If it isn’t already apparent, my newest obsession is DONUTS! From regular donuts, to frosted donuts, to powdered sugar donuts, and even donuts in the shapes of all different kinds of animals, it’s safe to say I am donut obsessed. So today, how about these Almond Joy mini donuts for size?
RELATED: GF/V Donuts
I tell you, the beauty of this recipe is that even if you don’t like the taste of an Almond Joy candy bar, you could simply omit that part and still have Chocolate Frosted Donuts. Um, yes? Was that even a question? I’ll say this, I’ve even confused myself but what I do know is that these donuts are beyond delicious.
RELATED: Chocolate Frosted Donut Penguins
Now because the next several recipes that are coming out of my brain are an entire homage to our donut friends, I know that there are still some of you who do not have a donut pan. How in the world can one make donuts without a donut pan? This is a complete and utter “pickle” one could find themselves in and should be eradicated immediately. This is why a donut pan must be given away! Must, must, must (Giveaway is now closed)…
RELATED: Powdered Donut Polar Bears
A unique donut flavor, these gluten free Almond Joy Mini Donuts are stuffed with coconut and coated with dairy free melted chocolate!
PrintAlmond Joy Mini Donuts
- Yield: 12 mini donuts (or 6 large) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. Cara’s All Purpose GF Flour
- 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 c. buttermilk (1/2 Tb apple cider vinegar + 1/2 c. non-dairy milk)
- 1 1/2 tsp Ener-G egg replacer + 2 Tbs warm water, mixed til frothy
- 1/4 c. oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Almond Joy Topping:
- 1 1/2 c. shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 2 Tbs non-dairy milk
- 2 tsp coconut oil or butter
- 12 whole almonds
For Chocolate Coating:
- 1 c. nondairy chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp. non-hydrogenated shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix dry ingredients together until fully combined.
- Make a well in the center of the bowl. Add all the remainder of wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just incorporated.
- Grease a mini donut pan.
- Place 1/2 batter into a ziploc baggie. Cut the corner of one side to use as an opening. This part is important in the shape of the donuts: Using one hand to firmly keep the dough flowing out of the hole, squirt the dough out in a circle in the pan.
- Bake 8 minutes. Allow to sit in the pan for 3 minutes after you take it out of the oven.
For the Almond Joy Top:
- In a blender, combine the first three ingredients until smooth.
- Take less than a tablespoon of coconut mix and make into a patty with your hands. Place on top of the cooled donut.
- Place an almond on the top.
- For Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the non-dairy chocolate into a bowl (every 30 seconds stop to stir and repeat until melted and smooth). Add the shortening into the bowl and mix until melted and smooth.
- Gently place bottom of the donut into the bowl. Place a fork under the donut, and with a spoon, drizzle the chocolate on top until everything is covered in melted chocolate.
- Raise donut up with a fork and place on a piece of wax paper to set. If you want it to set quickly, place in the fridge.
These delightfully, coconut-y, chocolatey donuts are demanding to be made!
This is a very necessary shot. It is the cutest part of the donut. I love it so much.
VIMWAC
Wow, what an incredible idea! I absolutely love this recipe. Now all I need to do is go out and buy some donut pans. : D
abbietumbleson
If you don’t have a donut pan, can you simply roll the dough into balls for mini donut bites without the cute little hole on the bottom?
Cara
Great idea! It’s definitely worth trying, especially for the gluten eaters. It get a little more tricky with gluten free mixes since they tend to be a little more watery than normal. BUT again, it’s definitely worth checking out! Thanks for this tip π
Abbie
Thanks for the response! I made the recipe yesterday with a few modifications like using a “flax egg” because I was out of egg replacer. I also had to add a small amount of flour to my coconut mixture and stuck it in the fridge for a few minutes because it wasn’t holding together that great for me. My blender isn’t too great for pureeing stuff. I took the dough and rolled sections into twelve small balls and stuck them into an unlined muffin tin and they baked up in about 10 or 11 minutes. I did the assembly following your directions, using a knife to cut out a small section on the top of each “donut,” which ended up looking like mini muffins. That held the coconut and almond mixture on better while dipping each on in dark chocolate. Thanks for the great recipe!
Abbie
I also used regular flour instead of the gluten free mix. I have a few gluten free baking items in my kitchen, but have enjoyed being vegan for nine years now.
veghotpot
Hey Cara, I’ve nominated you for the Kreativ blogger award π check out my post here http://veghotpot.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/kreativ-blogger-award/ xxxx
Heather
Who in the world would pass up one of these donuts – not it!
Loving the coconut ontop all covered in chocolate – I am drooling at the mere thought of one of these beauties….I am pretty sure I would have to double the batch of coconut, I would find myself eating the coconut by the spoonful while I was “supose” to be making donuts π
Cara
Unethical creatures would refuse these cupcakes, that’s who π
You can have my serving of coconut…I’m not a fan unless it’s in my fruity, girly adult beverage.
Brooke
Can I just say how much I love Almond Joys? Can I also say how long it has been since I’ve had one? And then can I also say how much I want an Almond Joy donut to be swimming around in my belly right now? You know Almond Joy donuts like to swim, right? In bellies. It’s a little know fact.
Cara
No, you can NOT say any of those things. Stop please. Okay, go on. Would you like your Almond Joy donuts flushed down by a big mug of coffee or milk???
Brooke
Almond Joy donuts only swim in the finest milk from organic grass-fed pasture raised purebred Jersey cattle named Soylent Sue and Betty the Enforcer. They’re milk snobs. It’s a little known fact.
Lou
Yummmmmmmm…. that’s all I can say.
Cara
I’ll take it π
Isobelle
How odd! I picked up a donut pan to buy yesterday, walked to the cash register, and then walked all the way back to the shelf I grabbed it from and put it back! I knew I should have kept it. Knew it.
I’m trying to save money, so I thought it was a bad buy. But now I realize what an idiot I am. I love almond joys. Wah!
I’ve been seeing so many good recipes all over lately, and I’m trying to pick a good one to make for my birthday. I had decided on a raw cheesecake until I saw these. Whyyyy!!???
Cara
When is your birthday??? I must know!
Isobelle
It’s a secret.
Cara
May I at least have your address? π
Richa@HobbyandMore
yuuuuuuummmmmmm.. i agree.. this morning I was looking at my pancakes and then at the donuts! those pancakes looked really sad.
I bet if you had a bake sale.. you could sell everything for 4 times the price and it would still get sold within seconds!
i am totally excited about how many times you will marry the donuts with other things! ok that doesnt sound right
Cara
The pancakes looked sad because they needed a donut next to them… Which is usually how I feel π
courtneyraejones
Oooooo! I love coconut and chocolate!!!! These look fantastic. I just recently got a donut pan, but have not yet used it. I think I’ll be making these to christen it! *hehe* π Another great post Cara! xoxo
Cara
Let the baptism begin! I just enjoyed one for a snack right now (and by that, I of course mean I devoured one)…you will not be disappointed. They are deeeeeelicious!
xo!
Tasty Yummies
Speaking of “Oh. My”. Yeh seriously…. OH. MY. Cara you have outdone yourself again. These look incredible!
Cara
They are rather ridiculous really. I don’t know why it took me so long to make even a frosted donut. Hello! Then goodbye (into my belly) π xo
stephanissima
Finger food! (what else do you do with food like doughnuts and black olives that come with holes in the middle?)
And are you trying to become one of my favorite bloggers? Because it’s working. ::tries to grab doughnuts from screen::
Cara
Thank the heavens. I have been waiting to hear those words. I have not been trying, I have been beating myself up in order to earn that slot. Did I win? Did I win??? hehehe xo. Stop stealing my food, though *hoarding my plate of donuts*
stephanissima
::eyes the plate:: You know….tasty food bribes go a long ways…
You aren’t my favorite yet π
Cara
It’s because I’m withholding food from you, isn’t it? Well, I *am* a tease so I can hold out a little longer just to see how long it takes to win you over π hahahahaha
stephanissima
I’m pretty patient, so it’ll be awhile π
Cara
Staring contest, now.
stephanissima
I’m so not blinking
Cara
My eyes are getting dry…
stephanissima
Pretty soon, they’ll get all watery..
Baker Bettie
Girrrrrrrrrl (said while swinging my head in a circle and wagging my finger) these are amazing! You are amazing! Now I see why you said I needed a donut pan this week. I think I am going to try and make some grain free ones. Hopefully they will be post worthy and not tear worthy.
P.S. I think you are a recipe genius. Like seriously.
Baker Bettie
P.P.S- Where in the world did you get that mini cake pedestal? I coming to your house and stealing it… And probably stealing you too.
Cara
I actually bought it from an online store but seriously. It was $8!!! And when I got it, I was like, what a rip off. You so can go to Michael’s and make your own for like $1 with the unpainted wood items they sell. In fact, I think I am going to go do that right now. After I eat a donut, but of course π
Cara
When (and I say when, because it will happen) I meet you finally, I only want you to talk to me with your head circling and a wagging finger. Please. This made me giggle as I tried to imagine you saying this π Sending you love and happy thoughts as you attempt the grain free ones. I bet you will do a marvelous job! I cannot wait to see them.
P.S. You are on crack but thank you for the undeserved compliment.
frugalfeeding
She is!
frugalfeeding
I don’t mean she’s on crack, I mean you’re a recipe genius.
Cara
Don’t be starting rumors over here. Yes, I *am* on crack–wait a minute, no I’m not. See what you made me do? I have to go now… ha
frugalfeeding
I bet you are as well. I wouldn’t be surprised.
The Culinary Artist
are you serious? oh. my. yumminess. now where is my donut pan? I know I had it out recently. oh yeah, it’s in the sink strainer. can’t wait for these little rascals.
Cara
Have you been making donuts and not sharing any with the rest of us????
Shira
Joy and Donuts in the same phrase…
A natural combination of words if there ever was one!
Cara
There is now, now that you have brought it up! Amen to that, sister π
n e c e s s e a t i e s
0_0 god bless you, ughhh! You literally play into my every sweet weakness, and you do so in such a elegant, wholesome, fresh, gf, vegan way. And you’re gracious enough to always offer gluten-containing substitutes. You rock. Stop it. Except, don’t. <3
Cara
Well, I *am* doing the Lord’s work. It’s true π Not sure about the elegant part though…you clearly have not seen me walk. Or talk. Or fill in the blank. Nothing about myself screams elegant. ha. xo
frugalfeeding
I had noticed, Cara. These look wonderful. I’ve never made donuts… but I really want to. Gimmee that donut pan will ya!
frugalfeeding
I meant doughnut, by the way.
Cara
You wrote donuts the first time around. That is the only spelling I will accept. Now, if I can only find you on my personal facebook, I could stalk you even more… (evil laugh)
frugalfeeding
Oh, sh*t. I’m running… now.
BrookeWang
YUM.
Cara
YOU are yum.
Laurel
All those marshmallows I’ve been eating must have gummed up my computer as well as my brain because this is the 3d time I’ve tried to comment. You see that is why there is nothing left to say except FEED ME!
Cara
Throwing mini donuts at the screen, trying to reach your mouth π
Heather @ Better With Veggies
Love this idea – adding topping to the donut and then frosting – pure genius. I want to live near you and help taste-test your recipes. π
Cara
Please? I cannot keep up with myself–I need an accomplice stat!
AnonymousBurn
Oh my god! How did you know that a donut pan is on my list of things to buy? Ha!
Cara
You better go to facebook and comment so you can win that bad boy, missy!
AnonymousBurn
DONE!!
Lilly Sue
I love the donut kick you are on!! Donuts are so yummy π And these look so cute!
Cara
I kinda love the donut kick I’m on as well π It’s bringing me back to the good ol’ days… And really–mini donuts? Cutest thing ever, huh? Thanks for the comment, Lilly! xo
ringfingertanline
these. are. so. adorable.
get in my mouth, mini donuts.
Cara
I love a girl who is demanding to her mini donuts! ha. xo
lotagigs@yahoo.com
wait a minute did you just mix pickles with donuts? Oh just reread that. Sorry, my faux pas. Oooh, my mommy used to love almond joys. She would love these delectable creatures. Great pics too!
Cara
Pickles and donuts? Hmmmm, I am thinking that will be next week’s creation. And I shall call them: GiGi ‘Nuts π
Kathy Hester (geekypoet)
Those look absolutely amazing! A ++ as always ; )
Cara
YES!! You know how much I like getting straight As π xo
naturalnoshing
Oh my! These little donuts are perfection! What a fun, creative and delicious idea!!!!!! I love the photo too with the hole and the chocolate bottom — mmmmmmmmm π that’s my favorite part too!
Cara
I JUST commented over at your blog at the same time! ha.
Ashlae
Yum yum yummo yummo yummo yummo! It’s breakfast time for me, and now you’ve ruined my bowl of groats by showing me these heavenly doughnuts. Maybe I’ll make almond joy groats.. drizzled with chocolate – BAM! But I still want a doughnut. And for you to make them for meeeeee.
Cara
How about I come over to your new (AWESOME) pad and make some for you?
tessadomesticdiva
I make a lot of coconut and chocolate in this house, and yet I never thought to do it in donut form! Fun creation!
Cara
Something tells me Almond Joy donuts will be on the menu at your home sometime soon…
Lauren
Wow these look absolutely fantastic!! I miss the flavors of Almond Joys!
Cara
Miss no more, Lauren! Time to make them π
Willow
Almond joy donuts!! What an awesome idea. I want! π
Cara
I have 4 left with your name on it π
ninaherbert
So adorable. Reckon I could eat 3 or 4 right now!!! π
The question is, do I feel brave enough to attempt making these with my older two, who are on school holiday at the mo?
And your photography Cara… wonderful. I’m trying my hardest to NOT lick the screen. Sigh!
Thank you.
Cara
I think the answer is YES, yes you do feel brave enough. Now pull your tongue away from your computer screen and get baking! xo
shannonroche
Your donuts never fail to make me drool.
Cara
I think this needs to be my new tagline!
Kier at Life {and running} in Iowa
Wow.
That is all. π
Cara
And all I can say back is: Totally π haha
Caitlin
wowza, girl! only you would think to marry donuts and candy! these look decadent and delicious! coconut-topped donuts were my favorite back in the day, so i can only imagine how amazing these donuts taste. (and i desperately need a donut pan, so i will definitely be waiting for your announcement on fb.)
Cara
I find it hilarious that we both posted Almond Joys this week π Coconut *must* be on the brain subconsciously–as if we are just pushing for summer to be here already.
Caitlin
i know, i was thinking the same thing!
Cara
And then Kathy just posted mini donuts today too. I think we are all sharing a brain this week…I like it π
Maria
I will make these for my husband’s name day next week! He’s gluten, egg and dairy intolerant!!!! It so difficult for me to cook for him, especially sweets, but now that I found your site no grain can stop me!! Yoohooo
Cara
Well isn’t that what we call serendipitous??? Hi Maria! So happy that you found your way over here. Someone is going to be getting major wife points next week π