There’s something about donuts that feels like pure joy. They’re fun, indulgent, and perfect with a morning coffee—or, let’s be honest, any time of day. But here’s the thing: I wanted donuts that didn’t leave me with that heavy, sugar-crash feeling. That’s how these gluten-free chocolate donuts were born—rich, cakey, and made with wholesome ingredients that still feel like a treat.
As a busy mom and runner, I love recipes that fuel my family without requiring a bakery run. These donuts check all the boxes: simple to make, gluten-free, dairy-free, and baked—not fried. And trust me, you won’t miss the fryer oil. They’re the kind of recipe that works for both weekend treats and weekday breakfast on-the-go.
Why You’ll Love These Donuts
- Gluten-free & dairy-free: Made with pantry staples you can actually pronounce, these donuts are easy to make without hunting down specialty ingredients. I like pairing mine with almond butter for an extra protein boost.
- Baked, not fried: Less mess, easier clean-up, and a lighter option that still satisfies your chocolate cravings. No frying oil, no stress.
- Kid-approved: My 10-year-old devoured them before I even finished photographing. They’re perfect for snack boxes, playdates, or an easy breakfast.
- Meal prep friendly: Bake a batch on Sunday and you’ve got snacks or quick breakfasts ready for the week. Store them in a container or freeze for later.
Optional Chocolate Glaze
If you want to step it up, I love topping mine with a chocolate glaze made from semi-sweet chocolate, coconut oil, and powdered sugar. It’s indulgent but still simple to make at home. For the glaze, I love using the 365 semi-sweet chocolate chip for easy and consistent results.
How These Donuts Fit Into Your Life
Whether you’re fueling a long run or just looking for a treat the whole family can enjoy, these donuts work. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, a post-workout smoothie, or even as a small dessert after dinner. If you’re interested in more family-friendly breakfast ideas, check out my post on homemade scones or post run snacks for inspiration.
Baking Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter; it keeps the donuts light and fluffy.
- Use a donut pan for perfect shapes and quick bake times.
- Let them cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
These gluten-free chocolate donuts are proof that you don’t have to compromise flavor for wholesome ingredients. They’re easy, kid-approved, and perfect for busy parents who still want to enjoy sweet treats.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a fun weekend brunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
*I originally created these donuts for Wildly Organic.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: dairy-free milk, coconut oil, flax egg, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry until smooth (don’t overmix).
- Spoon or pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before dipping in glaze.
