One Recipe, Endless Delights

There are donut holes—and then there are your donut holes.

This collection takes one golden idea—warm, tender gluten-free cake donut holes—and turns it into a playground of flavor.

Whether dusted in cinnamon sugar, dipped in silky glaze, or filled with custard and jam, each variation starts with the same foolproof base: soft on the inside, crisp at the edges, and bursting with nostalgic charm. No gluten, no guesswork—just a simple batter that fries up into pure joy.

From classic to creative, these bite-sized treats prove that one great recipe is all you need to make a dozen dreams come true. Bake a batch, mix up your toppings, and serve a donut flight that’s all your own.

The Base Recipe...

Gluten-Free Cake Donut Recipe

Ingredients (makes ~20–24 donut holes):

• 1 cup Petley Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for sweeter donuts)
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tbsp oil or melted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pan (about 2 inches deep).
2. In a bowl, mix everything until just combined. The batter should be thick but scoopable—like soft cookie dough. Add a spoonful more milk if too thick.
3. Use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to gently drop balls of dough into the hot oil.
4. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels and roll in cinnamon sugar or glaze while warm.

One Golden Recipe. Twenty Irresistible Variations.

Welcome to your new favorite baking playground: soft, golden cake donut holes made with Petley Grain’s gluten-free Pancakes & Waffles mix. This tender, flavorful base is simple to make—and endlessly easy to riff on.

We took our go-to recipe and pushed it to its full, decadent potential. From powdered sugar nostalgia and old-fashioned glazes to filled, frosted, fruity, and fairground-style creations, every variation offers a new way to play—without a hint of gluten.

Craving cozy autumn spice? Bright summer citrus? Or just a sugar rush worthy of a midway stand? You’ll find your favorite flavor here—and probably three more.

Make a few, make a dozen, or make all twenty. Just don’t blame us if they disappear before they’ve even cooled.

Let’s explore.

Classic Cinnamon Sugar

If there were a king of fairground treats, this would be it. The unmistakable smell of cinnamon sugar hitting warm dough is enough to draw a crowd—and now you can recreate that moment at home. These donut holes are the comfort food of the donut world: golden brown with just the right hint of crunch from the sugar coating, and a warm spice that lingers like a cozy memory. Every bite is familiar in the best way. They’re the perfect companion to a mug of coffee, a chilly morning, or absolutely no occasion at all.

Just like your favorite county fair!

Finish:

Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon

• Toss warm donut holes in the mixture until coated

Suggested Pairings

This cozy favorite shines alongside warm, spiced pairings. Enjoy it with a bowl of snickerdoodle or cinnamon bun ice cream for a bite that melts into the season. A chilled glass of apple cinnamon cider brings just enough tartness to balance the sweetness. Or, sip on a chai-infused apple juice for a non-alcoholic fall-flavored treat.

Powdered Sugar Puffs

There’s something magical about the moment a warm donut hole meets a cloud of powdered sugar. It’s the kind of nostalgic comfort that takes you back to sticky fingers at the breakfast table, the powdered sugar leaving its signature on every bite—and probably your shirt. These donut holes are all about texture and contrast: golden and tender on the inside, soft and snowy on the outside. They’re the ultimate “just one more” treat, perfect for piling high on a plate and watching them disappear before the coffee’s even ready. No glaze, no filling—just sweet simplicity in its purest form.

Light, sweet, and irresistible.

Finish:

• Let donut holes cool slightly
• Place in a paper bag with ¼ cup powdered sugar
• Shake until fully coated

Suggested Pairings

Light, sweet, and classic—this donut hole begs to be paired with smooth, clean flavors. Try it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to keep things simple and nostalgic. A pear cider makes a great adult pairing, adding subtle fruitiness without overpowering. For a non-alcoholic option, white grape juice or a delicate lychee juice complements the airy finish.

Old-Fashioned Glaze

There’s a reason glazed donuts never go out of style. That slightly crackled shell of vanilla-sweet glaze adds a layer of joy to every soft, golden bite. These donut holes channel that same bakery magic in miniature form. The glaze melts into all the curves and edges, sealing in the warmth while giving you that perfect sugar snap when you take a bite. They’re a little sticky, a little shiny, and 100% irresistible. Dunk them, drizzle them, or devour them as-is—just be prepared for them to vanish faster than you can say “homemade.”

That glossy, crackly glaze you grew up with.

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1½ tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Finish:

• Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth
• Dip cooled donut holes and set on a wire rack to dry

Suggested Pairings

Timeless and lightly sweet, this glazed donut hole plays well with richer flavors. A scoop of French vanilla ice cream enhances its smooth texture. A glass of classic dry apple cider refreshes the palate between bites, while a tangy fresh-squeezed orange juice creates a bright brunch pairing that’s hard to beat.

Boston Cream–Inspired

Welcome to the most luxurious donut hole in the bunch. Inspired by the beloved Boston cream donut, this version takes everything you love—rich vanilla custard, glossy chocolate topping, soft tender dough—and packs it into a perfect little sphere of indulgence. They’re filled after frying, so the center stays creamy and cool, while the outside gets a smooth chocolate dip that sets into a shiny, elegant shell. It’s a bakery case favorite shrunk to snack size, and just fancy enough to impress at brunch or special gatherings—without any of the gluten.

A mini twist on the bakery classic!

Extra:

• Use a piping bag to fill cooled donut holes with vanilla pudding or custard
• Dip the tops in melted chocolate (semi-sweet or milk chocolate + a touch of cream)

Filled or dipped, this one’s a nod to dessert lovers. Serve it with a velvety Boston cream pie ice cream or chocolate custard, and you’ve got bakery bliss in a bite. A bold, dark fruit hard cider or even a chocolate cherry seltzer makes a playful adult pairing. For a softer option, go with chocolate almond milk or a splash of cold brew.

Suggested Pairings

Sugared Jelly-Filled

This one’s for the jelly lovers. Bright, tart, and bursting with berry goodness, these donut holes offer the best of both worlds: a soft, warm doughnut and a hit of fruity jam at the center. They’re finished with a toss in granulated sugar, which gives them a crisp, sparkly coating that crackles against the jam-filled bite. Whether you use raspberry, strawberry, or something a little wild like fig or cherry, each donut becomes a handheld moment of joy. They’re playful, they’re nostalgic, and they’re always the first to go.

Like a jelly donut, in bite-sized form.

Extra:

• Inject cooled donut holes with seedless raspberry or strawberry jam using a piping tip
• Roll in granulated sugar (not powdered—it sticks better with jam inside)

Suggested Pairings

Sweet, tart, and dusted to perfection, this donut hole pairs well with raspberry ripple or lemon sorbet ice cream. A fruity rosé cider balances its jammy center, while a tall glass of raspberry lemonade or strawberry juice keeps things vibrant and picnic-ready.

Maple Glaze & Bacon Crumble

Where brunch and dessert finally agree.

This sweet-and-salty donut hole is everything you love about Sunday morning: maple syrup, sizzling bacon, and no shame in eating four in a row. The warm, cozy flavor of the maple glaze melts into the soft donut, while the salty bacon crumble adds just the right bit of crunch and rebellion. It’s a donut hole that skips the small talk and goes straight for your taste buds.

• Add 1 tsp maple syrup to the batter for subtle flavor.
• For the glaze: mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp maple syrup + a splash of plant milk.
• Drizzle over cooled donut holes, then top with finely crumbled crispy bacon (or vegan bacon bits).

Suggested Pairings

Smoky and sweet, this brunch-inspired variation calls for a scoop of brown butter pecan ice cream. To drink, pour a crisp semi-dry apple cider—or go full brunch with a maple-spiked version. For non-alcoholic pairing, try a warm spiced pear juice or cold apple cider with a cinnamon stick stirred in.

Double Chocolate Dipped

For those who believe one kind of chocolate just isn’t enough.

These rich, cocoa-infused donut holes are the answer to every chocolate craving you’ve ever had—rolled into one bite-sized treat. With a soft chocolatey center and a glossy melted chocolate shell, they’re like tiny truffles wearing donut disguises. Finish them with a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed cookies if you’re feeling extra, but honestly? They don’t need the help.

• Add 1 tsp cocoa powder + 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips to the batter.
• Dip cooled donut holes into melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
• Optional: sprinkle with shaved chocolate, crushed Oreos, or a pinch of sea salt.

Suggested Pairings

Cereal Milk Sprinkle

A Saturday morning cartoon in donut form.

These playful donut holes start with milk steeped in your favorite childhood cereal, giving the batter a nostalgic twist that tastes like memories. After frying, they’re glazed and topped with crushed gluten-free cereal and rainbow sprinkles for a bite that’s crunchy, creamy, and impossibly fun. It’s breakfast and dessert and recess all rolled into one.

• Infuse plant milk with a handful of Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch (steep 10 min, then strain). Use this as your batter liquid.
• Glaze with simple vanilla icing, then roll in crushed gluten-free cereal and sprinkles.

Suggested Pairings

Fun, fruity, and made for nostalgia. Pair with Fruity Pebbles ice cream or creamy vanilla bean for that Saturday morning vibe. A sparkling strawberry lemonade seltzer refreshes the palate, while pink lemonade or strawberry banana juice rounds out a bright, playful trio.

Strawberry Shortcake Mini

Like a summer picnic packed into one perfect bite.

These soft, strawberry-kissed donut holes bring all the flavor of a classic shortcake without the fuss. A touch of jam or fresh berry in the batter adds a juicy pop, while a vanilla glaze and crushed cookie coating give that sweet, crumbly finish. Serve with a dollop of whipped topping and you’ve got yourself a dessert that feels fancy—but eats like fun.

• Add 1 tbsp finely diced strawberries or strawberry jam to the batter.
• Coat warm donut holes with vanilla glaze, then roll in crushed gluten-free vanilla cookies or shortbread.
• Optional: serve with whipped topping dip.

Suggested Pairings

Sweet and summery, this donut hole gets even better with a scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Sip alongside a crisp raspberry lime cider or chilled rosé cider for an elevated dessert board. For a family-friendly pairing, pour up watermelon juice or strawberry basil lemonade.

Churro Mocha Bite

Coffee break meets carnival treat.

These donut holes are spiced, caffeinated, and dangerously snackable. A touch of instant espresso and cinnamon in the batter gives them bold flavor with a cozy kick, while a dusting of cocoa-cinnamon sugar brings all the churro vibes. Perfect with a mug of coffee—or dipped right into your favorite chocolate sauce—they’re proof that fried dough and espresso were meant to be together.

• Add ½ tsp instant espresso and a dash of cinnamon to the batter.
• Roll warm donut holes in cinnamon sugar blended with a pinch of cocoa powder.
• Serve with chocolate dipping sauce or espresso glaze.

Suggested Pairings

Warm spices and rich coffee notes make this donut a cozy standout. Pair with Mexican chocolate ice cream or cinnamon swirl to enhance the spice. A glass of horchata hard seltzer or spiced apple cider brings a fun twist, while mocha oat milk or cinnamon cold brew makes for a dreamy midday snack.

Honey Butter Glaze

Sweet, salty, buttery bliss.

This one’s for the biscuit lovers, the funnel cake fanatics, and anyone who’s ever stolen an extra honey packet at brunch. With a glossy coating of melted butter and golden honey, these donut holes melt in your mouth with just a whisper of salt for balance. No toppings, no sprinkles—just pure, sticky-sweet simplicity done right.

• Whisk together 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt.
• Dip warm donut holes, then let set slightly for a glossy finish.
• Optional: add a tiny sprinkle of flaky salt or cinnamon sugar.

Suggested Pairings

Buttery, soft, and just sweet enough—this flavor sings with honey lavender or vanilla honeycomb ice cream. For something bubbly, try a ginger pear seltzer or elderflower cider. To keep it gentle and floral, pour a glass of honeydew juice or a light chamomile lemonade.

Toasted Coconut Crunch

Tropical vibes in a tiny bite.

If your donuts need a vacation, start here. These golden little globes get dipped in creamy vanilla glaze and rolled in freshly toasted coconut, giving you that sweet, nutty crunch with every bite. They’re crisp, chewy, and beach-day approved—no sunscreen required.

• Roll cooled donut holes in vanilla glaze, then immediately in toasted shredded coconut.
• For extra flavor, add a touch of coconut extract to the glaze or batter.

Suggested Pairings

Crunchy on the outside, soft in the center, and made to be tropical. Serve with coconut milk ice cream or almond joy for a treat that’s both creamy and nutty. A glass of pineapple cider or coconut lime seltzer completes the beachy vibe, while pineapple-carrot juice makes a bold, refreshing match.

Blueberry Lemon Drizzle

A berry-bright twist on a bakery classic.

Think blueberry muffin meets lemon glaze donut—but smaller, cuter, and far more poppable. The tart lemon zest and vivid blueberry drizzle make these donut holes practically sing, giving your tastebuds that perfect balance of sweet and zing. Bonus points for the dreamy purple streaks.

• Stir crushed freeze-dried blueberries and lemon zest into a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Drizzle over cooled donut holes or dunk fully for bright purple color and citrus zing.

Suggested Pairings

Bright and tangy, this donut hole was made for a scoop of lemon sorbet or blueberry crumble ice cream. Match the flavor punch with a blueberry basil seltzer or a tart berry cider, and pour up a glass of blueberry lemonade for a fun brunch twist.

Pumpkin Spice Glaze

Fall in one bite—even if it’s July.

Who says pumpkin has a season? These warmly spiced donut holes bring cozy café energy to your kitchen year-round. Real pumpkin blends into a silky glaze kissed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—then draped over each golden donut like an autumn sweater. Want to double down on the spice? Toss them in cinnamon sugar before glazing for a bonus crunch.

• Add 1–2 tsp canned pumpkin + ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to your glaze.
• Roll warm donut holes in this creamy blend for that unmistakable autumn flavor.
• Optional: toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar before glazing for double the spice.

Suggested Pairings.

Autumn in a bite, this spiced donut loves cozy pairings. Scoop up some pumpkin pie or salted caramel ice cream, then sip a chai hard seltzer or spiced pear cider for warmth and balance. Keep it simple with a chilled apple cider or creamy pumpkin spice almond milk for full seasonal vibes.

Caramel Apple Pop

The fairground favorite, minus the stick.

These donut holes bring all the joy of a caramel apple, no floss required. Tiny bits of dried apple add chew and flavor to the batter, while a warm caramel glaze makes everything taste like October. Finish with chopped pecans or gluten-free granola and you’ve got yourself a sweet little showstopper.

• Add a small spoonful of diced dried apple to the batter.
• Glaze with caramel sauce thinned slightly with warm plant milk.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans or gluten-free granola for a candied crunch.

Suggested Pairings

Vanilla Bean Dream

Soft, subtle, and wildly satisfying.

This gently glazed donut hole leans into real vanilla—no distractions, just smooth flavor and perfect texture. It’s the one you reach for when you want sweet without the fuss. Whether paired with morning coffee or a late-night scoop of ice cream, this donut has timeless appeal baked into every bite.

• Add ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract to the batter or glaze.

• For the glaze: mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tsp plant milk and ½ tsp vanilla.

• Dip cooled donut holes and let the glaze set for a smooth, shiny finish.

Suggested Pairings

Smooth, sweet, and endlessly flexible. This vanilla-forward donut hole pairs effortlessly with a scoop of sweet cream ice cream or vanilla bean gelato. For a bubbly pairing, reach for a delicate honeycrisp apple cider or a floral elderflower seltzer. Keep things gentle with a glass of vanilla almond milk or a lightly sweetened rice milk latte—perfect for balancing the glaze’s cozy depth.

Mocha Chip Crunch

Bold enough to wake up your taste buds.

This donut hole blends deep cocoa and rich espresso with a sugar-dusted outer crunch that gives just enough bite. It’s the afternoon pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed—perfect with coffee ice cream or sipped alongside something cold and caffeinated. Strong, sweet, and a little dramatic (in the best way).

• Add ½ tsp instant espresso and 1 tsp cocoa powder to the batter.

• For the glaze: stir ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tsp cocoa, ½ tsp espresso powder, and a splash of plant milk.

• Drizzle over donut holes and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or coarse sugar.

Suggested Pairings

Bold and bittersweet, this donut was made for caffeine lovers. Pair it with coffee chip ice cream or dark chocolate espresso gelato to highlight its mocha base. A can of hazelnut hard seltzer or a coffee-infused cider deepens the richness. If you’re going non-alcoholic, go for mocha oat milk or an iced café au lait—smooth, strong, and never overpowering.

Peanut Butter Glaze

• Add 1 tsp peanut butter to the batter for a hint of nuttiness.

• For the glaze: mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter and 1–2 tsp plant milk until smooth.

• Dip donut holes and top with chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Suggested Pairings

Creamy and just a little salty, this donut hole satisfies like a spoonful of your favorite peanut butter. It sings next to a scoop of peanut butter cup ice cream, but plays just as well with banana pudding ice cream for a nostalgic twist. Pair it with a banana cider, peanut butter stout, or sip on an ice-cold glass of chocolate milk—old-school and absolutely irresistible.

Lemon Poppy Zing

Bright, bold, and bursting with citrus energy.

A punchy lemon glaze meets a delicate crunch of poppy seeds in this sunshine-colored donut hole. It’s tart without being sour and sweet without being syrupy—basically, your new favorite summer bite. Refreshing with iced tea or something fizzy, this one’s perfect for backyard brunch plates.

• Add 1 tsp lemon zest and ½ tsp poppy seeds to the batter.

• For the glaze: mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest.

• Drizzle over cooled donut holes and sprinkle with extra poppy seeds if desired.

Suggested Pairings

Zesty and bright with a little crunch, this donut hole loves pairing with contrast. Try it with lemon blueberry swirl ice cream or a tart citrus sorbet for a summer dessert plate. A grapefruit hard seltzer or yuzu cider makes for a sparkling companion, while a cold glass of sparkling lemonade or grapefruit juice keeps it crisp, clean, and energizing.

Cookies & Cream Crumble

All your favorite things in one tiny bite.

This donut hole wears a crushed cookie crown over silky vanilla glaze, giving you the creamy-chocolate combo you love—without needing a spoon. It’s part donut, part cookie, part cake-pop energy, and 100% guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve with a milkshake. No regrets.

• Add 1 tbsp crushed gluten-free chocolate cookies to the batter (optional).

• For the glaze: dip cooled donut holes in a vanilla glaze made with ½ cup powdered sugar and 2–3 tsp plant milk.

• While glaze is still wet, roll in finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.

Suggested Pairings

This one brings cookie energy in donut form. The vanilla glaze and crushed chocolate cookie topping call for cookies & cream ice cream, of course—or chocolate chip gelato if you want a twist. Pair it with a dark cherry cider or vanilla cola hard seltzer to keep the theme rolling. For something softer, serve it with a vanilla cream soda or a frosty chocolate milkshake and let nostalgia take over.

Warm, Sweet, and Gluten-Free

One cake donut recipe. Endless ways to make them yours.

There’s something magical about the first bite of a fresh, warm donut hole—especially when it’s homemade, perfectly golden, and 100% gluten-free. This guide is your invitation to experience that joy again and again, with a single reliable cake donut base that’s endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re in the mood for a powdered sugar classic, a nostalgic glaze, or something playful like citrus drizzle or cookie crumble, this collection has you covered. Every variation starts with the same tender, gluten-free cake donut hole—lightly crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful within.

Each twist brings something new to the table: cozy autumn spices, fairground-style fun, filled and frosted indulgence, or elegant bites worthy of your best brunch spread. Some are simple. Some are over-the-top. All of them are joyfully gluten-free.

So grab a bowl, heat the oil, and pick your favorite direction—or try them all. And when you land on the one that makes you grin mid-bite, tag us @PetleyGrain and share your creation.

Let’s get rolling.