If you have been dreaming of a homemade doughnut that tastes just like the ones from your favorite bakery, these Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts are about to become your new favorite recipe. With their crisp golden exterior, tender cake-like center, and classic cinnamon sugar coating, these doughnuts deliver all the nostalgic flavor of a traditional old-fashioned doughnut without any gluten.
Many gluten-free doughnut recipes can be dry, dense, or crumbly, but this recipe is different. A carefully balanced combination of brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch creates a soft and tender texture that closely resembles classic bakery-style doughnuts. The addition of buttermilk provides moisture and richness, while a touch of nutmeg gives these doughnuts the signature old-fashioned flavor that generations have loved.
Whether you are preparing a special weekend breakfast, planning a holiday brunch, or simply craving a homemade sweet treat, these gluten-free buttermilk doughnuts are guaranteed to impress. They fry up beautifully golden brown and are coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
One of the best things about this homemade gluten-free doughnut recipe is that it does not require complicated ingredients or advanced baking skills. With simple pantry staples and a little patience, you can create bakery-quality doughnuts in your own kitchen. Serve them fresh with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a comforting treat that everyone will enjoy.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Rest Time
15 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Yield
18 to 24 doughnuts
For the Gluten-Free Doughnuts
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups buttermilk
¼ cup butter, melted
3⅓ cups brown rice flour
1 cup potato starch
⅔ cup tapioca starch
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are completely blended and smooth. The buttermilk not only adds rich flavor but also contributes to the soft texture that makes these gluten-free doughnuts taste like traditional bakery doughnuts.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, and ground nutmeg.
Taking the time to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the dough. This simple step ensures consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients. Stir gently with a sturdy spoon until a soft dough forms.
Avoid using an electric mixer. Mixing by hand helps maintain the ideal texture and prevents overworking the dough. The finished dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to handle after resting.
Let the Dough Rest
Allow the dough to rest for approximately 15 minutes. This step is especially important when working with gluten-free flours because it gives them time to absorb moisture.
As the dough rests, the texture will become smoother and easier to work with. This resting period also helps improve the final texture of the doughnuts, making them lighter and more tender.
While waiting, lightly flour a clean work surface with additional brown rice flour.
Roll Out the Dough
Transfer the dough to the prepared surface. If it feels overly sticky, gently knead in a small amount of additional flour.
Roll the dough to approximately ½-inch thickness. Try to keep the thickness consistent to ensure even cooking.
Cut the Doughnuts
Using a doughnut cutter, cut out as many doughnuts as possible from the rolled dough. Place the cut doughnuts on a lightly floured baking sheet or tray.
Gather the remaining scraps, gently reroll, and continue cutting until all of the dough has been used.
Heat the Oil
Pour 1 to 3 inches of frying oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
Heat the oil to 375°F. Maintaining a consistent temperature is essential for producing perfectly cooked doughnuts. Oil that is too cool can result in greasy doughnuts, while oil that is too hot can cause the exterior to brown before the interior is fully cooked.
A kitchen thermometer is highly recommended for the best results.
Fry the Doughnuts
Carefully place several doughnuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Fry for approximately 1 to 2 minutes on the first side or until golden brown. Carefully flip and fry the second side until evenly browned.
Remove the doughnuts using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Continue frying the remaining doughnuts, allowing the oil temperature to return to 375°F between batches.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Coat the Doughnuts
While the doughnuts are still warm, gently roll or toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
The warmth of the doughnuts helps the sweet coating stick beautifully, creating the classic old-fashioned doughnut finish that everyone loves.
Serve
Serve immediately while warm and fresh. These doughnuts pair perfectly with coffee, tea, milk, or hot cocoa.
For a special breakfast spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and your favorite brunch dishes.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Doughnuts
Using fresh ingredients can make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Measure gluten-free flours carefully using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Keep a close eye on the oil temperature throughout frying. Consistent heat is one of the most important factors in creating bakery-quality doughnuts.
Allow the dough sufficient resting time before rolling and cutting. This helps the gluten-free flour blend fully hydrate and improves handling.
Work with lightly floured hands and surfaces to prevent sticking without adding too much extra flour.
Storage Instructions
These homemade gluten-free doughnuts are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To refresh the texture, warm the doughnuts in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
If desired, freeze uncoated doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw completely and reheat before coating with cinnamon sugar.
Flavor Variations
For a classic glazed doughnut, drizzle the warm doughnuts with a simple vanilla glaze.
For a fall-inspired treat, add pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
For a richer dessert, dip the tops in melted chocolate and allow them to set before serving.
Maple glaze, caramel drizzle, and powdered sugar coatings are also delicious options that complement the old-fashioned buttermilk flavor.
Do not skip the resting period. Resting improves the texture of gluten-free dough and makes it easier to handle.
Always monitor the oil temperature to ensure evenly cooked doughnuts.
If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of brown rice flour, but avoid adding too much, as this can make the doughnuts dense.
These doughnuts are best served warm when the exterior is lightly crisp and the interior is soft and tender.
These Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts offer everything you want in a homemade doughnut recipe. They are soft, fluffy, lightly crisp, and packed with classic flavor. The combination of buttermilk and nutmeg creates a nostalgic bakery-style taste, while the cinnamon sugar coating provides the perfect sweet finish.
Whether you are new to gluten-free baking or an experienced home baker, this easy recipe delivers consistently delicious results. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, and special occasions, these homemade gluten-free doughnuts are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
