There’s just something about fall that makes you want to bake. Maybe it’s the crisp air, or the way the house smells when cinnamon and cloves hit the oven. Whatever it is, once the sweaters come out, I start craving donuts. And not just any donuts. I want the ones that taste like apple orchards, cool mornings, and cozy weekends at home.
In our gluten free household, donuts are a special treat. I’ve tested more than I care to admit, but these are the recipes I come back to every year. They're kid approved, husband devoured, and completely safe for anyone avoiding gluten. So grab a mug of hot cider or your favorite coffee and let’s talk donuts.
Best Gluten-Free Donut Recipes
If you are looking for a great resource full of Gluten-Free Donuts, you’ve found it. Here are all of our favorite gluten-free donut recipes
Each Friday my girls and I enjoy a donut to celebrate finishing the week. We bake up a fresh batch, enjoy breakfast together, then freeze any leftovers for future enjoyment.
The best gluten-free donuts:
- Apple Cider Donuts
- Crumb Donuts
- Beignets
- Chocolate Cake Donuts
- Vanilla Birthday Cake Donuts
- Maple Donuts
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Gluten-free apple cider donuts are the quintessential fall donuts. They are soft, warmly spiced, and have that classic apple flavor thanks to reduced cider. I like to make a double batch and freeze some.
Just warm them up in the oven and roll in cinnamon sugar again. My kids always ask for these after pumpkin patch outings.

A tender vanilla cake donut topped with a sweet, buttery crumble, these Gluten Free Crumb Donuts are a gluten free spin off of Entenmann’s crumb-coated donuts. They have that soft, cakey center and a buttery cinnamon crumb topping that melts slightly into the donut as it bakes.
The topping gets just crisp enough, and the donuts themselves are tender without being too sweet. They’re especially good with a splash of maple in the batter or a little dusting of powdered sugar on top. It’s the kind of donut that feels like a hug on a plate.
Beignets are little pillows of joy, ad they're perfect for fall brunches. They are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and smothered in powdered sugar.
I make these on weekends when we’re all home and not in a rush. Just set them in the middle of the table and watch them vanish.
These tender, chocolaty Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake Donuts will melt in your mouth. They only require a few ingredients, and they bake up super quick. Start your day with a delicious warm gluten-free donut straight from the oven.
Fun and festive Gluten-Free Vanilla Birthday Cake Donuts that are soft, fluffy, bursting with vanilla, and smothered in a sweet glaze. Enjoy these gluten-free donuts plain or top them with sprinkles for an extra colorful treat.
And King Arthur makes a donut mix that's gluten free. If you want something super easy to put together. That can be a quick way to start. You'll just need to add your own eggs, oil, butter, and milk (or non-dairy milk).

Warm irresistible Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Donuts that are also dairy-free and nut-free. These gluten-free donuts are ready in less than twenty minutes, and will melt in your mouth. Looking for an extra special treat? Top them with your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
And this next one is always one of the first that comes to mind whenever I hear someone say, "Good gluten free donuts?" They're perfect for autumn, too. Plus, no dairy!
Made from scratch and fresh out of the oven, these Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Maple Donuts will warm your heart and your belly. In my mind, they're sophisticated and simple. One of my all-time faves.
And on that note, we've got to mention The Loopy Whisk's Vegan Caramel Doughnuts. If you're looking for dairy free options, they're such a treat. They use brioche dough and Nature's Charm caramel sauce for the filling.
More Gluten Free Donuts to Try This Season
Gluten-Free Chai Donuts are one of my absolute favorites when the weather turns cool. They are soft, perfectly spiced, and make the whole kitchen smell like a cozy tea shop.
I love that they use the same warm spices I already have on hand: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
These donuts are not too sweet, which makes them perfect for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or, of course, a chai latte. The kids like them with a little vanilla glaze, but I usually enjoy mine plain, still warm from the oven. They feel like a gentle little luxury on a busy fall morning.
Gluten-Free Blueberry Donuts that are tender, flavorful and bursting with fresh lemon zest and plump blueberries. The perfect gluten-free donut for anyone who loves blueberries.
These tender Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Espresso Donuts are super easy to make and allergy-friendly. Free from the top 8 allergens and soon to be a favorite among many.
If you love a deep, molasses rich flavor, Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts are for you. I start making them in mid October and they stay in rotation through the holidays.
They are baked, not fried, and the spiced glaze on top is pure perfection. I usually serve these when we’re decorating the house for Halloween or getting our Thanksgiving table ready.
Another perfect gluten-free donut. With their pleasing texture, tender bite, and scrumptious pumpkin flavor, these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts will be a new favorite in your house this fall. Not to mention your house will smell amazing... but that’s just an added bonus.
And speaking of pleasant smells, we love cinnamon breakfast puffs. They're like miniature donuts, so we swap them in place of donut holes in some situations. Any cinnamon-centric recipe smells like autumn in our kitchen.
Tips for Better Gluten Free Doughnuts
- Use a good blend: A high quality gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum helps with texture.
- Do not overbake: Gluten free baked goods can dry out fast. Take them out as soon as they are set.
- Let them cool: Especially if you are glazing. Warm donuts will melt everything and lose that nice finish.
- Double the batch: Trust me. You will want leftovers.
- Use a donut pan: It's a must if you want to make your own.
- Cast iron pots work fine: If you don't have a deep fryer, you don't need one. They can be handy though!
Fall baking is one of my favorite ways to slow down and make memories with my family. These gluten free donuts are more than just treats. They are part of our seasonal traditions.
If you make any of these Best Gluten-Free Donuts please stop back by and let me know which one you made, and what you thought! I always love hearing from people who make my recipes.
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Grace
Hello! I was just wondering if you have any deep fried donut recipes? I love the cake donuts, but since going gluten free, I really miss the fried donuts.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Grace,
Not yet.
Jim
Quick update on this, we now have a recipe for gluten-free beignets!