If you’re searching for a delightful treat that checks all the boxes for indulgence and inclusivity, look no further than these Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts. They’re soft, tender, and delicately sweet, crowned with a lush caramel glaze that’s free from dairy or gluten but full of rich, nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends who have dietary preferences or simply craving a guilt-free bakery-style snack, these doughnuts bring pure joy to every bite. No one will believe they’re made with wholesome ingredients and are so easy to whip up at home!

Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that amazing doughnuts don’t require complicated ingredients—the building blocks here are simple, but each one brings something special to the chewy crumb, golden color, and buttery caramel finish. Let’s peek at what you’ll need on hand:

Almond Flour: Gives the doughnuts moisture, a tender bite, and nutty undertones perfect for a bakery-style crumb.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Ensures structure and helps the doughnuts hold their classic shape while staying 100% gluten free.
Coconut Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Baking Powder: Provides buoyant lift so your doughnuts bake up light instead of dense.
Baking Soda: Balances the acidity for just the right amount of rise and a golden finish.
Salt: Enhances every flavor, especially bringing out the caramel notes in both cake and glaze.
Almond Milk (or other plant-based milk): The liquid foundation that binds the batter gently, keeping it dairy free.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Acts as an egg replacer, adding natural moisture and keeping the crumb soft.
Melted Coconut Oil: Adds healthy fats and that subtle richness you expect from doughnuts.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor profile and perfumes every bite.
Coconut Cream (for glaze): The base for a creamy, luscious caramel without a hint of dairy.
Maple Syrup (for glaze): A natural sweetener that gives caramel depth and sheen.
Coconut Sugar (for glaze): Intensifies the caramel color and adds extra toasty notes.
Vanilla Extract (for glaze): Pulls the glaze together with warmth and sweetness.
Pinch of Salt (for glaze): Rounds out the flavors in the caramel and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a doughnut pan—either with a spritz of coconut oil or a swipe of non-stick spray—so the doughnuts pop out without a fuss. A little prep here ensures bakery-worthy results later!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Spend a few extra seconds making sure everything’s evenly distributed; this is your foundation for perfectly even doughnuts every single time!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This dreamy blend adds moisture, flavor, and that signature fluffy texture you want in Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; don’t overmix! A few streaks in the batter are totally fine. You want your doughnuts soft, not tough.

Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan

Either spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. If you don’t have a piping bag, just use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This step keeps your doughnuts uniform and avoids over-flowing.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The doughnuts are ready when their tops spring back to a soft touch, and a light golden hue has developed. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up the Caramel Glaze

While the doughnuts cool, make the irresistible glaze! In a small saucepan, combine coconut cream, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture slightly thickens and turns glossy. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Dip and Decorate

With your cooled doughnuts and glaze ready, dip each doughnut into the warm caramel glaze, letting excess drip off. Set them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. For a signature bakery touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a salted caramel finish!

How to Serve Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts

Garnishes

Serving these doughnuts is a treat in itself! After glazing, you can sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt for a modern, salted caramel vibe. If you’re feeling playful, a handful of toasted coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or even vegan chocolate shavings elevate the presentation and add contrasting textures. Each garnish adds a custom twist that friends and family will remember.

Side Dishes

Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts pair perfectly with a frothy oat milk latte, a steaming mug of chai, or a fresh fruit salad. Their gentle sweetness means they shine alongside tangy berries, citrus segments, or even a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert. They’re also lovely with a simple almond or hazelnut milk for a snack or breakfast treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform snack time or brunch with a doughnut “bar” featuring bowls of extra toppings like coconut chips, cinnamon, or finely chopped nuts. Stack these beauties on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a fun twist, try mini doughnut versions or arrange the doughnuts on skewers for a festive brunch platter—they’re as fun to look at as they are to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence, but it happens!), pop the Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh at room temperature for up to two days. For even more lasting freshness, transfer them to the fridge, especially in warmer climates or if your glaze is extra thick.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these doughnuts! For best results, let the glazed doughnuts set fully, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating and serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

For that just-baked magic, warm doughnuts in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If frozen, allow to thaw first. The caramel glaze will become glossy and smooth again, and the doughnuts regain their signature softness—almost as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I use another flour besides almond flour?

While almond flour provides wonderful moisture and flavor, you can experiment with oat flour or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version. The texture might differ slightly, but the doughnuts will still be delicious and gluten free.

Is it possible to make these doughnuts refined sugar-free?

Absolutely! Swap the coconut sugar in both batter and glaze for additional maple syrup or date sugar. The result is a slightly different caramel profile, but every bite of these Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts is still sweet and satisfying.

Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can air-fry small batches at the same temperature, just watch the timing—they’ll cook a bit faster and might get extra crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside!

What can I use if I don’t have coconut cream?

No worries! Full-fat canned coconut milk can substitute for coconut cream in the glaze, just use mostly the thick, creamy part. This keeps the glaze rich and dairy free without missing the luscious texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to use a second doughnut pan or bake in batches for large gatherings—everyone loves Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts, so having extras on hand is always a smart move.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Gluten Free & Vegan Caramel Doughnuts brings comfort and joy into any kitchen, all while catering to almost every guest at your table. With their irresistible caramel glaze and satisfying, tender bite, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your treat rotation. Give them a whirl and see just how easy—and delicious—baking for everyone can be!