Cozy & Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts for Fall

Crisp mornings. Golden leaves. And the smell of warm spices in the kitchen. There’s no better way to start a fall day than with these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts. Perfectly soft, warmly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet, they make the ideal fall breakfast gluten free fans will obsess over.

Whether you’re gluten intolerant, following a grain-free lifestyle, or simply looking to make more pumpkin dairy free recipes, this donut recipe is a seasonal must-bake. It’s easy to whip up, requires no fancy ingredients, and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.

If you’re a lover of GF fall recipes, consider this one a staple. Let’s bake up a dozen (or two) of these soft and flavorful donuts and fall into pumpkin spice bliss.

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Why These Are the Ultimate Fall Breakfast (Gluten Free!)

These donuts aren’t just a treat — they’re also:

• Quick and easy to make with just one bowl
• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
• Gluten-free and easily made dairy-free
• Baked, not fried
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
• Customizable with glazes, toppings, or chocolate chips
• Great for kids, brunch, snacks, or desserts

If you’ve been craving gluten free autumn desserts that aren’t pie, these donuts will hit the spot. They’re soft, comforting, and satisfying enough to serve as breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

You only need simple pantry ingredients to bring these warm treats to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 baking blend with xanthan gum)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
• Glaze: powdered sugar + milk of choice for drizzling

Want to make this a gluten and dairy free pumpkin recipe? Use dairy-free milk and coconut oil or vegan butter.

Essential Tools for Homemade GF Pastries

These tools make baking GF pastries easier and more efficient:

• Donut pan (nonstick or silicone)
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (for clean batter transfer)

If you don’t have a donut pan, scroll to the FAQ section for an easy workaround!

How to Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to make this seasonal treat from scratch in less than 30 minutes:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, melted oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine
Add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or large zip-top bag, snip the end, and pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 13–16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly.

Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Coat in cinnamon sugar while warm or drizzle with glaze once cooled.

These taste just as amazing as any bakery treat but are totally pumpkin dessert gluten free!

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Make It Dairy-Free: Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Recipes Tips

These donuts can be completely dairy-free with just a couple of swaps:

• Use coconut oil or vegan butter
• Choose a non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy) for any glaze
• Skip butter in cinnamon sugar coating and instead brush lightly with dairy-free milk

Now you’ve got a donut that fits right into your collection of gluten and dairy free pumpkin recipes — no one will even notice it’s free from common allergens.

Pumpkin Dessert Gluten Free Ideas: Toppings & Variations

Make your donuts as simple or festive as you like with these fun variations:

• Maple glaze: mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and dairy-free milk
• Cream cheese frosting: use a dairy-free spread for a tangy topping
• Chocolate chips: fold 1/2 cup into the batter for indulgence
• Pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans: sprinkle on top before baking
• Drizzle with caramel for a sweet finish

You can also double the batch and freeze for holiday parties or seasonal gifting — they’re a standout in the lineup of gf fall recipes!

Gluten Free Autumn Desserts: More Ways to Use Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a fall superstar, and there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it in gluten free autumn desserts:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for creamy, soft-baked bliss
• Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese for a protein-packed snack
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats for a quick prep breakfast
• Pumpkin Zucchini Bread that’s hearty and naturally sweet
• Pumpkin Fluff Dip for parties and spreads

Add this donut recipe to your seasonal baking list for cozy, delicious rewards.

Grain Free Fall Desserts Adaptation

Need a grain-free option? Try this variation:

Grain-Free Substitution Tips:

• Replace GF flour with 1 cup almond flour + 1/4 cup tapioca starch
• Add an extra egg for better structure
• Bake slightly longer (15–18 minutes)
• Let cool fully before removing from pan — almond flour is delicate

This makes the donuts fit perfectly within your grain free fall desserts collection while keeping them moist and satisfying.

Storing & Freezing Tips for Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

Storing:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days if frosted

Freezing:

• Let donuts cool completely
• Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months
• Thaw at room temp or warm in microwave for 10–15 seconds

These are perfect make-ahead fall snacks gluten free eaters can grab and enjoy anytime.

Perfect for On-the-Go Fall Snacks (Gluten Free Approved!)

Busy mornings? These donuts are great to pack and go. Whether you’re running errands, heading to school drop-off, or sitting down with a warm drink, they make for a delicious grab-and-go treat.

Pair with a homemade latte, hot apple cider, or a fruit smoothie, and you’ve got a perfect fall breakfast gluten free eaters will love. These donuts also tuck nicely into lunchboxes or serve as after-dinner bites.

Serving Suggestions: Build a Cozy GF Fall Brunch

Create a full fall spread with these serving ideas:

• Pair with Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for a warm brunch combo
• Serve alongside fresh fruit and maple-glazed bacon
• Add a side of Cottage Cheese Egg Bake for protein
• Drizzle with glaze and top with powdered sugar for a brunch dessert

Set the table with warm colors, mugs of cider, and a plate of donuts — it’s the easiest way to celebrate the season.

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FAQs About Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin pan and bake as mini pumpkin muffins. Reduce bake time slightly.

Can I make them vegan?
Try using 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water). Results may be slightly denser but still tasty.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results and control over sweetness and spice.

What’s the best flour blend to use?
A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum works best. Almond flour alone will not yield the same texture unless adapted.

Can I glaze or frost these?
Absolutely. Use any dairy-free glaze or try maple, vanilla, or pumpkin spice frosting.

Final Thoughts: Why These Are a Must for GF Fall Recipes

These Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts check every box: they’re easy, festive, allergy-friendly, and ridiculously good. From brunch spreads to afternoon snacks, they add that warm pumpkin spice magic to your fall table — without the gluten, dairy, or hassle.

Whether you’re baking for loved ones or meal prepping seasonal treats, this recipe is the perfect addition to your list of gluten free fall recipes that feel cozy, indulgent, and totally achievable.

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