Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts are a perfect fall treat, baked to fluffy perfection and coated in a mouth-watering cinnamon sugar topping.

Are you a pumpkin lover eagerly awaiting the arrival of fall to indulge in all things pumpkin-spiced? Your wait is over with this delectable recipe for Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts, a healthier alternative to deep frying without compromising on flavor or texture.

Made with gluten-free all-purpose flour and flavored with pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, these baked donuts are the perfect breakfast or snack option for the whole family. The donut batter is quick and easy to make in a large mixing bowl, and using a ziplock bag makes piping it into the donut pan a breeze.

Baked to a fluffy texture and finished with a generous dip in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, these donuts are sure to hit the right amount of sweetness and spice. The best part? You don’t have to be a pro at gluten-free baking to get the best results; just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you’ll have a dozen delicious gluten-free pumpkin donuts ready in under 30 minutes!

Donut Ingredients

• 2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• ⅓ cup of brown sugar
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of whole milk
• ¼ cup of softened butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• 2 eggs

Topping Ingredients

• 1 stick of melted butter
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons of cinnamon powder

By the Numbers: How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make the best gluten free pumpkin donuts.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 325˚  F.

Add 2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of whole milk, ¼ cup of softened butter, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and 2 eggs to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Pipe Donut Batter Into Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a gallon-size ziplock bag. Snip off one corner of the bag and pipe the donut batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity approximately ⅔ full.

Step 3: Bake Donuts and Prepare Topping

Bake your donuts for 14-17 minutes or until they are springy to the touch. While the donuts are baking, prepare the topping. Melt 1 stick of butter in a bowl that’s large enough for dipping the donuts. In a separate bowl or plate, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 ½ tablespoons of cinnamon powder.

Step 4: Dip and Coat Gluten-Free Donuts

While the donuts are still hot, dip them into the butter and then coat with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Set them on a wire cooling rack to cool.

Step 5: Serve Your Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

Once they’re cool and the topping has set, your gluten-free pumpkin donuts are ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts

Answers to all of your questions about making this easy gluten free baked donuts recipe, including tips and substitution ideas.

Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, while I typically use Bob’s Red Mill, you can experiment with different brands of gluten-free all-purpose flour, but it may alter the texture and taste of the donuts. I don’t recommend swapping almond flour or coconut flour directly.

Sugar substitute options

Coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative can be used, but the donuts might not have the same caramelized finish.

Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan is recommended for the best shape and results, but you can also use a mini muffin pan for donut holes. If you use a silicone pan, but sure to set it on a cookie sheet to give it stability.

Make vegan or dairy-free donuts

Flax eggs can be used as a replacement for eggs, and almond milk or coconut milk can substitute the whole milk. Instead of butter, you can use a dairy-free butter replacement or coconut oil as well.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra treat!

Do I need xanthan gum or guar gum?

Most gluten-free all-purpose flours include xanthan gum or guar gum, so you generally won’t need to add them unless your flour doesn’t contain any.

Gluten-free baking tips

If you’re new to gluten-free baking, get my free list of secrets to gluten free baking delivered to your email.

What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling includes spices and sugar; stick with pumpkin puree for this recipe.

Why use a ziplock bag for piping?

It makes the process of filling the donut pan much easier and less messy, but if you have a pastry bag, that works too.

Storage tips

To keep your gluten-free pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Although they’re so delicious, there might not be any leftover donuts to store!

How to freeze donuts

Donuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place freshly baked donuts in freezer containers (skip the topping step!). When ready to eat, remove the desired number of donuts and defrost in the toaster oven until warm. You can then add the topping if you wish.

More gluten-free pumpkin recipes

If you just can’t get enough pumpkin and pumpkin spice, try one of these other tasty recipes:

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix

More Gluten Free Baked Goodies