Gluten-Free Baked Gingerbread Donut Holes

Prep: 15 minCook: 18 min14 donutsmediumAmerican
Baked Gingerbread Donut Holes with Almond and Cassava Flour

Soft, spiced donut holes featuring warm ginger and nutmeg, made with nutrient-dense almond and cassava flours plus sweet potato puree for natural moisture. These grain-free treats get rolled in cinnamon-sugar coating for extra sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, breakfast treats, or afternoon snacks when you want something indulgent yet wholesome. The combination of alternative flours creates a tender texture while the sweet potato adds subtle earthiness that complements the warming spices beautifully.

Ingredients

Yield: 14 donuts
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup sweet potato purée (or pumpkin purée)
  • ½ cup almond flour
    oat flour1:1gluten-free

    slightly denser texture

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup cassava flour
    tapioca flour1:1paleogluten-free

    similar binding properties

  • cup arrowroot powder
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar
  • 2 t baking powder
  • 1 t ginger
  • ¼ t nutmeg
  • ¼ t salt
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 2 T cinnamon
  • 1 T ginger
  • cup coconut oil, melted
    melted butter1:1vegetarianadds dairy

    richer flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and grease donut pan generously

  2. 2

    Process all donut ingredients in food processor until smooth

  3. 3

    Roll dough into balls with damp hands and place in prepared pan

  4. 4

    Bake until golden brown

  5. 5

    Cool for specified time

  6. 6

    Combine coating ingredients on plate

  7. 7

    Dip each donut hole in melted coconut oil then roll in coating mixture

  8. 8

    Serve immediately or store

Tips

Tip 1

Use damp hands when rolling dough to prevent sticking and achieve smooth, round shapes.

Tip 2

Let donut holes cool completely before coating to prevent the cinnamon sugar from melting off.

Tip 3

Substitute pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree if preferred - both work equally well.

Good to Know

Storage

Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days in airtight container.

Make Ahead

Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake to avoid dry, tough texture.

Watch

Use damp hands when shaping to prevent sticky dough from adhering.

Watch

Cool completely before coating to prevent sugar mixture from melting off.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

sweet potato puree
pumpkin puree1:1paleogluten-free

same moisture and sweetness

Full guide →
almond flour
oat flour1:1gluten-free

slightly denser texture

Full guide →
cassava flour
tapioca flour1:1paleogluten-free

similar binding properties

Full guide →

General Alternatives

coconut oil
melted butter1:1vegetarianadds dairy

richer flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake them as regular donut holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, though the shape will be less uniform.

What if I don't have cassava flour?

You can substitute with equal amounts of tapioca flour or additional arrowroot powder, though texture may vary slightly.

How long do these keep fresh?

Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months in airtight container.