Gluten-Free Vanilla-Glazed Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
These traditional old-fashioned gluten free vanilla doughnuts are tangy and moist with crispy, cracked edges, just like their glutenous counterparts. Adorn them with vanilla glaze or coat them with melted dark chocolate or cinnamon and sugar. The temperature of the oil is important: too hot and the outside will cook too quickly. And don’t overcrowd the pot with doughnuts; add only a few at a time.
Gluten-Free Vanilla-Glazed Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
MAKES ABOUT 16 (3-1/2-INCH) DOUGHNUTS
Servings 16
Calories 227 kcal
Ingredients
For the Doughnut Dough:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/8 cup vegetable shortening
- 4 egg yolks
- 2-1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1-1/4 cups sour cream
- 3 cups plus 6 tablespoons all-purpose gluten-free flour (Shannon uses Pillsbury Best Multi-Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend , and we also like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- Canola oil, for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
Make the doughnut dough:
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In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar, shortening, egg yolks, and salt with a wooden spoon or a power mixer on medium speed until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
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In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and nutmeg. Gently mix the flour mixture into the sour cream mixture, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. The dough should be slightly tacky but not too sticky to handle; add more flour, if needed.
Doughnut Shaping and Cooking Instructions:
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In a large pot, heat 3 inches of canola oil to 350°F on a candy thermometer; track and adjust the heat to maintain the temperature. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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Scoop the dough into 16 (1/4-cup) portions. Shape each into a ball. Roll each ball into a 5-inch snake and pinch the ends together to make a ring 3-1/2 inches in diameter. Set the rings on the prepared sheet pan and slightly flatten them to 1/2 inch thick.
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Gently drop a few dough rings into the oil. After they sink to the bottom and rise back to the surface, wait 20 seconds, then, using a slotted spoon, flip them and let cook for 90 seconds longer. Flip them again and let cook for another 30 seconds. (The tops of the doughnuts will begin to crack open; that’s okay.) With the slotted spoon, lift the doughnuts from the oil, transfer to a cooling rack, and cool for at least 10 minutes.
Make the glaze:
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In a mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, salt, vanilla, corn syrup, and half of the hot water until smooth. Slowly add more hot water until the glaze is slightly thick.
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Dip each doughnut, cracked side down, into the glaze, submerging only one side of the doughnut. Let excess glaze drip back into the bowl. Set the doughnuts, unglazed side down, to dry on a cooling rack before serving.
Recipe Notes
The amount of GF flour blend you need for these doughnut recipes may vary depending on the brand you use: Shannon uses Pillsbury Best Multi-Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend, and we also like the results using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. (Cup4Cup didn’t work well.) If your dough is still too sticky to handle after mixing in all the dry ingredients, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is slightly tacky but easy to shape with your hands.
Nutrition Facts
Gluten-Free Vanilla-Glazed Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts
Amount Per Serving (1 doughnut)
Calories 227
Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 51mg17%
Sodium 189mg8%
Potassium 102mg3%
Carbohydrates 45g15%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 26g29%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Calcium 57mg6%
Iron 1.2mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Photography Paul Mehaffey
7 Comments on “Gluten-Free Vanilla-Glazed Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts”
Any way to make these egg free?
Good question! To be honest, I haven’t tried using vegan egg substitute. If you’re game to try it, let me know how it turns out. Otherwise, I’ll put it on my (long) list of things to do! 🙂
Not a fan of using shortening. Substitute? These look amazing!
Will definitely try these as donuts were one of my favorites prior to gf allergy. I have an old Fry Daddy fryer that I will resurrect and see if that works. Can you freeze leftovers? Floor tip to share: Tried a few and Wal-Mart gf all purpose flour is reasonably priced and results were consistently delicious. Thanks for all your efforts in providing inspiring recipes and support.
Do you think these can be baked in a donut pan? Has anyone tried it that way?
I try to avoid fried foods, but they’re donuts. So I may have to just fry it!
Hello! We haven’t tried it here. I’m guessing they could indeed be baked. Though of course the texture will be different. Do let us know if you try it, please!
Pamela! Thanks for the kind words. I can’t wait to hear about the fryer. I’m sure you can freeze leftovers. I’m also sure the texture will be a bit difference once you defrost them. Can’t wait to hear your findings!