Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorites: gluten-free Boston cream donuts made in the air fryer. I just can’t get enough of these fluffy, pillowy donuts bursting with rich vanilla cream and drizzled with luscious chocolate glaze. It’s like a little piece of heaven – and the fact that they’re gluten-free makes them even more special!
I still remember the first time I made these donuts after a friend invited me over for a gluten-free gathering. At first, I was skeptical about how they’d turn out. But once I bit into that warm, cream-filled donut, I was sold! The combination of chocolate and vanilla is always a classic, but in donut form? It’s a game changer! So, whether you’re gluten-free or just a fellow donut lover, you’re in for a delightful surprise.
What’s in Gluten-Free Boston Cream Donuts?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these donuts so special:
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is the star of the show! Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for a good structure. I usually enjoy using Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour’s gluten-free blend.
Baking Powder: This helps the donuts rise, giving them that fluffy texture we all crave. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential. I usually stick with regular sugar, but feel free to experiment with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Milk: Using whole milk gives a richness to the dough, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
Egg: This helps bind everything together and adds moisture. It also helps with the overall rise of the donut.
Butter: Melted butter brings a lovely richness and flavor to the donut batter. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil can be a great substitute.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that warm, comforting flavor. I always use pure vanilla extract for the best taste, though the imitation is also an option if you’re in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: This is for the luscious vanilla filling. You can also use dairy-free heavy cream substitutes.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips make the perfect glaze. Don’t forget to choose gluten-free chips to keep the recipe safe for those who are gluten-intolerant!
Is Gluten-Free Boston Cream Donuts Good for You?
Now, I’m not saying that these donuts are a health food, but let’s take a look at what’s inside.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: It can sometimes be lower in nutrients than whole wheat flour, but it’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Egg: Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and contain several essential vitamins.
Butter: While it adds delicious flavor, it’s also high in calories and saturated fat, so moderation is key.
Heavy Cream: This adds to the richness of the filling but also ramps up the calorie count. Always a treat to enjoy but perhaps not an everyday indulgence!
Enjoying these donuts occasionally, after careful relevancy with your dietary needs, can be a worthy treat!
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 large egg
– 4 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream (for filling)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for glaze)
**Servings:** This recipe makes about 6-8 donuts, depending on the size.
How to Make Gluten-Free Boston Cream Donuts?
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Grease your donut mold lightly. Spoon or pipe the donut batter evenly into the mold, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
6. Place the mold in the preheated air fryer and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. While donuts are cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form to create your filling.
8. Once cool, take a small knife and cut a slit into the side of each donut to fill them with cream. Use a piping bag for better control!
9. For the glaze, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
10. Dip the tops of each filled donut into the chocolate glaze and let them sit on a wire rack until the glaze sets.
Enjoy the journey as much as the destination, because that’s literally the sweetest part!
Don’t Spin Your Wheels!
Here are a few of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
– If you want a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the donut batter!
– Craving coconut? Flake some on top after glazing for an added crunch!
– Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
I hope you give these gluten-free Boston cream donuts a shot! They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or just a sweet treat after a long day. I promise they’ll be a hit with your family and friends, and I’d love to hear how they turn out. Happy baking!
