuits, and muffins! (Do not use this flour blend for yeast recipes.)

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Gluten Free Flour Blend – I tested this recipe using Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour Blend and King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Blend. That doesn’t mean others will not work. I just have not tested other flours.
  • Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum – If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t include this, you must add one teaspoon.
  • Baking Powder – Use aluminum-free. Check Is Baking Powder Gluten Free to see if your brand is on the list.
  • Baking Soda – Be sure to use a gluten free baking soda.
  • Pumpkin Puree – I do not recommend using pumpkin pie filling.
  • Almond Flour – you can also use almond meal. See the FAQ below to see how to make these donuts nut-free.
  • Coconut Sugar – I used coconut sugar to make this recipe healthier and lower glycemic. You can also use brown sugar. Check Is Coconut Sugar Gluten Free to verify your brand is gluten free.
  • Almond Milk – I used unsweetened almond milk. You can use this or another non-dairy milk.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract – I do not recommend imitation vanilla in this recipe.
  • Coconut Oil – You can also use vegan butter or a different oil, like avocado oil, if you can’t eat coconut.
  • Eggs – Use size large.

Canned Pumpkin vs. Fresh Roasted Pumpkin

First, let’s talk about pumpkin puree. I used canned organic pumpkin to make this gluten free pumpkin donuts recipe. You can also use a non-organic pumpkin puree, but make sure it isn’t pumpkin pie filling.

If you love pumpkin too, try these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins or this Gluten Free Pumpkin Tart recipe.

How To Make Pumpkin Puree:

  1. Cut your pumpkin in half and remove the seeds.
  2. Brush the pumpkin halves with olive oil.
  3. Roast the pumpkin skin side down in a baking pan for 40 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.
  4. You will want to scoop out the cooked pumpkin and add it to a blender to make your puree. Add a little water so that your puree is very smooth. If the pumpkin puree is too thick, it will prevent these muffins from getting light and fluffy.

If you are looking for more gluten free nut-free donut recipes, try these Gluten Free Jelly Donuts or these Gluten Free Peanut Butter Donuts.

Recipe Step by Step Directions:

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (5)

Step 1: Add your dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together all dry ingredients.

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (6)

Step 2: Mix your wet ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and mix. You do not want to overmix the batter to keep these homemade pumpkin donuts fluffy. I recommend mixing the batter until it is just barely mixed.

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (7)

Step 4: Your gluten free pumpkin donut batter will be on the thick side. This is normal, and your donuts will still be light and fluffy.

Top Pick

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (8)

Babycakes Donut Maker, Mini

I love making donuts in this BabyCakes Donut Maker. It is so easy to use, and the donuts cook in just 3 minutes. Clean-up is easy too!

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (9)

Step 5: Heat the donut maker and spray coconut oil in each cavity. The donut maker is non-stick, but the coconut oil gives these mini donuts a slightly crispy outside. Scoop the pumpkin donut batter into each donut section.

Note that the donut batter is a little thicker than expected. Don’t worry because I promise these donuts are still light and fluffy! If you love light and fluffy donuts, try this Gluten Free Vanilla Donuts.

Baking Directions:

You can use a metal or silicone doughnut pan or donut mold. If baking these donuts in a pan, add the donut batter to a large ziplock bag or pastry bag. If you use a ziplock bag, snip the corner and pipe the donut batter into each section of the donut pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375º F.

Step 6: Optional, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.. Be sure to check to see if your powdered sugar is gluten free.

Donut Maker vs. Donut Pan:

You can make this recipe in either a donut maker or a donut pan.

I love, love, love my Babycakes Donut Maker. It is the best part of making donuts. I always use this donut maker because it bakes the donuts and makes my donuts taste delicious. (You know what I mean, crispy on the outsides like they were fried…but there weren’t!!)

You can also use a donut pan to bake these donuts in your oven. Baked pumpkin donuts are so much healthier than fried.

Donuts are so popular in the Fearless Dining household…if you crave donuts too, check out all of my Best Gluten Free Donuts Recipes. And, if you are a pumpkin fanatic, don’t miss my best gluten free pumpkin recipes!!

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (10)

Make Them Egg-Free!

I transitioned it to egg free using two flax eggs. It is delicate but amazing flavor!!! We used Wilson donut pans. 425 degrees F for 7-9 minutes. I let them cool for 4 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.”

Jessica K.

Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Can you freeze these donuts?

You can freeze these pumpkin donuts, so make a double batch!!

Can you make this gluten free pumpkin donut recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can easily make this gluten free donut recipe nut-free too. Instead of almond flour, substitute ⅓ cup additional gluten free flour blend.

How long will these donuts keep fresh?

Store these donuts fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

More Delicious Gluten Free Pumpkin Recipes:

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (11)

Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts with Honey Glaze

Sandi Gaertner

Easy healthy gluten free pumpkin donut recipe.

4.96 from 22 votes

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (12)

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (13)

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (14)

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (15)

Print Pin it

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Gluten Free Donut Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 18 donuts

Calories 167 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 1 cup almond flour *see note
  • 1 ¼ cup Gluten free flour blend *see note
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup coconut sugar *see note
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 4 ounces pumpkin puree *see note
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup almond milk *see note
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup coconut oil melted

Optional glaze

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon cream

Optional powdered sugar dusting

  • cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat your Babycakes donut maker.

  • In a large bowl, blend all of the dry ingredients and whisk to blend.

  • In a medium bowl, blend all wet ingredients.

  • Add the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just blended.

  • Ensure the green light is on the donut maker, which indicates it is heated up and ready.

  • Place a spoonful of donut batter into each donut cup.

  • Close the lid.

  • Cook 2-3 minutes until cooked.

  • Remove donuts on to a cooling rack.

For Optional Glaze

  • Blend the honey and cream. Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and set back on the rack.

Notes

  1. I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF, Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend, and Authentic Foods Multi Blend in this recipe. That doesn’t mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours
  2. If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain Xanthan Gum, add 1 teaspoon to your dry ingredients.
  3. You can also use almond meal.
  4. If you prefer, you can use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.
  5. Please do not use pumpkin pie filling.
  6. You can use any non-dairy milk.
  7. Feel free to use a donut maker or bake in the oven in a donut pan.
  8. These donuts will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 163mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1011IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

This recipe was updated with more detailed directions from an old September 2018 post.

The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donut Recipe - Fearless Dining (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze gluten free donuts? ›

GF donuts last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 month in the freezer. When freezing donuts, wrap individually and place in an airtight bag or container.

What are pumpkin donuts made of? ›

pumpkin doughnuts are flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, classic spices we associate with fall. But they're also loaded with pumpkin pureé, which makes them moist and flavorful and gives them their orangey hue. They're finished with a simple — and forgiving — vanilla glaze that sets beautifully.

What is gluten free donut? ›

It contains a mix of lightweight gluten free flours, including potato starch, potato flour, brown rice flour, white rice flour, and tapioca flour/tapioca starch, to give these donuts their soft consistency.

Why can't you freeze gluten free bread? ›

Gluten-free baked goods don't tend to stay as fresh for as long as those with gluten, so freezing is a great option. Gluten-free also tends to dry out quicker than gluten-filled baked goods. For best results don't wait longer than a couple of days after baking to freeze.

What happens when you freeze gluten? ›

Among them, the destruction of the gluten network structure caused by freezing is the direct cause of dough quality deterioration [3,5,6]. The gluten network structure is important for the processing properties of dough and the quality of the final product.

What is the most unhealthy donut in the world? ›

The Honey Dew Coconut Jelly Stick is the most calorie and sugar-heavy donut on our list with 590 calories and 40 grams of sugar per stick. Not only that, but it has a whopping 680 milligrams of sodium, which is almost a third of the recommended daily limit.

Does Krispy Kreme make pumpkin donuts? ›

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2020) – In an exhausting era of pumpkin spice mediocrity, Krispy Kreme has the solution for all pumpkin spice fans. Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed® Doughnut is a classic Original Glazed doughnut with a pumpkin spice twist.

What kind of pumpkin donuts does Krispy Kreme have? ›

Two brand new donut flavors and two fan favorites

The Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Swirl Doughnut has a swirl of pumpkin buttercream icing and cream cheese icing and the top is dusted with cinnamon sugar. The Maple Pecan version is dipped in maple icing and then sprinkled with pieces of candied pecan.

What is the best flour for donuts? ›

Use real cake flour – not DIY cake flour!

DIY substitutions don't really cut it, and AP flour will not create doughnuts with that same soft texture. Also, bleached cake flour will work best. Unbleached (like King Arthur Baking) won't absorb as much moisture, and you may end up with doughnuts that crumble while frying.

Does Krispy Kreme do gluten free Doughnuts? ›

Wheat flour is used in the base of our classic doughnut recipe. Therefore, all our doughnuts aren't suitable for those requiring a gluten-free diet. All eggs used here at Krispy Kreme are 100% free-range.

Does Krispy Kreme make gluten free Doughnuts? ›

Krispy Kreme, a popular doughnut chain, does not have a wide selection of gluten-free options. While they may occasionally introduce limited-time gluten-free doughnuts or products, they are not a regular part of their menu.

How do you defrost gluten-free donuts? ›

The best method to prepare the donuts is to thaw them at room temperature; it doesn't take long at all for these to become soft enough to eat.

Can gluten-free pastry be frozen? ›

You can make the gluten free puff pastry ahead of time (including the lamination) and then wrap it tightly in cling film and keep it in the the fridge or freezer until needed.

Can you freeze gluten-free pastry? ›

*After rolling out puff pastry to use in recipes, place on parchment-lined baking sheet and into the freezer for a few minutes while you allow the oven to preheat before baking. ***Gluten free puff pastry freezes beautifully!

Can you freeze donuts and eat them later? ›

You can freeze donuts for up to three months. This works best with plain, powdered sugar, or thinly glazed donuts (a thick glaze can melt when defrosted). The best method for this is placing them in a large freezer bag. If you're stacking donuts, separate them with wax paper so they don't freeze together.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5346

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.