Gluten-Free Baked Chocolate Donuts

12 Reviews
Published Jun 6, 2020 ∙ Kristina Stosek

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These gluten-free baked chocolate donuts are all about old-fashioned, nostalgic flavor. They have a deep chocolate richness and a moist crumb that instantly brings back memories of classic bakery style donuts.

baked chocolate donuts on a cooling rack

Ingredient Notes

To keep these gluten-free donuts light without compromising on texture, they are baked rather than fried. A blend of almond flour and ground flaxseed builds the base, creating a satisfying, dense crumb.

Extra virgin olive oil provides the necessary moisture and pairs beautifully with cocoa powder. The donuts are sweetened with coconut sugar, though pure maple syrup or honey work equally well depending on what is in the pantry.

Recipe Success Tips

Every recipe on this site is kitchen tested to ensure a reliable outcome every time. For the best results with these gluten-free donuts, always use room-temperature ingredients, to ensure a light crumb.

Accurate measuring is key for the almond flour and flaxseed base, so use a kitchen scale or spoon the flours into your measuring cups and level them off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Finally, let the donuts cool completely in the pan before glazing, a warm donut will melt the glaze right off instead of holding that beautiful, glossy shell.

chocolate donuts topped with chocolate glaze, gluten free

Classic Chocolate Glaze & Variations for Donuts

A classic chocolate glaze is the perfect finish for these baked donuts, providing a smooth, glossy shell that melts into the crumb. While chocolate is a personal favorite, you can easily change the flavor  to suit your mood.

chocolate ganache glaze in a saucepan

Here are three other popular options that pair beautifully with this gluten-free base:

Coffee Mocha Glaze (makes 1/3 cup)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup espresso
  • 2 Tbsp. cream
  • Whisk together until smooth

White Chocolate Glaze (makes 1/3 cup)

  • 1/2 cup GF white chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • Place everything in a heavy bottom saucepan and while stirring cook over low heat until melted and combined.

Maple Glaze (makes 3/4 cup)

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp maple extract
  • Place everything in a heavy bottom saucepan and while stirring cook over low heat until the butter has melted and everything is combined

Storing Baked Gluten-Free Donuts

Keep any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain the moisture in the crumb.

More Gluten-Free Chocolate Bakes to Love

Chocolate Filled Cupcakes.

30 Minute Chocolate Cake with Nutella Frosting.

Chocolate Chunk Almond Swirl Coffee Cake.

Hi, I’m Kristina I’m a professional gluten-free recipe developer, and every recipe on this site is created and personally tested in my kitchen. If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐ star rating and a quick review below, it helps other readers find my recipes!

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Comments

  1. M

    These look delicious! So glad you also try to make them healthier. Thank you!

  2. Kristina

    Thank you M.