Are you craving the delightful taste of a warm, fluffy doughnut but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! This recipe delivers incredibly delicious, perfectly fried gluten-free doughnuts that are surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget those bland, dense gluten-free baked goods; these doughnuts are light, airy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you're following a gluten-free diet or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic treat, this recipe is a must-try. Get ready to indulge in a homemade, healthy delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Your favorite glaze (recipe below!)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. This ensures even leavening and a better texture in your doughnuts.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combining the Batter:
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Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and can lead to tough doughnuts.
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Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten-free flour to hydrate, resulting in a more tender doughnut.
Frying the Doughnuts:
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Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Maintaining consistent oil temperature is key for evenly cooked doughnuts.
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Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Glazing Your Doughnuts:
Easy Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk together all ingredients until smooth, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Doughnuts:
- Flour Blend: Using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend is essential for the best results. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for binding.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing leads to tough doughnuts. Mix until just combined.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature for evenly cooked doughnuts.
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in unevenly cooked doughnuts.
Variations:
- Chocolate Glaze: Add cocoa powder to the vanilla glaze recipe.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Toss the warm doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to your glaze or sprinkle them on top of the doughnuts before the glaze sets.
Nutritional Information (per doughnut, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-5g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These gluten-free doughnuts are a quick dinner idea or a perfect treat for any occasion! Enjoy this easy recipe and the delicious homemade goodness! They're great for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!