Easy Gf + Df Fried Cake Donuts

Creating a gluten free donut recipe from scratch is an UNDERTAKING. Thinking back to the other times I have done this..it was no different. I made so many different batches and attempts the past week.. I was practically banging my head against a wall. My goal was to make a gluten free and vegan yeast donut and I have not figured it out quite yet. (Though I’m not giving up.)

So while we wait for me to try to figure those out I didn’t want to keep you waiting. So I came up with this BEAUTIFUL PERFECT GLORIOUS 6 ingredient cake donut recipe. Holy heavens are they GOOD. I Promise you on my life that its impossible to tell that they are gluten & dairy free.

I really want to make some pumpkin cinnamon & sugar ones too..I think I’ll do that this weekend. Im really excited for you guys to make these!! They are truly unbelievable. Watching them triple in size when fried is so satisfying. That first soft fluffy caky bite is just the best.

Recipe tips & tricks:

Can you remove the eggs? 

This is a tricky question. Eggs play a huge role in keeping donuts in one piece when they are fried. I spent all last week working on trying to make an amazing gluten free + vegan yeast donut. I have not tested these cake donuts out egg free yet- but when I do I will be using some aquafaba. So if you wish to experiment thats what I would suggest. I typically use 2 ounces of aquafaba in place of each large egg & I always beat it into soft peaks to make sure its giving my baked goods maximum lift.

Can you sub in king arthur baking gluten free cake mix? I wouldn't. The mixes are not similar enough for them to swap easily. If you do want to use a different cake mix, look for one with the same amount of sugar and carbs per serving. (or very close!)

Can you sub in other flours? No. The cake mix has sugar, salt, vanilla, baking powder/soda & a blend of flours. I’m able to simplify the recipes down to 6 ingredients because of that. No flour alone will perform the same.

I include gram measurements. Why?

Gluten free baking can be seriously hit or miss if it’s not precise. ESPECIALLY with donuts. No two people measure a cup of flour the same. Grab an inexpensive kitchen scale. It’s so much easier- you’ll never look back . If you don’t I cant promise that the recipe will turn out for you.

Tools & Ingredients that you may not be familiar with.

(My favorite scale) Escali baking scale. https://amzn.to/3Ex0DcM

Judee’s Expandex (This i have only seen on amazon) https://amzn.to/3hLIs9I . This flour is VERY important to this recipe. Its a non gmo modified form of tapioca starch- however it works nothing like tapioca starch.

Superfine Rice Flour : This flour is VERY different than standard rice flour. It absorbs more liquid & doesn’t leave baked goods gritty. Authentic foods superfine rice flour https://amzn.to/3mVsuf1

Pillsbury Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix (https://amzn.to/3iPX5cm) This mix is INCREDIBLE. The way they have ground the flour superfine and the blend itself really makes for cake that taste no different than cake with gluten. This is why I have chosen to use in a bunch of cookie & blondie recipes. If pillsbury came out with an all purpose gluten free flour I would buy it in mass quantities. They really know how to do things right. The amazon price is a bit inflated - but if you cant find it elsewhere then its a good option. The best price I have found is at Walmart and I make a special trip there once every other month to buy 6 boxes at minimum.

Fluffy Gluten & Dairy Free Cake Donuts

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Yield: 8-10

Author: Brittany Angell

Prep time: 25 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Donuts are not hard to make- but they can be finicky. Be sure to use the gram measurements & an instant read thermometer if you want them to turn out perfect.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 Cups Gluten Free Pillsbury Yellow Cake Mix (385)
• 3 Tbsp Expandex (30g)
• 1 Cup Superfine White or Brown Rice Flour (160g)
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 Tbsp Mild Flavored oil
• 1/2 Tsp Salt 
• Oil for frying (Vegetable, Palm Shortening, Lard or Coconut oil) 

Optional Glaze

• 1  1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/3- 3 tbsp Liquid of choice. (Dairy Free milk, Water, Bourbon, Orange Juice, Apple Cider, Coffee ect.)

Instructions

1. Pour the oil into a heavy duty pot (the size is up to you!) I use a smaller cast iron pot so that I need less oil.  You need several 3-4 inches of oil so that the donuts can float and expand freely. Turn the burner on low allowing the oil to slowly warm up while you make the dough.
2. Place the bowl of a stand mixer on a baking scale (or you may use a large bowl + hand mixer) Add all of the ingredients.  Be sure to take the time to get them exact. 
3. Turn the mixer on low and then slowly increase to high. (Using the paddle or whisk attachment).  Beat on high for 20-30  seconds until a smooth dough forms. 
4. Place a large sheet of parchment on your work surface. Dust it well with Rice flour. Add the dough to the prepared parchment. Dust more rice flour on top and press the dough out (or roll it) until its 3/4 inch thick.   Spray your cookie cutters with a bit of oil on the inside and outside (this will prevent sticking) Use a donut cutter OR a large circle cookie cutter + a smaller circle cookie cutter to create the correct donut shape. 
5. Using your hand rework the leftover dough together until its smooth - using rice flour as needed. Press it back out until its 3/4 inch and repeat the process. You should end up with 6-8 large donuts (depending on the size of your cookie cutters) and the same number of donut holes.
6. Using an instant read thermometor heat the oil until it ranges between 300-315 degrees. Test the oil by adding 1 donut hole. If it sizzles and floats within 10-15 seconds (and the temperature is correct) the oil is ready.
7. Add a few at a time being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Using a fork flip the donuts around every minute as this allows them to expand to full capacity. They will be done within 5 ish minutes. Remove them from the oil once they are a medium-dark golden brown. Place them on a plate with paper towels.
8. Optional: Make the glaze: Whisk together ingredients in a medium/small bowl. 
9. After they sit for about a minute toss them in powdered sugar or glaze.  

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