Introduction

These baked gluten free sweet potato donuts offer a deliciously soft texture with a naturally sweet flavor. Topped with a smooth maple glaze, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Enjoy a healthier twist on classic donuts without sacrificing taste.

A pile of seven glazed doughnuts sits on a white marbled surface, arranged in a loose stack with some doughnuts partly overlapping others. Each doughnut has a shiny light brown caramel glaze coating the top, dotted with small pieces of chopped pecans that add texture and contrast. The dough underneath is a warm golden brown with a soft, slightly porous texture. Around the doughnuts, whole pecans and a few cinnamon sticks are scattered, adding to the rustic feel. The background is a white marbled texture with a soft cloth in one corner, creating a cozy and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3/4 cup 1:1 gluten free flour
1/2 cup tigernut flour (or almond flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
160 grams mashed orange sweet potato (about 2/3 cup)
1 egg
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar*
2 Tbsp melted (dairy free) butter or coconut oil**
2-4 tsp maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly oil a donut pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, tigernut flour (or almond flour), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Mash the sweet potato thoroughly, then in a large bowl, beat the mashed sweet potato with the egg, olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine well for a couple of minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or spoon, then pipe or spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. You may need to bake in batches as this recipe yields about 8 donuts.
Step 6: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before gently flipping them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: For the maple glaze, combine the powdered sugar, melted dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and 2 teaspoons of maple syrup in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and thick but dippable. Adjust the consistency by adding more butter or maple syrup as needed.
Step 8: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, then set them on parchment paper to allow the glaze to set. Add any desired toppings immediately while the glaze is still wet.

Tips & Variations

Substitute tigernut flour with almond flour for a different nutty flavor and texture.
Use canned sweet potato puree if fresh orange sweet potato is unavailable, but be sure it is well drained.
For a spiced twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients.
If you prefer a thinner glaze, increase the maple syrup gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Storage

Store the baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven before glazing for best texture. The glaze is best applied just before serving to maintain its shine and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A single donut with one bite taken out sits on a white marbled surface. The donut has a light brown color with a smooth, shiny caramel glaze covering its top layer. On the glaze, there are small pieces of chopped pecans sprinkled around the upper edge. The inside of the donut shows a soft, fluffy texture with a golden brown hue. There are a few scattered whole pecans in the background on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts nut-free?

Yes, to keep the recipe nut-free, use tigernut flour instead of almond flour and ensure your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain nut ingredients.

Can I freeze these donuts?

You can freeze the donuts without the glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before applying fresh glaze for best results.