An easy recipe for gluten-free chocolate cake donuts that are soft, cakey and covered in a rich chocolate glaze. These gluten-free donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert or as a special treat. The recipe also includes a dairy-free option.
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Recipe originally posted January 2018, post updated January 2020.
Gluten-Free Donuts
Gluten-Free Donuts are one of my favorite baked goodies to make. Nothing is quite like fresh donuts, so it makes me very happy that I can easily bake a batch of donuts in 20 minutes.
Just because you are gluten-free does not mean you can’t indulge in rich chocolate cake donut. All you need is a full-sized donut pan, a few simple baking ingredients and it will be “time to make the donuts”.
You can see just how easy it is to make gluten-free donuts in the recipe video.
If you like baked cake donuts, I have several gluten-free donuts recipe you can try!
- Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Donuts {Dairy-Free Option}
- Baked Apple Cinnamon Donuts {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Baked Pumpkin Donuts {Dairy-Free Option}
How To Make Gluten-Free Donuts
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Spray donut pan with gluten-free cooking spray.
- In a small bowl combine, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and
- Xanthan gum (Leave out if your flour already contains it.) (photo 1)
- In a large bowl, mix together brown sugar, egg, melted butter (or oil) milk, pure vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until fully combined.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix until fully combined. The batter will be thick. (photo 2)
- Add batter to a large plastic storage bag (or piping bag). I like to take a tall cup and put the bag inside of the cup so it’s easier to fill the bag with the batter. Close the seal of the bag.
- Cut the tip-off of the bag.
- Squeeze the bag carefully filling the donut pan. (photo 4)
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. (photo 5)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the chocolate glaze. (photo 6)
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze and then into the sprinkles and place on a plate or wire rack. (photo 7, 8, & 9)
- Enjoy!
- Store in an air-tight container.
Tips For Making Gluten-Free Donuts
My trick for making donuts easy is to put the donut batter into a large plastic storage bag, then snip the end off and use it to pipe the batter into my donut pan.
I fill the bag similar to how I fill a piping bag for frosting. I place the bag inside a tall cup or glass, corner down inside the cup and then fold the excess bag over the edges of the cup.
Trust me, it’s the easiest way to get the donut batter neatly into the donut pan. It also makes it easy to clean up too!
I also use gluten-free cooking spray to grease the donut pan. I like gluten-free coconut oil cooking spray.
Do I Have To Use A Donut Pan?
It is best to use a donut pan when you are making baked donuts. I ordered my donut pan from Amazon. I have also seen them at Target, Walmart and craft stores in the baking aisle.
If you do not have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan or a mini muffin pan instead. The donuts will take longer to bake in a muffin pan. I would start with adding 2 minutes and add another 2 minutes until they are done.
Can I Freeze Donuts?
Yes, you can easily freeze baked donuts. There are several ways to freeze donuts.
If you are freezing donuts with the glaze, you can freeze the donuts once they are completely cooled. Place the cooled donuts on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for several hours until frozen.
Once the glazed donuts are frozen, remove the frozen donuts from the baking sheet and place them in a plastic freezer bag and back into the freezer. The glazed donuts can be frozen up to three months.
If you are wanting to freeze the donuts before they are dipped into the glaze, you can place the completely cooled donuts into a plastic freezer bag and into the freezer for up to 3 months.
The donuts can be easily defrosted in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave if not glazed.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
My favorite brand of gluten-free flour is Pillsbury gluten-free flour. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal.
I like baking with an all-purpose rice flour blend that is a cup for cup. A cup for cup rice flour blend is one that already has xanthan gum included.
Xanthan gum helps to replace the elasticity and texture of gluten. It makes gluten-free baking so much easier! Make sure not to add any extra xanthan gum to your flour if it already has it in it. If you do, you will get gummy donuts!
This donut recipe will not work will almond or coconut flour. The recipe was developed with a rice flour blend (Pillsbury gluten-free).
Tips For Measuring Gluten-Free Flour
I have found that the best way to measure gluten-free flour is to use the “spoon & level” method. I use a spoon to scoop the flour out of the bag into a measuring cup. After spooning the flour into a measuring cup, use the back of a knife to level the flour off the measuring cup.
Please do not use a measuring cup to scoop the flour directly out of the bag. If you do, you may get more flour than the recipe calls for.
This recipe will not work with almond or coconut flour.
What Brand Of Gluten-Free Sprinkles Do You Recommend?
One of the questions I get asked all of the time is what brand of gluten-free sprinkles I use in my gluten-free baking. I buy Walmart’s brand called Great Value or the Wilton brand sprinkles.
Please make sure to check the label of any sprinkles you buy, because companies often change ingredients.
Simply dip the warm donut into the rich chocolate glaze and then into the gluten-free sprinkles. Sprinkles are optional, but not at our house. For my kids, the more sprinkles the better, and I couldn’t agree more.
Sprinkles make everything better!
Gluten-Free And Dairy-Free Chocolate Donuts
I have also included a dairy-free option for the gluten-free chocolate donuts recipe. I always try and include a dairy-free option to my recipes because several members of my family, including myself, are also dairy-free.
For the dairy-free option for this gluten-free donut recipe, I used Smart Balance butter and almond milk. So, now you too can enjoy a gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate donuts. I promise that the donuts are just as delicious made with dairy-free milk and dairy-free butter.
Some of my favorite dairy-free alternatives that I like to bake with are Smart Balance butter, coconut oil, unsweetened almond, cashew or coconut milk (beverage in cartons). If you can’t have nuts, you can also use soy milk.
Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
Making homemade gluten-free donuts is super easy, and they are made in just 20 minutes. These soft and cakey chocolate donuts covered in a rich chocolate glaze and dunked in sprinkles are perfect for breakfast, dessert or as a special treat.
More Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes For You To Try!
- Easy Gluten-Free Pancakes {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}
- Gluten-Free Buttermilk Biscuits {Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread {Dairy-Free Option}
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Donuts {Dairy-Free Option}
Ingredients
Donuts:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose rice flour blend with xanthan gum I like Pillsbury gluten-free. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk dairy-free use coconut, almond or cashew milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted dairy-free use melted Smart Balance butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- gluten-free sprinkles optional
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk depending on how thick you want your glaze ,dairy-free use unsweetened almond, cashew, or coconut milk.
- dash of cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Spray donut pan with gluten-free cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and brown sugar.
- Add the egg, melted butter, milk, pure vanilla extract, and until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
- Add batter to a large plastic storage bag (or piping bag). I like to take a tall cup and put the bag inside of the cup so it’s easier to fill the bag with the batter. Close the seal of the bag. Cut the tip off of the bag.
- Squeeze the bag carefully filling the donut pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- In a small bowl whisk together the ingredients for the chocolate glaze.
- Dip each warm donut into the glaze and then into the sprinkles and place on a plate or wire rack. Enjoy!
- Store in air-tight container.
Video
Notes
- I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- For the dairy-free option I used Smart Blalnce butter and unsweetned almond milk.
- See the recipe ost for freezing instructions.
- Mama says, "Check all of your labels!"
Nutrition
Deb Bryson says
Again, a stupendous recipe! These are delicious—better than my local bakery and, of course, another treat for my g-f family. You’re the best, Audrey; your directions are easily followed, and your options provide so many alternatives. Thank you soooo much!
Kristi says
I made these chocolate donuts and your apple cinnamon donuts the other day from your cookbook, and they were both a big hit with my four kids! The recipe was easy follow, and they are definitely a new family favorite. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle says
Delicious! I ate one of them warm because I couldn’t wait. I used Vanilla glaze because I ran out of cocoa. I am going to make these for my grandkids next weekend and decorate for Valentine’s Day. I am also getting more cocoa so I can make a chocolate glaze. YUM!
Kathy says
I have made these and the vanilla donuts many times! They are delicious, easy and taste amazing!
Tammy T. says
Thank you so much! My husband who is in his 50’s just found out last year he was gluten sensitive. He so missed donuts. I made these today for him and he loved them. Can’t wait to make more flavors!
Tara says
These were delicious! My 2 year old son loved them so much and several of our friends even commented how good they were (even side by side with regular store bought donuts).
Jennifer says
Woah mama!!! These are delicious!!! Definitely more of a cake texture, but who cares…am I right??! From someone who has been GF for the past 6 years and has a growing teen who has a gluten allergy, donuts have been a treat we were missing. I enjoy homemade more than store bought and am so grateful for this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing. I used the great value brand gluten free flower and silk coconut milk as our substitutes. We made the chocolate donuts 🍩 😋 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Marjorie says
Made these a few days ago and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make and how delicious they turned out!
MM says
Delicious! They taste just like gluten donuts. I have enjoyed every one your recipes I’ve tried. Myself and my celiac children appreciate you sharing your creations with the rest of us.
Kristy Hall says
I make this recipe every Christmas. It is a huge hit with my children, even the ones that don’t have food allergies.
I tell all my clients to visit your website for fabulous gluten free recipes. I am a nutritionist and having great resources is important for both my clients and myself.
Dan says
AMAZING!!! MY FAMILY LOVED THEM
Sarah McGowne says
Yummmmmm. Made these today and they are very good! I miss bakery donuts so these help 😉 Going to try the other varieties soon!
Angela says
Perfectly Delicious! I made these for Canada Day Dessert and everyone loved them! I am so thankful as now I can have donuts and they are sooo easy to make.
Heather says
Absolutely wonderful! My daughter just enjoyed her very first donut! We used Bob’s Red Mill for the flour and substituted applesauce instead of an egg. The cake was moist and turned out delicious. Thank you so much!!
Misty says
Just got the cookbook in the mail the other day. First recipe tried was these delicious gluten-free milk-free donuts. Can’t wait to explore more recipes in the cookbook.
Misty says
This was the first recipe I tried out of the cookbook. It was delicious. I can’t wait to try other recipes out of the cookbook.
Amanda K. says
These were delicious and so easy! I used Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free flour and they turned out perfect. Love the chocolate glaze – no corn syrup – thank you!
Konda McKeeby says
This recipe is so easy and tastes fabulous!! My grandkids made them twice in one week since they disappeared so fast. Love it that they are baked!! Vanilla donuts were fabulous too!!
Michelle W says
Tested these out for a 4-H project. This is a winner. Can’t wait to try the other versions.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Michelle for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the donuts and I hope you enjoy the other recipe you try. Thank you again!
Lesli says
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We have a birthday donut tradition at our house. Birthday person wakes up with a donut on the birthday plate and a flaming candle near their face to the whole family (the other 7 of us) singing Happy Birthday as their alarm clock. This is the first birthday my 2boys have had since finding out about their food allergies (26 for 1 & 36 the other) Made these donuts this morning, and even with the modifications I had to make, they turned out fantastic!! Even my kiddos with no food issues at all were begging for seconds and thirds! I can’t wait to try your other donut recipes for birthdays to come! (In case you are wondering, this recipe works great with cassava flour, water in place of milk and maple sugar in place of brown sugar ☺)
Audrey says
Thank you so much Lesli for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my day! I am so happy that everyone enjoyed the donuts and that you were able to use my recipe for your family birthday donut tradition. That makes my heart so happy to hear! Thank you for sharing your modifications, as I know it will help others. I have not tried baking with cassava flour, but I am definitely adding that to muy list. Thank you again!
Amy Velasquez says
Delicious! And so tender!
My son needed donuts for Donuts with Dad at his preschool. Audrey to the rescue!! My son was so thrilled with his delicious treat. I made them also egg-free for him (I used a flax egg), and while they were so tender that they fell apart of you weren’t too careful, I was pleased that they held and weren’t dry. I did have to add a little more flour to compensate. I will definitely make this again. I now just wish for a blueberry cake donut!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Amy for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my day! It makes my heart so happy to hear your son enjoyed the donuts for Donuts with Dad day. Thank you for sharing that you used the flax egg with the recipes, as I know it will help others. I’ll see what I can do about a blueberry cake donut. Thanks again Amy!
Alexandra says
Wow! I never write reviews, but these are incredible. I used the Bob’s 1 to 1 baking flour, almond milk, coconut sugar and avocado oil (bc i was too lazy to melt butter). Absolutely amazing! Will make again for sure!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Alexandra for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the chocolate donuts, that they were amazing, and you will make them again. I really appreciate you leaving a review, as they mean a lot to me. Thanks again!
Melinda says
Delicious! Very cakey which is exactly what I wanted! And super quick to make!
Audrey says
Thank you so Melinda for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the chocolate cake donuts and they were super quick to make. Thanks again!
Renee says
Oh goodness, these are incredible! The only thing I did differently was to use lactose free milk. Incredible! The hint of using a piping bag was also helpful. I’m off to look at some of the other donut recipes I saw on your site. Thank you!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Renee for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the chocolate donuts. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. I hope you enjoy any other recipe you try. Thanks again!
Gina says
Soo good!! Love these doughnuts … gluten free and dairy free!! ❤️❤️
Audrey says
Thank you so much Gina for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you love the donuts. This really made my night, thank you again!
Ruth says
Couldn’t be easier and I appreciated the well written instructions. I’ll be making these all the time, I can’t stay out of the darn things. Delicious ! Thank you !
Audrey says
Thank you so much Ruth for the amazing 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the donuts, found the instructions well written and that you will be making them again. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thank you again!
Jennifer says
Oh my gosh!! Thank you so much for this awesome recipe! Not only could you barely tell it was gluten free, it’s the best baked donut I’ve made! I’m recently diagnosed celiac so trying to navigate days like “National donut day” (today lol) is silly but a challenge! My daughter had a blast helping make these too. I used Pamela’s gluten free flour blend and it worked wonderfully!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Jennifer for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you and your daughter enjoyed the chocolate donuts. It makes my heart happy to hear that she had fun making them. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. I am glad to hear that Pamela’s flour blend worked well with the recipe. I have not tried their flour yet. I totally understand the challenges of being new to gluten-free and please let me know if I can help you in any way. Thanks again!
BRITTANY HUMPHREY says
So good. My kids love these and so easy to make!! Great chocolate flavor!!
Audrey says
It makes my heart so happy to hear that you and your kids loved the donuts and that they were easy to make! Thank you so much Brittany for the wonderful recipe review.
Cheryl says
OMG these are the most awesome donuts!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Cheryl for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the donuts. Thanks again!
Matty says
These were delicious!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. These are the best gluten free chocolate cake donuts I’ve ever tasted! Do you think it would be easy to convert this to a vanilla cake version? Would you just omit the cocoa powder?
Audrey says
Thank you Matty for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the donuts. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. I’ve never tried them as a vanilla cake version. If you try it will you let me know how they turn out? Thank you so much!
Mollie says
Made these today and they are super yummy! So easy to make that my one year old helped me. Can’t tell they’re gluten free which makes my kids happy as we transition to being gluten free!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Mollie for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy to hear that you all enjoyed the donuts. Please let me know if I can help in any way as you transition to being gluten-free. Thank you again!
Trisha says
Thank you soooo much for sharing this recipe! My girls are going with a friend to a popular fancy donut shop, but one of my girls is GF and nut free. I tried your recipe, thinking mine wouldn’t turn out as lovely, but it did! And it tastes as good as it looks! My daughter is beyond excited! I am going to try and freeze one so we have some on hand for parties she goes to and needs a safe treat. Again, many thanks! P.S. I could eat a whole pan myself….can’t even tell they’re gluten free!
Audrey says
Trisha you just made my night! This is what it is all about for me. I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you and your daughters enjoyed the donuts and that your daughter who is gluten-free will not feel left out. I know how important that is. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thank you for the wonderful 5-star review and blessing me!
Jennifer says
Looks so good. Will admit was feeling left out while the family was eating their free donut today!! Will be making these.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Jennifer! I hope you enjoy them.
Tyler says
So I made these donuts last week and my wife and 2 kids were ecstatic! We’ve missed the pleasures of eating warm donuts since my 2 year old daughter has 20 food allergies. They’re so good that my soon to be 6 year old son requested these for his birthday party next week! They’re cake-like, the frosting is amazing and we also found soy free sprinkles which were an added bonus! I’m saving your page so that I can look through all of your recipes and have more options for delicious vegan foods each week. Follow any of these directions to the “T” and you’ve got a winning meal or snack. Today we try apple cinnamon donuts.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Tyler for the awesome 5-star recipe review! It makes my heart so happy to hear that your family enjoyed the donuts! This really made my day. I can’t image how challenging it is with your daughter having 20 food allergies. I hope your son has the happiest of birthdays and I am honored that he wants you to make my donut recipe for his birthday party. Being a mama of children who also have food sensitives, I know how important it is to find food they can safely eat, but also love. I hope you enjoyed the apple cinnamon donuts too. Please let me know if you ever need help modifying any recipes for your family. Thank you again!