Name: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice; Extra granulated monk fruit and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for coating; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated monk fruit; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or Greek yogurt (can also substitute with applesauce or dairy-free coconut yogurt); 1 tablespoon almond milk; 4 oz dairy-free cream cheese (e.g., Kite Hill); 1 1/4 cup powdered Swerve*; 2 tablespoons vegan butter (room temperature); 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 59 reviews

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If you’ve been searching for the perfect fall treat that’s both comforting and gluten-free, you absolutely must try this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. These donuts are tender, bursting with warm pumpkin pie spice, and topped with a lusciously smooth cream cheese glaze that’s just the right amount of sweet tang. They are easy to make, delightfully moist, and ideal for cozy mornings or sharing with friends over a steaming cup of coffee. Trust me, once you bite into these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them during pumpkin season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up photos side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a rough, thick light brown batter with a grainy texture being stirred with a large silver spoon inside a bowl that is not fully visible. The batter looks soft and dense with visible tiny air pockets. On the right, there is a white muffin pan with four donut-shaped portions of the same light brown batter evenly spread inside the circular molds. The batter fills the molds to a medium height with smooth tops, and the empty central holes are clear and round. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your donuts. Each one plays a starring role from the nutty almond flour that gives the donuts their tender crumb to the pumpkin puree that brings a beautiful natural hue and delightful moisture.

Blanched almond flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides a naturally gluten-free base with a delicate, moist texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the donuts rise beautifully, giving them a light and fluffy crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Pumpkin pie spice (2 tablespoons): The heart of fall flavors, blending cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for warmth and depth.
Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Granulated monk fruit (3/4 cup): A natural, low-glycemic sweetener that keeps these donuts guilt-free.
Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): Adds moisture, velvety texture, and that unmistakable pumpkin essence.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances sweetness and adds a fragrant depth to the batter.
Melted coconut oil or Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Provides moisture and tenderness, with options to suit your dietary needs, including dairy-free alternatives.
Almond milk (1 tablespoon): Just a splash to help the batter achieve the perfect consistency.
Extra granulated monk fruit and cinnamon (for coating): A simple finishing touch that adds texture and a delightful cinnamon aroma after baking.
Dairy-free cream cheese (4 oz): The star in the glaze, lending creamy tanginess without dairy.
Powdered Swerve (1 1/4 cups): A powdered sweetener ideal for a smooth, silky glaze.
Vegan butter (2 tablespoons, room temp): Ensures the glaze is rich and spreadable.
Almond milk (2 tablespoons unsweetened): Thins the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with a sweet, warm note.

How to Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. These dry ingredients create the foundation of flavor and texture that will make your donuts so tender and fragrant.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated monk fruit, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil (or your choice of substitute), and almond milk. Mixing these separately ensures an even distribution of moisture and sweetness, crucial for that perfect donut crumb.

Step 3: Combine and Blend

Use an electric mixer on medium to high speed to fully combine your wet and dry ingredients. Remember to scrape down the sides a few times to make sure everything is well incorporated. You want a batter that’s thick but smooth, ready to fill your donut molds.

Step 4: Prepare Donut Pans and Bake

Grease two 6-hole donut pans thoroughly and lightly spray with cooking oil. Each pan yields 6 donuts, so you’ll get 12 in total. Evenly pour or pipe the batter into each mold, filling about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, checking with a toothpick—it should come out clean but be careful not to overbake, or the donuts will dry out.

Step 5: Cool and Coat

Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pans for about 3 to 4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The bottoms come out nicely puffed, so applying the glaze on the bottom side makes your donuts look like the classic treat we all love. While cooling, prepare your cream cheese glaze to get ready for the delicious finishing touch.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free cream cheese, powdered Swerve, vegan butter, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whip with a handheld mixer for about 40 seconds until the glaze is silky smooth and creamy. This glaze brings the perfect tang and sweetness that complements the warm pumpkin flavors wonderfully.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

Use a spoon or piping bag to generously spread or drizzle the cream cheese glaze over each donut’s bottom. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped nuts if you like. Now, dive in and enjoy these freshly glazed, tender pumpkin delights!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

The image shows three golden brown donuts with a slightly rough texture on their surface, resting on white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. The donuts have a uniform round shape with a hole in the center, and the edges look soft but firm. The close-up view highlights the porous and airy texture of the donuts' exterior. There is no visible glaze or topping on the donuts, giving them a simple and homemade look. The lighting is natural, making the donuts appear warm and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate these donuts from delicious to unforgettable. A dusting of ground cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or even a few pumpkin seeds add texture and visual appeal without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair effortlessly with a cup of spiced chai, warm coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. If you want a heartier brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs with fresh herbs or a bowl of warm apple compote for a sweet-and-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden platter decorated with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. Try stacking them on pedestals or threading them with twine to create an edible garland for gatherings. Their glowing orange color makes them perfect décor for fall celebrations as well as a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze keeps its creamy texture nicely, and the donuts stay soft, so you can enjoy your Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe over several days without losing any magic.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts can be stored for up to one month and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, gently warm the donuts in the oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This revives their softness and makes the cream cheese glaze slightly melty and irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I substitute another flour for almond flour in this recipe?

Almond flour provides moisture and a tender crumb that’s crucial here, but if you need to substitute, try a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking. Keep in mind the texture and taste might change slightly.

Is the cream cheese glaze dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe uses a dairy-free cream cheese like Kite Hill and vegan butter to keep the glaze creamy and delicious without dairy.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

A donut pan helps create that classic donut shape, but if you don’t have one, muffin tins can work as a substitute. The texture will remain the same, even if the shape differs.

How sweet are these donuts?

Using monk fruit and Swerve keeps these donuts moderately sweet but not overpowering, allowing the pumpkin and spice notes to shine through perfectly.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and will give you the same moist, flavorful donuts.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe enough for a cozy autumn treat or any time you want a special gluten-free sweet. The balance of warm spices, tender almond flour donuts, and the irresistibly creamy glaze creates a comforting bite that’s both satisfying and light. Give them a try—you’ll quickly see why they become a favorite, whether for a family brunch or to impress your guests effortlessly.

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