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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Gluten-Free Sweet Treats ยป 30-Minute Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style)

    30-Minute Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style)

    Published: Dec 29, 2024 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 78 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) in a tray with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides pin

    This 30-minute Gluten Free Donuts recipe is the real deal fried, bakery style. Without compromising on texture or flavor, they are gluten free and delicious. Now you can have a warm, mouthwatering donut in your hands that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and smash that donut craving.

    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) stacked on top of each other with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides


     

    With a crispy, golden outside and an oh-so-soft interior, you won’t even be able to tell these donuts are gluten-free. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease years back, I was determined to create gluten free recipes that tastes exactly the same as the real deal. I created this donut recipe back in 2016 and it has been a family favorite ever since!

    Why this recipe is the best

    • Authentic taste and texture: Since these donuts are fried and not baked, you get the real donut taste and texture without the gluten!
    • Customizable: With different frosting, topping, and filling options, you can make these donuts your own.
    • Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, this gluten free donut recipe is perfect for Saturday or Sunday mornings. My kids love waking up to the smell of fresh donuts and crispy bacon!
    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) in a tray with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides

    What you’ll need

    • Eggs – Essential for the structure of the dough.
    • Milk – Whole milk is best for both the dough and the homemade icing.
    • Sour cream – Adds richness and moisture. Don’t skip this!
    • Sugar – You’ll need white and powdered sugar.
    • Butter – Softened butter for the dough, melted butter for the icing.
    • Flour – I like to use an all-purpose gluten free flour blend but you can also make your own gluten free flour.
    • Oil – Coconut oil or palm oil are my go-to’s.
    • Baking soda and powder – Gives it that great rise.
    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) ingredients

    Which gluten free flour is best?

    For best results, I recommend using an all purpose flour blend like King Arthur’s gluten flour. It is made to mimic the taste and texture of regular flour, providing consistent results.

    If you do a lot of gluten free baking like I do, you can make your own gluten free flour. A combination of white rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour works well. Avoid using almond flour or coconut flour in this recipe as it will make the donuts too dense or too crumbly.

    How to make fried gluten-free donuts

    1. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar together. Then, combine milk, sour cream, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.

    2. The dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour(s), baking soda, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum and slowly mix the dry and wet ingredients.

    3. Roll & Cut: On a heavily floured surface roll out the dough until roughly 1 inch thick then cut the dough into donuts and donut holes.

    30-Minute Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) instructions and step by step photos

    4. Fry: Fry the donuts in hot oil for roughly 2-3 minutes, flipping once.

    5. Cool, frost, and enjoy: While the donuts cool on a cooling rack, prepare the icing following the directions on the recipe card. Dip the warm donuts in the icing and enjoy.

    Pro Tip: For easy handling, grease your hands with non-stick cooking spray before working with the dough. The dough should be slightly sticky.

    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) in a tray with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides

    Tips for frying

    Using a deep fryer or large pot works best although frying in a small pan will work if that’s all you have. Do not use a donut pan as these need to be fried. 

    Hot oil, around 375 degrees works best for getting authentic, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside donuts.

    Topping and Flavor Variations

    1. Classic cinnamon sugar donuts: After frying, brush the donuts with a layer of melted butter. Then, roll in a cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
    2. Jam filled donuts: Make donut bars instead of regular donuts, and use a piping bag to inject your favorite icing into the donut after frying. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
    3. Chocolate glaze donuts: Prepare the chocolate frosting as directed in the recipe card, then top with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes before the glaze dries.
    4. Maple bacon donuts: Add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the icing recipe. Top the frosted donuts with crispy bacon for a sweet and savory contrast.
    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) stacked on top of each other with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides

    How to store them

    Storing – These chocolate donuts can be stored in an airtight container or pastry bag at room temperature for 3-4 days. To enjoy warm, simply heat them in the microwave for 10 seconds just like my school breakfast pizza recipe.

    Freezing – You can freeze the donut dough but I would not recommend freezing the donuts after they’ve been cooked. Freeze in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge overnight. Fry as directed.

    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) on a plate with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides

    More gluten free recipes

    • The best fluffy gluten free pancakes
    • A zesty gluten free lemon drizzle cake
    • Fudgy gluten free double chocolate brownies
    • Homemade gluten free biscuits
    • Easy gluten free strawberry baked oats

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

    NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

    30-Minute Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style)

    Gluten Free Donuts (Fried, Bakery Style) stacked on top of each other with chocolate frosting and sugared outsides
    4.81 from 36 votes
    This 30-minute Gluten Free Donuts recipe is the real deal fried, bakery style. Without compromising on texture or flavor, they are gluten free and delicious. Now you can have a warm, mouthwatering donut in your hands that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and smash that donut craving.
    PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
    Total Time: 15 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cake donuts, donuts, gluten-free
    Servings: 12 donuts
    Calories: 384kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    Wet Ingredients

    • 2 eggs
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
    • 5 tablespoon butter (softened) melted

    Dry Ingredients

    • 5 cups gluten free all purpose flour (OR 1 C white rice flour, 1 C potato starch, 1 C tapioca starch, 1 C brown rice flour and 1/2 C corn starch) Add additional flour if they are too moist to work with.
    • 1 1/4 cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoon xanthan gum
    • Oil for deep frying

    Glaze

    • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tablespoon milk
    • 1 tablespoon butter melted

    Instructions

    • In a standing mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar
    • Add the milk, sour cream, vanilla and melted butter then mix well
    • In another bowl, combine flour(s), baking soda, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum
    • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well
    • On a HEAVILY gluten-free all-purpose or white rice floured counter, roll out the donut dough (It will be wet) 1 inch thick using plenty of white rice or all-purpose flour to get it pliable and to dust the rolling pin
    • Cut the dough into donuts and donut holes
    • Heat the oil either in a deep fryer or deep fry pan until it reaches roughly 375ยฐ
    • Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes making sure to flip once
    • Place cooked donuts on a baking rack over a paper towel lined baking sheet to let excess grease drain off
    • Meanwhile, make an easy glaze by whisking 1 C powdered sugar, 1 T melted butter and 2-3 tsp. milk and 1/2 tsp. vanilla or you can also make chocolate glaze like we discuss below
    • Dip warm donuts into the glaze then let then drip on a wireย baking rack

    Notes

    Tips for fryingย 

    Hot oil, around 375 degrees works best for getting authentic, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside donuts.ย 
    Using aย deep fryer or large potย works best although frying in a small pan will work if that’s all you have. Do not use a donut pan as these need to be fried.
    Pro Tip: For easy handling, grease your hands with non-stick cooking spray before working with the dough.
    ย 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1donut | Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 574mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 2mg

    This recipe was originally published on February 7, 2016. It has been updated with new photos, pro tips and information multiple times including most recently, in December 2024. The recipe is still the same delicious recipe you know. Here are two of the old photos.

    Chocolate glazed sprinkled gluten-free donuts on a cake stand

    These gluten-free fried cake donuts are SO authentic and delicious! Nobody will ever know they aren't full of flour. Speaking of flour, how cute are those edible roses and how perfect are they for Earth Day?

    Share:

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Luciana says

      January 06, 2021 at 7:44 am

      Amazing donuts!

      Reply
    2. Manisha says

      September 16, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      4 stars
      Hi thanks for the recipe. I tried these yesterday and they came out really well. The dough is super, super soft but if you keep using flour while shaping it helps. I did miss the yeast in these because it did taste more like cake than donut. But I loved the speed at which they could be made, as no rising required.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        September 17, 2020 at 2:49 am

        Hi Manisha, so happy to hear this! Yes, we wanted a no yeast donut for time and ease since gf baking can already be hard. I am glad you enjoyed them and highly recommend our cinnamon rolls and crescent rolls. Both have yeast and taste amazing!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Jess says

      July 22, 2020 at 9:47 pm

      5 stars
      Can I use Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        September 01, 2020 at 4:50 am

        Hi Jess, I definitely think that would work! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Rachel McManus says

      June 16, 2020 at 11:10 pm

      Question: If you are using a GF all purpose flour that has xanthum gum included, should I omit the xanthum gum in the recipe, or add the extra? Those look fantastic can’t wait to make them!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        June 18, 2020 at 4:44 am

        You can omit it. Can’t wait to hear how it goes! Please let us know here and feel free to leave a star rating ๐Ÿ™‚ We are actually making another batch tomorrow too!

        Reply
    5. Veronika says

      April 19, 2020 at 11:38 pm

      5 stars
      These donuts look absolutely delicious! I don’t really follow gluten-free diet, but would love to make these tasty donuts!

      Reply
    6. Marisa F. Stewart says

      April 19, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      WOW!! I’m so glad I found this recipe. We have a family member who can’t tolerate gluten and he LOVES donuts. I’m making a batch tomorrow and surprising him with them. I know he’ll be thrilled especially with the crispy outside.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 28, 2020 at 4:07 am

        Thanks Marisa, they are always a hit! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    7. Karen says

      April 18, 2020 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks for sharing this recipe! I’m going to share with my sister in law, who’s really in need of gluten free recipes during quarantine.

      Reply
    8. denise says

      April 17, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      5 stars
      These look like some fantastic CHOCOLATE donuts! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!

      Reply
    9. Elaine says

      April 17, 2020 at 10:40 pm

      5 stars
      No this is what I call a real donut, taht is for sure. Fantastic texture and just the perfect way to start a day – any day. Printing the recipe and can’t wait to get to cooking! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    10. Tammy says

      April 17, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      Blown away these are GF! They look SO good! Nothing beats a homemade donut and I think I’m going to fry up a batch for the family this weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    11. Anna says

      April 15, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      Whoa! This is amazing, delicious, fluffy, super tasty donuts and they are GF?!? What’s not to like? I would definitely need more than one of these to satisfy my cravings!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 16, 2020 at 11:15 pm

        Thanks Anna, it is one of my kids favorites to make ๐Ÿ™‚ I always eat too many!

        Reply
    12. Kelly Anthony says

      April 14, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to make these for my friend who has celiac. She is going to be so excited to have a doughnut.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 16, 2020 at 11:15 pm

        Thanks Kelly, yes she will love them!

        Reply
    13. Eva says

      April 14, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is so great that you found a way to be able to enjoy proper, real donuts – fried ones! – as a coeliac! My cousin is severely intolerant to gluten and would love this. I’ll make sure to translate this recipe for her next time we talk!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 16, 2020 at 11:16 pm

        Thanks Eva, she will love it!

        Reply
    14. Pam Greer says

      April 14, 2020 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      These gluten free donuts are the best!! Crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside! So delicious!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 16, 2020 at 11:16 pm

        Thanks Pam, so glad you love them! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    15. Tami Price says

      April 14, 2020 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! This past weekend, I made these and they’re absolutely delicious! I love that they’re made with real cake batter! Super yummy, thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 16, 2020 at 11:17 pm

        Yay, I love hearing this Tami! It is always fun to have a go to recipe for those of us who eat gluten-free. Glad this can be that for you! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
      • Victoria says

        August 18, 2020 at 2:58 am

        I have yet to try making donuts. I’ve looked at baked recipes before and wanted to confirm this is really 6 cups of flour for 12 donuts? PLUS more for rolling? It just seems like double the amount and I’m sure there is a great reason for it. I’m just learning ๐Ÿ™‚ Also – could I roll the dough between parchment paper instead of on a floured surface? That’s generally what I do with sugar cookies.

        Reply
        • Chandice says

          September 01, 2020 at 4:47 am

          Hi Victoria, yes it is 6 cups but it makes 12 large donuts and tons of donut holes. No need to use parchment paper, just a bit of gf flour on the surface. ๐Ÿ™‚

    16. Mara says

      April 13, 2020 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      My hubbie would love these donuts (and so would I). I’m also trying to switch to a healthier lifestyle and started to mine for healthy recipes like yours. Also, I’m training with SportMe home workout app, and I managed to get rid of some pounds. Your blog posts are super inspiring for me in this phase, thanks!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 16, 2020 at 11:19 pm

        Thanks Mara, you would love them ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    17. Heather W says

      December 14, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      Made these for my gluten free 12yo daughter who is missing bakery donuts. These were fabulous. I hate gf food and thought these were really good. My only thought was that i rolled my dough out to 1″ instead of two because my cutters are only 1″. They were the same size as the bakery. I cooked for 3 min. The temp stayed between 350-375ยฐ (5 1/2 on my electric stove) and I would slide the pan about half way off the eye every other batch. We dumped a few of the holes into cinnamon and sugar. Then did a few in the glaze flavored with LorAnn oils. I’m so happy to have found this. It wasn’t that labor intensive, and I’m just a regular mom who isn’t a fancy baker. I’m planning to freeze them so she can grab one on donut fridays at school and not feel left out, or when i want donuts from the bakery. So great. Thank you for sharing this!!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 18, 2019 at 2:15 am

        Hi Heather, thanks so much for taking the time to leave this comment and rating. I am SO glad you loved it! They are one of our favorites too ๐Ÿ™‚ They really aren’t too hard and can be made very versatile with cinnamon and sugar or glaze. We also did a maple glaze with candied bacon and made them into maple bars. Yum! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    18. Amber says

      March 14, 2019 at 1:35 pm

      Can I sub out whole milk for unsweetened almond milk in these donuts?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        March 15, 2019 at 2:48 am

        I haven’t tried it but they should work ok. I would probably recommend full-fat canned coconut milk instead though. The fat is what is most important. Please let me know how it goes…

        Reply
      • Jacki says

        November 18, 2020 at 4:32 am

        Hi! Did you ever try to make these Dairy Free with the coconut milk and almond milk? Just wondering how they turned out!

        Reply
        • Chandice says

          November 19, 2020 at 8:36 pm

          Full fat canned coconut milk would work great! ๐Ÿ™‚

    19. Rebecca says

      September 19, 2018 at 5:43 am

      Made these tonight and theyโ€™re super tasty! Made a couple changes: namely switched to maple sugar, cut down to 1 cup, added 1/4 Ts monk fruit powder and then rolled in maple sugar with cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Very tasty!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        September 19, 2018 at 8:24 pm

        Oh my gosh those sound great! Love that you got in the kitchen and tried things that work for you. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for sharing!!

        Reply
    20. Casey the College Celiac says

      April 12, 2017 at 12:12 am

      Now these are the kind of pastry you want to whip out to prove that EVERYTHING can be made gluten free – and just as deliciously!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        April 12, 2017 at 3:09 am

        Thanks girl, and yes, so yes! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
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    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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