A homemade, rich, soft donut that is covered is a gleaming, dark glaze. Perfect for a decadent breakfast, or a dessert. Free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nuts. This is also free of the top-8-allergens and vegan too! Oh, and did I mention they’re not all bad? There’s some applesauce snuck in there too!
My experience is not singular. Any allergy-mom reading this will be nodding her head in agreement.
Here’s my experience: My church was doing a trunk-or-treat last Friday. They were kind and notified me in plenty of time that they would be serving donuts and hot chocolate so I could make arrangements. They were thoughtful and posted all of my son’s safe candies and asked that people bring those candies to pass out, so I didn’t want to ask them to come up with a safe donut option for him–plus–I don’t know of any safe bakeries around–so I said I’d figure it out!
I of course waited until the morning of the event. Life is just too crazy, and well, no one wants a stale donut!
Side confession: I’ve only made donuts one other time in my life. I really had to dust off that ol’ donut pan! Which means one really sad thing: my son has NEVER had a donut his entire life. I know! I’ve been depriving him and I really feel like I need to repent. I feel so bad since they’re one of my favorite indulgences.
So, I knew that this party would force me to finally make some donuts. The one other time I’d made donuts, was when I could use the regular stuff, things like wheat, eggs, butter…so I honestly had no idea if they would turn out. And, I just really don’t like filling the weird donut shapes. I want to just plop batter into a cupcake well, not circle it about. And, I really hate that I’ve never found a donut pan that makes more than 6 at a time, so I hate doing batches. That said–this recipe was SOOO good, I think I’ll be making these a lot more often than every few years!
AND TURN OUT THEY DID. The donut Gods smiled upon me and we seriously only had several left by the time it was the trunk-or-treat! Ha! Seriously, you’ll see a picture with a bite mark in it, because you can’t take photos of something this beautiful and not sneak a bite!
In fact, we were SO full of donuts that when I asked my son if he wanted me to bring them to the trunk-or-treat he said no! Haha.
So, last Friday I was just another allergy-mom slaving away making something in her kitchen so her kid wouldn’t feel left out and have a matching treat. It’s been done a million times, and it will be done a million more. I think that’s why we knowingly all have empathy for one another because we all get it. Allergy moms are really the best! I hope if you ever have to slave away for some last minute donuts, this will be of help to you!
I hope that this donut recipe either helps you have a KILLER breakfast, dessert, or in light of today’s date (HALLOWEEN!) that you can use them for a Halloween party. I’ve always been a fan of the old-school game where you tie donuts to a string and you have to pull them off with just your mouth. Anyone remember that game? Or, am I getting too old?
Also, this glaze is seriously the perfect donut glaze. I got it from one of the baking goddesses, Something Swanky. It was naturally top-8-free so there was no tweaking needed. It’s thick, just the right amount of drizzle and is gleaming. It’s just so PURDY. The trick though, is to make sure that you double dip the donuts. If you want that nice, thick glaze dip them once and then let them set and then dip them again. I found that really amped their beautiful-ness.
Happy Halloween everyone! Have a safe day and enjoy these donuts!
Gluten-free & Vegan Double Chocolate Baked Donuts (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nut free; top 8 free)
A homemade, rich, soft donut that is covered is a gleaming, dark glaze. Perfect for a decadent breakfast, or a dessert. Free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nuts. This is also free of the top-8-allergens and vegan too! Oh, and did I mention they're not all bad? There's some applesauce snuck in there too!
Ingredients
- DONUT:
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup rice milk
- 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2. Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup measured, then melted coconut oil
- CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 - 3 Tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Optional: Sprinkles (see note)
Instructions
- For the donuts:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, stir all of the dry ingredients until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated. Next, add all of the wet ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
- Grease your donut pan well. Either carefully spoon the mixture into the donut pan, filling just below the top, or put your batter in a baggie, snip the end and then squeeze it out into the donut rims.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once they are done, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool. While they cool, assemble the glaze.
- In a bowl, place all of the ingredients and whisk until combined. Be sure to start with only 1 Tablespoon of water to see what your consistency looks like. I ended up doing all 3, but you may want yours thicker. The less water, the thicker it will be.
- Once the donuts have cooled, drop them gently into the bowl with the glaze. Gently pull them up and place them back on the wire rack. They will drip a bit, so be sure there is something underneath your wire rack to catch it. Once the glaze has set a bit, dip them again to get a nice, thick glaze. They're delicious plain, but if you want to do sprinkles, be sure that you add the sprinkles when the second coat is still wet so they'll stick well.
- Keep covered.
Notes
*For sprinkles, I use the Great Value Rainbow sprinkles. Their ingredients are: "SUGAR, CORNSTARCH, PALM OIL, PALM KERNEL OIL, COCOA, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, SOY LECITHIN, CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE (SHELLAC), YELLOW 5 LAKE, RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 6 LAKE, BLUE 1 LAKE, RED 3, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CARNAUBA WAX, BLUE 1." Most people with a soy allergy can handle soy lecithin. Please talk to your own allergist to determine if this is correct for you. If it is not, and you need it to be strictly top 8 free, omit the sprinkles, or use sanding sugar.
**If you're looking for some gluten and dairy free dinners, check out my cookbook:Â An Allergy Mom's Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook.
***Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what's on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient's safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family.
****If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they're OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you've talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.
Donuts adapted from: The Pretty Bee and glaze taken from: Something Swanky
Hi! I’m Megan, a mom to four kids, two with multiple food allergies & one with EOE. I’m a published cookbook author that constantly tweaks recipes to make them allergy friendly–it’s an addiction. I share every recipe & tip with you, to help you eat like you did before food allergies & dietary restrictions. You can still be awesome, even with food allergies!
Related Recipes:
Homemade Gluten-free Flour Mix (Only 3 Ingredients!)
Egg-free & Dairy-free Frittata Cups
Dairy Free Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten Free, Top 8 Free, & Vegan Too!)
Gluten Free Vegan Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts with Craisins
German Potato Salad (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut/Tree nut Free, Top 8 Free, Vegan Option)
Double Chocolate Banana Bread (GF, DF, Egg, Soy, Peanut, Tree nut Free, Top 8 Free, Vegan)
Devon
These are so delicious!! My son can have baked milk now so made with whole milk, melted butter and had to substitute corn syrup with pancake syrup which honestly was too much. Next time I’ll just have corn syrup on hand! So good and my whole fam enjoyed 🙂 love your recipes!!
Megan Lavin
Oh! So glad to hear your whole family enjoyed them. Thanks for the nice comment.
Jessica
Hi Megan! I am new to this. I recently bought a gluten-free 1:1 flour. Would that work in this recipe or should I buy just a regular gluten-free flour? Thanks so much in advance!
Megan Lavin
Hi Jessica a gluten-free 1:1 flour is great. If you’re going to use it, just omit the xanthan gum listed in my recipe, since a 1:1 blend already has xanthan in it. Enjoy and happy baking. You’ll get this in no time.
Shannon Johns
Hello,
Can anyone tell me the calorie count for the doughnuts without the glaze?
Thank you 😊
Laura
This recipe was awesome! I subbed in 2% milk. canola oil, and mashed bananas. Turned out wonderful. My 4yo who has food allergies enjoyed her first-ever donut today. And her Celiac dad loved it every bit as much. This is a keeper. Thank you!!
Megan Lavin
I’m so glad to hear both of them liked it. And, so grateful to hear of the substitutions that you used worked! Thanks for sharing for future readers.
Ashley
Hello!
I can’t wait to make these. I’m actually getting donuts pans for Christmas because let’s be honest what wouldn’t I do for my allergy kiddo. I was wondering what I can use instead of the coconut oil? I usually use vegetable oil. Wondering if that would work? Love that I found your website!
Megan Lavin
Hi Ashley–that sounds like a great Christmas. I haven’t personally tested it with vegetable oil, but would think it would be fine. Report back if you try it!
Lori
Hi Ashley! I’m curious if you ever tried these with vegetable oil. My son can’t do coconut oil, so trying to figure out the best substitute for it. Thanks!
Megan Lavin
I would bet vegetable oil would work.
Casey
I’ve made these a couple times already and they are always a hit!! It is my go-to recipe. Thank you for posting your allergy safe recipe!
Megan Lavin
You’re so welcome. I’m so glad it’s a recipe you can come back to again and again. Appreciate the comment!
Kc
Hi!
Any other substitute to use besides coconut oil and rice milk?
Would regular oil and good karma hemp milk work?
Thanks!
Megan Lavin
Hi KC–I haven’t tried other oils and milk substitutes, but I would assume they would work. If you try it, please report back!
Jodi
Can I use all purpose flour instead of gluten free?
Megan Lavin
You can! Enjoy.
KJ
These were amazing!!! Thank you for another great recipe!
Megan Lavin
Thanks so much!!
Whitney
Hello Megan, brown rice syrup is hard to find around here. Out of stock everywhere. What can I replace it with instead. We are allergic to corn ?
Megan Lavin
I’m sorry, I’m only familiar with those two. When I’ve been out of specialty things, I’ve messed my friends and family to keep an eye out at their stores, and they’ve been able to ship me things I was low on. I hope you can rustle some up. These would be good with just powdered sugar too (homemade of course to avoid the corn).
Heather M Anderson
Do you think oat milk would work instead of rice milk?
Megan Lavin
I haven’t personally tried it, but I would think so.
SARA
Just made these and they came out great! Can’t wait for my son to try them! Thanks so much for the recipe ??
Aidan
this is awesome!!!!!!
Megan Lavin
Thanks so much!
Vanessa
Is Apple sauce required?
Megan Lavin
Yes, it acts as an egg replacer and helps them be moist. If you can’t do apple, you can try another pureed fruit, like pears.
Nicole Neal
What brand of sprinkles do you use for these?
Megan Lavin
Great value since we can do soy lecithin (as can many with a soy allergy, consult with your allergist to know for your personal diet).
Deidra
Where do you get coconut oil that’s not a risk for cross contamination? Nutiva used to have one in a certain size but it’s no longer safe.
Megan Lavin
I always go strictly by a label and do not worry about if something is made in a facility because I know there are good manufacturing processes that require cleaning. I use Lou Ann, but use whatever you feel is safe for your individual threshold.
Michelle
Thank you so much for sharing this! They are by far the BEST allergy friendly donuts I have made! We all gobbled them up! My littlest also has the top 8 allergies as EOE!!! I’ll be trying more of your recipes for sure!!
Megan Lavin
So happy you enjoyed them!
Ranna
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup or what else can I use to substitute the corn syrup?
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I would use brown rice syrup.
Zaneh
My son was recently diagnosed with EOE and we just put him on a no dairy, wheat, soy, and egg diet. He is obsessed with tim bits. These were an absolute hit even my friends with no allergies loved them! Can’t wait to try other recipes.
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Hooray! I’m so glad to hear it helped another EOE kiddo! 🙂
Ashley
Do you think I could make plain donuts instead of chocolate? What would I replace the cocoa with? Or just try leaving it out?
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Hi Ashley. I’ve never made vanilla donuts. I’ll add that to my list of things to figure out. I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out, because the batter would probably be too runny. When I figure it out, I’ll be sure to post it!
Melanie
Can these be frozen?
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Hi Melanie. Thanks for stopping by. I’ve never personally frozen them, as they get gobbled up. But, I’ve definitely had readers make them and freeze them for future occasions.
Jenni
Yum! These look delicious!!
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Thanks Jenni!
Laila
These look heavenly!! My family and I are getting ready to go on a gf diet (on top of our Df, cashew free, etc), in hopes that my son’s colitis will get even better. Here’s hoping 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration <3
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I hope you see good results. Wishing you the best!
Amanda
I need a delivery donut service. It has been a very long time since I had a donut, but I don’t really want to make them- I just want someone to bring me a tray….would you consider shipping :)?
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I know the feeling! I only make them every few years too! That could be a million dollar idea!
Sarah | Well and Full
These donuts look amazing, and I can’t believe they’re allergy friendly!! Props to you for making delicious food accessible for those of us who have food allergies <3
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Thanks so much for your kind words Sarah!
Alisa Fleming
Oh my goodness what a chocoholic delight! My husband is gluten-free and loves chocolate cake – I need to make these for him!
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Yes, they’re very cakey–so hopefully it would make your husband a very happy man! Enjoy and see you soon at FABlogCon!
Kelsey
I made these tonight for my 5yo daughter who is allergic to milk and egg, and they came out great! I had to make foil molds but will get a donut pan soon. I wish I could wake her up for her to try them, I can hardly wait til morning.
I did not add the cocoa powder to the glaze and opted for a more plain glaze with the remaining ingredients and I LOVE it! My husband did too and he is definitely my “can you tell it doesn’t have milk or egg?” tester. I want things to be safe for her without things tasting like they’re lacking obviously. Hopefully she likes them as much as we do!
Megan Lavin
Oh! That is so exciting. I can’t wait to hear how she likes them. And, what a great idea to make your own molds!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
These look amazing Megan! Gorgeous pics!
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Thanks so much Chrystal!!
Jennifer Zelaya
Would coconut milk work ok? Also, I don’t have a stand mixer so I hope they come out just as good!
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Hi Jennifer! Yes, coconut milk would totally work. Also, I didn’t have a stand mixer for FOREVER–so I understand. Yes, this batter is easy to beat up yourself by hand, or with a hand mixer. Enjoy!
toni
can i use almond milk. what can i use in place of coconut oil. i have an aversion to it.
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Hi Toni! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, you can totally swap out almond milk for rice milk. I would think any mild, neutral oil would work. I would personally probably try canola, but do what works for your diet. Be sure to report back, so that other readers can see your experience in case they have the same allergies.
toni
can i use sunflower oil in place of coconut oil
Cricket Plunkett
I love love love donuts! And I love that you added the donuts on top!
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Thanks so much!
Kelly @ TastingPage
Dang, these look fabulous. I’ll take a dozen!
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I would share…if we hadn’t already eaten them all!
amanda -runtothefinish
Id David woke up to the smell of donuts, he’d probably think a new wife moved in and then be supremely happy. His birthday is coming, so maybe I shoudl try this!!
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Glad the timing worked out for you then. Happy early birthday to David!
Carolyn M
Can I use oat flour as it is the only flour my grandaughter can Handel
Megan Lavin
Hi Carolyn. Unfortunately, when it comes to gluten-free grains, you cannot simply swap out one flour for another. They are all vastly different, and 90% of the time it takes multiple flours to mimic just regular wheat flour. The only recipe I know of that ONLY requires just oat flour is chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. You can find a link here: https://allergyawesomeness.com/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies-gf-df-soy-peanutnut-free/
Sarah @ Accidentally Crunchy
those look killer! Seriously craving a good donut now
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Thanks so much Sarah! Sorry–donut cravings are difficult to live down! I know!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Mmmm I could never pass up a chocolate doughnut!
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Me neither! They’re my weakness!
Jacquelynn Perry
Can I use almond milk im place of rice milk?
Megan Lavin
You sure can!