Chocolate Glazed Donuts (Gluten Free)

These Chocolate Glazed Donuts are a copycat version of the Tim Hortons chocolate glazed donut. They’re moist, full of chocolate, and glazed with a thick sugar coating to satisfy even the strongest chocolate craving. 

Let’s talk donuts, people. Not just any donuts, but Gluten-Free Chocolate Glazed Donuts that are so good, you won’t even believe they’re homemade. 

No more standing in line at your local donut shop, hoping they’ll have something gluten-free and dairy-free that doesn’t taste like cardboard. Nope, you’re about to become your own donut boss, and trust me, these donuts are about to sleigh your life.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Gluten-free? Dairy-free? How good can these really be? 

Well, let me stop you right there—these donuts are next level. We’re talking rich, chocolatey goodness, perfectly sweetened with golden monkfruit sweetener (no sugar crashes here!) and topped with a thick, shiny glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers and reaching for seconds. 

Whether you’re whipping these up for a weekend brunch, holiday treat, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a donut (which, by the way, you always do), this recipe will not disappoint.

The best part? These donuts are so easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. 

You just mix, bake, glaze, and boom—you’re enjoying fresh, chocolate-glazed perfection. Plus, with the combo of gluten-free flour and vegan butter, they’re friendly for everyone, from the gluten-sensitive to the dairy-free crew. 

So, grab your donut pan, get ready to channel your inner pastry chef, and let’s get these chocolatey beauties in the oven.

If you love these chocolate homemade donuts you may also love my Brownie Crinkle Cookies and my Homemade Copycat Perfect Bar Recipe.

 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CHOCOLATE GLAZED DONUTS

• Gluten-Free Goodness: You won’t believe these donuts are gluten-free! The Bob’s Red Mill flour creates the perfect fluffy texture without any weird aftertaste. Take that, gluten!

• Perfectly Sweet: Thanks to the monkfruit sweetener, these donuts are sweet enough to satisfy but won’t give you that sugar crash later. You can totally have two. Or three.

• Dairy-Free Dream: Vegan butter and almond milk keep things dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. So, if you’re dairy-free, you don’t have to miss out on donut joy.

• Easy Peasy: This recipe is super simple to whip up and requires minimal effort. A few bowls, a donut pan, and some sassy baking energy, and you’ve got a batch of the most amazing donuts ever.

BASIC INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE EASY BAKED GLAZED CHOCOLATE DONUTS

These baked doughnuts are easily made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. You will need the following ingredients listed below to make them (the exact measurements, nutritional information, and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Gluten free flour – I used Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 baking flour. Any gluten free flour blend should work as long as it contains xanthan gum. 
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Golden monkfruit sweetener OR brown sugar – I used Lankanto Monkfruit Sweetener
• Salt
• Egg
• Vegan butter – a good substitute is regular butter if you don’t need this to be dairy free.
• Almond milk – you can use whole milk here as well, or substitute for oat milk, cashew milk, or any other plant milk. 
• Real vanilla extract
• Powdered Sugar – can use something like Swerve Sweetie for a lower sugar option
• Thick non dairy milk or heavy cream – something like MALK, full fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream for the glaze.
• Optional – chocolate chips, melted butter, corn syrup, sour cream, black cocoa powder, maple syrup, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE DONUTS RECIPE

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray donut pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

To Make The Donuts

Sift all the dry ingredients (gluten free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt) together in a large bowl. Sifting is important; you want to remove any clumps of cocoa.

In the same bowl, add in the wet ingredients and stir together until completely smooth. The batter will be thick like peanut butter.

Spoon double chocolate donuts batter into the greased donut pan, filling it right to the top like seen below. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag, or ziploc bag with a slit on the edge of the bag, to get the batter into the donut holes.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool for 5 minutes in the pan and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool for 10-15 more minutes before glazing.

To Make The Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze by sifting the confectioners sugar into a medium bowl. Stir in the milk, and vanilla.

If your milk is not thick enough, the glaze may be too thin. If this is the case, add in 2-3 tbsp flour, or arrowroot starch if you have on hand.

Do you want an extra thick glaze? Use a thick liquid like MALK almond milk or full fat coconut milk.

Regular almond milk or water won’t give you the same colour or richness that a thicker milk will. While it’s not necessary, I highly recommend it for the glaze.

If the batter is too thick, add more liquid to make it thinner if desired.

Dunk each donut into the glaze using your fingers. Place on a wire rack on top of a large baking sheet to let the glaze drip down.

Put in freezer for 5 minutes so the glaze sets. Repeat dunking two to three more times if you want a thick glaze coating.

I dunked the baked chocolate cake donuts two times. If you run out of glaze, just make more.

More glaze = better chocolate glazed donuts. 

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Sift the Dry Ingredients: Don’t skip this step! Sifting the flour and cocoa powder helps remove clumps and ensures a smooth, even batter. You’ll get that perfect donut texture every time.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make your donuts tough instead of light and fluffy.

• Fill the Donut Pan Properly: Use a spoon or piping bag to neatly fill your donut molds. Fill each one about 3/4 to the top for donuts that rise perfectly without spilling over.

• Chill the Glaze: For that thick, beautiful glaze, chill your donuts in the freezer for 5 minutes between each dunk. This helps the glaze set, giving you that gorgeous, layered look.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Donuts bake fast! Check them at the 10-minute mark and pull them out when a toothpick comes out clean. You don’t want to overbake and dry them out.

• Customize the Glaze: If your glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk. You want it thick but still pourable for that perfect coating.

• Serve Fresh: These donuts are best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days and give them a quick zap in the microwave to bring back the soft texture.

STORING LEFTOVER CHOCOLATE GLAZE DONUTS

To store your leftover Chocolate Glazed Donuts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. 

If you’d like to keep them longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. But let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture. 

If freezing, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temp or give them a quick zap in the microwave for that fresh, soft texture!

FAQS

DO I HAVE TO USE A DONUT PAN FOR THESE PERFECT CHOCOLATE DONUTS?

Highly recommend you get one! If you don’t have a doughnut pan, you can use a muffin tin.

Just note that the cooking time is lower with a donut pan because the donut dough gets contact all around, including in the center with the donut pan. You will have to cook the batter longer if using a muffin tin!

DOES THIS EASY RECIPE FREEZE WELL?

Yes, these cakey donuts freeze very well. I often double the batch and freeze the rest in an airtight container for when I’m craving a chocolate treat (which lets be real, is daily).

That way I don’t have to make a fresh batch each week. Simply take the dark chocolate donuts out the night before, or defrost them in the microwave in the morning.

CAN I USE REGULAR FLOUR FOR THE DONUT BATTER?

Yes! If you’re not gluten-free, you can substitute the gluten-free flour with regular all purpose flour. The perfect donuts will still turn out fluffy and delicious.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAKE DONUT RECIPES AND YEAST DONUTS?

Cake doughnuts are made with a donut batter that rises with baking powder, giving them a denser, cakier texture (like in this recipe). Yeast donuts, on the other hand, rise with yeast, creating a lighter, fluffier texture like the ones from Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’ Donuts.

CAN I FRY THESE DONUTS INSTEAD OF BAKING THEM?

This recipe is designed for baking, but if you want to try making a fried donut, you’ll need a different batter, ideally one with yeast. If frying, use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil and fry until golden brown.

HOW DO I MAKE THE DONUTS SOFT AND FLUFFY?

The secret to soft and fluffy donuts is to not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined, and bake until they’re set but still moist—don’t overbake!

HOW DO I PREVENT THE GLAZE FROM DRIPPING EVERYWHERE?

Place a wire rack over a baking sheet before you glaze, so any excess sweet glaze drips down, keeping your counters clean. You can also let the homemade doughnuts sit for a few minutes to let the glaze set.

Other Chocolate Treats You May Want To Try!

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Covered Apple Slices
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
• High Protein Chocolate Mousse With Cottage Cheese
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• Protein Chocolate Ice Cream With Peanut Butter Cups
• Gluten Free Double Chocolate Muffins
• Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Balls
• Easy Chocolate Marshmallow Squares
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Chocolate Zucchini Baked Oats
• Homemade Snickers Chocolate Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Superfood Smoothie

IF YOU TRIED THIS FLUFFY DONUT RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE DONUTS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails