If you’ve been dreaming about a treat that’s indulgent without any gluten or animal products, you are going to adore this Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts are light, fluffy, and carry just the right amount of cinnamon warmth in the batter to perfectly complement a luscious, homemade vegan caramel drizzle. They capture that classic doughnut experience beautifully, but with a wholesome twist—using coconut sugar, almond milk, and coconut oil to create rich flavor and a tender crumb. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for easy, comforting sweets that don’t compromise on taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful combinations. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the gluten-free flour forms a sturdy yet soft base, coconut sugar adds caramel-like sweetness, and the applesauce keeps things moist without the need for eggs. Together, these components guarantee that every bite of your doughnuts is perfectly tender and bursting with flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour: This creates the structure for the doughnuts and keeps them gluten free without sacrificing texture.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener with a subtle caramel hint that enhances the doughnut and caramel flavors.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps your doughnuts rise up light and fluffy in the oven.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Provides extra lift and a tender crumb when combined with the acidic applesauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors throughout the doughnuts.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, fragrant note that’s subtle but elevates the doughnut experience.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, making the batter smooth and easy to work with.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: A brilliant vegan alternative to eggs that keeps your doughnuts soft and tender.
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil: Adds richness and a subtle tropical hint while maintaining the recipe’s vegan status.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the doughnuts with a lovely depth of flavor.
- For the vegan caramel: 1/2 cup coconut cream, 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt – This luscious combination creates creamy, dreamy caramel that’s totally plant-based.
How to Make Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Doughnut Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your doughnut pan or lining it with silicone molds. Mixing dry ingredients first—gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon—ensures they are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent rising and flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, like almond milk, applesauce, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, blending everything until it’s smooth and homogenous.
Step 2: Bake Your Doughnuts
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Spoon the batter evenly into each cavity of your doughnut pan, filling them about three-quarters full to give room for rising. Pop them into the oven for about 15 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—this simple test will guarantee your doughnuts are baked to perfection without being dry.
Step 3: Make the Vegan Caramel
While your doughnuts are baking, it’s time to create that irresistible vegan caramel. Combine coconut cream, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture simmers and thickens—about five to seven minutes—until it reaches a luscious consistency. Allow it to cool slightly; this step ensures your caramel sets beautifully on the doughnuts.
Step 4: Assemble and Drizzle
Once your doughnuts come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack—a gentle touch here will keep them intact and ready for that gorgeous caramel. Drizzle the vegan caramel generously over each doughnut and, if you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to bring out the complex sweet-salty contrast that makes these treats unforgettable.
How to Serve Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful garnish. A light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal. Chopped toasted nuts or shredded coconut can enhance texture and bring an extra flavor dimension, complementing the rich caramel beautifully. These little touches turn simple doughnuts into elegant treats ready for any occasion.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts make a perfect companion to a hot cup of herbal tea, rich coffee, or even a frothy oat milk latte. If you want to create a more substantial dessert plate, pair them with fresh berries or a small bowl of vegan vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm doughnuts and cool accompaniments creates an inviting balance that your guests or family will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking the doughnuts with a layer of vegan caramel between each one for a mini doughnut cake. Or place them on a wooden serving board lined with parchment paper and drizzle a caramel “river” flowing around them. Personalizing with edible flowers or glistening sea salt flakes elevates the presentation, turning this humble recipe into a true centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigeration extends their life to about four days, just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze both the doughnuts and the vegan caramel separately. Place doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. The caramel stores well in a sealed jar or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw doughnuts overnight in the fridge and warm the caramel gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
To revive your doughnuts’ fresh-baked delight, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them a bit doughy. Reheat the caramel gently on the stove to a drizzling warmth that enhances its silky texture without scorching.
FAQs
Can I use a different plant milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Unsweetened almond milk is suggested for its mild flavor and texture, but oat, soy, or cashew milk work equally well. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to maintain control over sweetness in the doughnuts.
What’s the best way to get doughnuts out of the pan without breaking them?
Using a silicone doughnut mold or greasing a metal pan thoroughly helps prevent sticking. Letting the doughnuts cool for 5 minutes in the pan before gently loosening the edges with a small spatula or butter knife makes removal easier and keeps them perfectly intact.
Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
Yes, the vegan caramel can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Simply warm it gently before drizzling, which saves time and allows the flavors to deepen nicely.
Are these doughnuts suitable for nut allergies?
Since the recipe calls for almond milk, you can substitute it with oat or rice milk to make them nut-free. Just be sure to verify that your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t contain nut-derived ingredients as well.
How can I add more flavor to the doughnuts?
Feel free to experiment by adding a teaspoon of orange zest or substituting cinnamon with cardamom for a unique twist. Adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed can also boost nutrition without changing the flavor significantly.
Final Thoughts
You’ve now got a fantastic, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s not just gluten free and vegan but downright delicious and comforting. The Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts Recipe combines classic doughnut nostalgia with wholesome plant-based ingredients, making it a treat everyone can enjoy. Don’t hesitate to give this a whirl—you’ll fall in love with how easy and satisfying this bake is. Serve it up and watch these doughnuts become your new favorite indulgence!
Print
Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free,Vegan
Description
Delight in these Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts, a perfect guilt-free treat that combines fluffy, cakey doughnuts with a rich, homemade vegan caramel sauce. Made with simple plant-based ingredients and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup, these doughnuts are ideal for anyone craving a delicious dessert without gluten or animal products.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegan Caramel
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 6-cavity doughnut pan or line with silicone doughnut molds to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Fill Doughnut Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared doughnut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Doughnuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a doughnut comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Cool Doughnuts: Remove the doughnuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Vegan Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut cream, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens.
- Cool and Drizzle Caramel: Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly to thicken further, then drizzle generously over the cooled doughnuts before serving.
Notes
- For an elevated flavor contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel-drizzled doughnuts just before serving.
- Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days for extended freshness.
- The vegan caramel can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before drizzling.
