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
Units
Scale
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