I had to create Gluten Free Chocolate Donuts because donuts are my weakness. Hands down I would say they are the one thing I craved the most after going gluten free. They are also very hard to find. Needing to have gluten free dairy free donuts has made it even harder to find a good donut. That is why I created this baked gluten free donut recipe. They are also gluten free cake donuts and that makes them even easier to make!

Gluten Free Chocolate Donuts

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Baked gluten free donut recipes are very simple to make. They are fast and made with minimal ingredients. It makes sense why this recipe was one of the first I created.

I remember wanting to start a bakery back in the beginning of my journey (honestly I still have that dream) and baking these gluten free dairy free donuts for everyone. My husband even took a dozen to work and shared them. Everyone who had them loved them.

Gluten Free Cake Donuts

If you are craving a traditional style yeast risen deep fried donut then make sure to check out my Maple Donut recipe. It took me years to perfect that one, but I did and they are amazing. A yeast risen deep fried donut takes some elbow grease though, so be prepared.

What is a cake donut?

A cake donut is a donut that is made from cake batter, poured into a donut pan and baked. They are very simple in comparison to a traditional yeast risen, deep fried donut.

If you are new to gluten free baking, or baking in general taking on a yeast risen fried donut could feel very intimidating. This baked gluten free donut recipe is an awesome starting point, or perfect if you want something fast.

These are also very fun if you have kids, or want a baking project for them. Kids can make these and decorating them is always fun!

Making these are perfect for a holiday and then decorating with holiday themed sprinkles or candies is a great way to enjoy quality time together in the kitchen.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Donuts

Can you freeze these gluten free cake donuts?

You can also make these in bulk and freeze them which is totally awesome! Just baked them and allow them to completely cool and then pop them into the freezer unfrosted. Store for up to 3 months. To serve just remove them from the freezer and allow them to completely thaw before making the frosting and frosting them.

I do not recommend freezing them with the frosting on.

How to Make this Baked Gluten Free Donut Recipe

gluten free dairy free chocolate donuts on the counter with sprinkles on top

For this recipe you will need…

water
coconut oil
eggs
vanilla
sugar
salt
baking powder
cocoa powder
xanthan gum (if your all purpose flour does not have it)
gluten free all purpose flour
chocolate chips
corn syrup or maple syrup
coconut milk

Before going into the directions let’s talk about the ingredients a little bit.

First, gluten free flour. Not all gluten free flours are created equal. Some give very dense results, so if you have been baking and wondering what the problem is if its not turning out, your flour could be part of it.

I only recommend 2 flours. The first is my all purpose blend recipe. You need to add xanthan gum to this. The only store bought blend I recommend is Better Batter. It can be hard to find in store, so I buy mine online. They also have a new line that is gum free and rice free and it’s amazing. If you choose to order on BetterBatter.org you can use the code: livingfreely and they will give you 30% off your entire purchase!

Second, oil. For those who do not like coconut oil, or have an allergy you can use vegetable oil or olive oil in place of it for the cake batter.

Third, Eggs. For those of you that are vegan and can’t do eggs. I have not tried egg replacer as of yet, but I am confident if you used something like Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer that you would have success.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed for about 45 seconds.

Add water, flour, cocoa powder, xanthan gum and baking powder. Mix on medium speed for 3 minutes scraping down the sides halfway through.

Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray and spoon the batter into the donut cavities wiping down any batter that you spill around the edges.

You can use either a regular donut baking pan, or a silicone donut pan. I recommend silicone because the donuts pop out easier and they are easier to clean. If using silicone making sure to put it on top of a baking sheet. HERE is the one I have and love.

Cook about 8 or so minutes, checking with a toothpick. When the toothpick is clean take them out and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.

Use a butter knife around the edges to help ease it out of the mold and then grease and start over to make as many donuts as you need.

This will make 18-24 donuts easy. Allow them to cool for about 30 minutes before frosting.

Chocolate Glaze Instructions

Melt chocolate chips, coconut oil and corn syrup in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between each time. If using maple syrup do not add during this step.

Once melted add the (maple syrup if using) vanilla and milk, stir well.

Drop the donut into the bowl of frosting and take out with your finger being careful not to rub off the frosting. Lay frosting side up on a piece of parchment paper one-by-one.

These will taste best eaten the same day. If you need to you can make the cake donuts the night before and then frost right before serving. Enjoy!