Healthy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Donuts: Baked, Not Fried

Hot, fresh & homemade

Hot, fresh cinnamon donuts hold a cherished spot in my heart, evoking memories of frosty mornings as a young child with my grandparents visiting the trash and treasure Markets in Canberra. The tantalising scent of sweet cinnamon wafting from a cozy donut van is etched into my fondest memories. I can still vividly recall the excitement of tearing open the white paper bag to reveal the sweet, warm aroma, and the delightful dance of donut juggling that would follow as I attempted to savour each bite without scalding my fingers.

Yet, as much as I adore the nostalgic charm of these doughy treats, there are times when I crave a healthier option that isn't fried. That's where this recipe from my archives comes in as the perfect solution. Baked, not fried, yet still just as delicious!

Baked to perfection, not fried!

This recipe transforms a beloved classic into a guilt-free delight. Say farewell to the deep fryer without sacrificing an ounce of texture or flavour. Opting for baking these donuts not only cuts down on oil content but also simplifies cleanup – no more battling with hot oil or messy splatters.

With the magic combination of almond meal and arrowroot flour (which are naturally gluten-free), these donuts boast alight and fluffy texture. And fear not, dairy-free friends – these treats are for everyone to enjoy!

The low-fructose magic of Rice Malt Syrup

One of the stars of this show is PureHarvest Organic Rice Syrup. This all-natural, vegan sweetener is crafted from 100% organic brown rice, boasting a rich flavour profile with a touch of gentle sweetness. What truly sets it apart is its low fructose content and slow-release nature. Unlike pure glucose, this syrup doesn't burden the liver, making it a top-notch alternative to cane sugar and other sweeteners. Not only does PureHarvest Organic Rice Syrup lend its sweetness to our donuts, but it also brings a plethora of health benefits to the table.

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Healthy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Donuts: Baked, Not Fried

Servings: 10-12 | Prep: 10 mins | Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

DONUT INGREDIENTS:

• 1 + 3/4 cups (150g) almond meal

• 1/2 cup (135g) arrowroot flour

• 2 tsp bi-carb soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tbsp (30ml) coconut oil, melted (extra for greasing)

• 1/2 cup (250ml) soy milk

• 1/2 cup (250ml) rice malt syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

CINNAMON SUGAR INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup (160g) coconut sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Method 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly grease your donut tin with coconut oil.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, soy milk, rice malt syrup, vanilla and melted coconut oil until well combined.

3. Add the almond meal, arrowroot flour, bi-carb soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until a smooth batter forms, resembling cake batter.

4. Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared donut tin, filling each mould about three-quarters full.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they cook quickly.

6. Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and immediately transfer them to a wire rack.

7. While the donuts are still hot, coat each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture by rolling them in a shallow bowl until evenly coated.

8. Let the coated donuts cool slightly on the wire rack before serving.

9. Enjoy your freshly baked Healthy Cinnamon Donuts while they're still warm and delicious.

• How do I store these donuts?

  For optimal freshness, store these treats in an airtight container. Enjoy them within 3 days to savour their irresistible taste and texture.

• How do I reheat these donuts?

  Craving that hot and fresh cinnamon donut feeling? Simply reheat the donuts in the microwave for 10-second increments until warmed to perfection.

• Can I use another milk alternative?

  Yes. I like to use soy milk, but you can sub this out with any other milk alternative such as almond, coconut or rice.

• Can I replace the rice malt syrup?

  You should be able to sub out the rice malt syrup with maple syrup and achieve a similar result. Comment below if you try this option.