If you’re craving a treat that is both indulgent and kind to your dietary needs, this Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts recipe is exactly what you need. These doughnuts are delightfully soft, irresistibly sticky with rich caramel, and perfectly satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, following a vegan lifestyle, or simply looking to try something new, these doughnuts offer a luscious balance of flavor and texture that will leave you coming back for more.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Allergy-Friendly: Free from gluten and animal products, this recipe is perfect for many dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples combined in easy steps, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves a soft, fluffy crumb with a sticky caramel coating that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Flavor: The caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the neutral dough base.
- Great for Sharing: These doughnuts make an excellent treat for family breakfasts, parties, or anytime dessert cravings strike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts recipe lies in its straightforward, carefully chosen ingredients that bring the perfect combination of moisture, flavor, and structure to the doughnuts.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Provides the foundation and ensures a tender, light crumb without gluten’s elasticity.
- Plant-Based Milk: Adds moisture and richness while keeping the recipe vegan.
- Applesauce: Acts as a natural binder and adds subtle sweetness, replacing eggs in this vegan recipe.
- Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar: Sweetens the dough naturally, complementing the caramel glaze beautifully.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Essential for rising, ensuring the doughnuts are fluffy and light.
- Cashew Cream or Coconut Cream: Forms the base for the luscious vegan caramel topping with a creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Gives caramel its deep, rich flavor and sticky finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter: Adds moisture and tenderness to both the dough and caramel glaze.
Variations for Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts
Customizing your doughnuts is easy and fun, making this recipe adaptable to many tastes and textures. Whether you want to switch up the sweetness or add some crunch, here are some tweaks to get creative.
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for warm, cozy flavor twists.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the dough or sprinkle on top of the caramel.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt vegan dark chocolate and drizzle over the caramel for a decadent finish.
- Fruit Infused: Incorporate mashed banana or pumpkin puree for extra moistness and seasonal flair.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel glaze to balance the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until everything is just combined and forms a smooth, thick batter.
Step 2: Fill Your Doughnut Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a doughnut pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray. Spoon the batter into the doughnut molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising without spilling over.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake the doughnuts for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Vegan Caramel Glaze
For the caramel, blend softened cashew cream or coconut cream with brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and a touch of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and shiny. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cream or plant milk to reach a dippable consistency.
Step 5: Dip and Set
Once the doughnuts have cooled, dip each one halfway into the vegan caramel glaze. Place them back on the wire rack so excess glaze can drip off. Let the caramel set slightly before serving to avoid messiness but still maintain that sticky, luscious coating.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts
- Measure Flour Carefully: Use a kitchen scale for gluten-free flour to avoid dense doughnuts caused by over-packing.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the doughnuts tender and airy.
- Cool Fully Before Glazing: Ensure doughnuts are completely cool to prevent melting the caramel glaze.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Check the expiry date to guarantee proper leavening and fluffiness.
- Customize Caramel Thickness: Adjust the glaze consistency with a bit of liquid or sugar to get the perfect sticky texture.
How to Serve Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and add layers of flavor, garnish your doughnuts with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a pinch of flaky sea salt right after glazing.
Side Dishes
Pair these doughnuts with a refreshing plant-based latte, a cold almond milk iced coffee, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and exciting dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the doughnuts on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers or place them in eco-friendly boxes tied with twine for charming gifts or party favors that impress both visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled, unglazed doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Freeze for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy warm doughnuts, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. If glazed, warm gently and avoid overheating to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought vegan caramel sauce instead of making my own glaze?
Absolutely! Using a high-quality vegan caramel sauce can save time and still deliver fantastic flavor, just dip the doughnuts when they’re cool and let the sauce set.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
For nut allergies, substitute cashew or coconut cream in the caramel with oat cream or another safe plant-based cream and ensure your flour blend is nut-free.
Can I fry these doughnuts instead of baking?
Baking is recommended for a healthier, lower-oil option and to keep these gluten free & vegan doughnuts light, but if you prefer frying, use a batter suitable for frying and adjust cooking times carefully.
How do I prevent gluten free doughnuts from being crumbly?
Use a well-balanced gluten-free flour blend and avoid overbaking. Adding moisture-rich ingredients like applesauce and not overmixing helps maintain tenderness and cohesion.
Can I make these doughnuts sugar-free?
Yes! Replace brown sugar and maple syrup with alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, but keep in mind the caramel glaze flavor might be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
These Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts are a wonderful treat that anyone can enjoy without worry. They strike the perfect balance between comforting sweetness and thoughtful nutrition, making them a new favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to give them a try—you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to make doughnuts that satisfy your sweet tooth with care and compassion.
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Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Friendly
Description
These Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and coated with a rich, sticky vegan caramel glaze. Perfectly allergy-friendly and made with simple pantry staples, they offer a luscious balance of texture and flavor while accommodating gluten-free and vegan diets. Ideal for sharing at breakfasts, parties, or anytime you crave a guilt-free sweet treat.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend – 2 cups
- Plant-Based Milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) – 1 cup
- Applesauce – 1/2 cup
- Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar – 1/4 cup
- Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda – 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter (melted) – 1/4 cup
Vegan Caramel Glaze
- Cashew Cream or Coconut Cream (softened) – 1/2 cup
- Brown Sugar – 1/3 cup
- Melted Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined and smooth.
- Fill Your Doughnut Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a doughnut pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray. Spoon the batter into each mold, filling about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Vegan Caramel Glaze: Blend softened cashew cream or coconut cream with brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and shiny. Adjust with more cream or plant milk if too thick to reach a dippable consistency.
- Dip and Set: Dip each cooled doughnut halfway into the caramel glaze. Place back on the wire rack to let excess drip off and let the caramel set slightly before serving to maintain the sticky texture.
Notes
- Measure Gluten-Free Flour Carefully: Use a kitchen scale to avoid dense doughnuts caused by over-packing the flour.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir batter until just combined to keep doughnuts tender and airy.
- Cool Fully Before Glazing: Ensures the caramel glaze doesn’t melt or become runny.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Check expiry for proper rising and fluffiness.
- Customize Caramel Thickness: Adjust with liquid or sugar to get desired sticky texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg