• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New to GF? Start Here
  • GF Resources
    • Safe Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • Recipes
  • GF Cookbooks
    • Pantry
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • New to GF? Start Here!
  • Recipe Index
  • Check Out My Gluten Free Cookbooks!
  • Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • About Fearless Dining
  • Contact Me
  • Follow Along

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Donut Recipes

    Gluten Free Sufganiyot {aka Fried Jelly Donuts!}

    Published: Dec 4, 2019 · Modified: Feb 11, 2021 by Sandi Gaertner · 27 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Get ready for a timely classic for Hanukkah celebrations. If you haven't tried sufganiyot, you are in for a treat. I created a gluten free version of my dear friend's family recipe and I hope you enjoy these gluten free sufganiyot as much as we do!

    three jelly filled donuts in a basket
    Jump to:
    • What are sufganiyot?
    • How do you get gluten free dough to rise?
    • Ingredient notes:
    • Recipe step by step directions:
    • What oil is best for frying donuts?
    • Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
    • More gluten free donut recipes to try:
    • Reader adaptations:
    • Recipe
    • Community

    One bite of these fried jelly donuts and you will be hooked. If you love donuts as much as we do, check out all of my delicious Gluten Free Donut Recipes on the blog :-).

    My kids said you should also check out these gluten free chocolate donuts, or these gluten free vanilla donuts!

    What are sufganiyot?

    Sufganiyot sounds like such a fancy name for a jelly donut. And even funnier sounding is talking about just one sufaniyah! It is pretty easy to tell the difference. Deep-fried jelly donuts aka sufganiyot (plural) or if you can eat just one, they are called sufaniyah.

    These Jewish jelly donuts symbolize the oil that was only enough to last one night, lasted 8 nights. It was considered a miracle and the sufganiyot have been made to celebrate this miracle ever since. If you want to read even more about the history of these wildly popular jelly donuts you can read more about it here.

    My kids have been begging me to make this recipe gluten free for years. I am not sure why I haven't...perhaps it was the whole mom guilt thing because these gluten free jelly donuts are fried and calorie-laden.

    If you want to try another delicious traditional Jewish recipe, I converted my Grandma's Cheese Blintzes recipe to gluten free as well!

    a stack of three jelly donuts on a plate

    My bloopers all centered around the yeast and the dough rising in this recipe. It took 4 tries to get it right. Hopefully the tips I write about below will help you so you don't have these struggles.

    How do you get gluten free dough to rise?

    One of my biggest struggles in gluten free baking (and in making these gluten free jelly donuts) is getting my dough to rise. Have you had this issue as well? I am not sure if it is gluten free flour, or if it is just a user error, me!

    For this recipe, I really recommend letting the dough rise in a warm place. Rising in the refrigerator can work but for me, it hasn't. If you feel comfortable rising yeast dough, you must try this Gluten Free Focaccia Bread recipe too!

    Turn your oven on at 200 degrees and let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, turn the oven off and then put your dough into the oven to rise.

    Are you ready to make these jelly donuts?

    Ingredient notes:

    gluten free jelly donuts ingredients
    • Gluten free flour blend - I tested this recipe using Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour Blend and Cup4Cup Blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
    • Xanthan gum - If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum or guar gum, please add 1 teaspoon.
    • Jelly - You can fill these donuts with jelly, jam, frosting, pudding, Nutella, etc. The sky is the limit!

    Recipe step by step directions:

    bubbling yeast in a bowl

    Step 1: Add your yeast to the warm water, milk, and 2 tablespoons sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets really bubbly.

    a bowl with the sufganiyot ingredients

    Step 2: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees. When it is warm, turn off the oven. In a large bowl add your dry ingredients and whisk to blend.

    Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk your wet ingredients and add the yeast mixture. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix.

    Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the bowl into the warm oven. Make sure the door is cracked open. Let your dough rise for 30-45 minutes.

    gluten free sufganiyot dough

    Step 5: Your donut dough will be somewhat wet. That is normal and one of the things you need when working with dough. Put a little flour onto wax paper and add your dough. Press your dough flat to about 1 inch thick.

    The secret is to use enough gluten free flour to the dough so you can cut out the dough circles without it sticking all over the place...but too much flour and your sufganiyot will be dry and dense.

    cutting out donut shapes in the dough

    Step 6: Use a biscuit cutter or large round cookie cutter to cut out your donuts. 

    a bunch of donuts ready to fry in oil

    Ready to try...the circles may be misshapen a bit...that happens when you have to have your dough softer in gluten free baking.

    frying donuts in hot oil in a cast iron skillet

    Step 7: If you have a fryer, use that...otherwise, heat oil in a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet to 375º F.

    What oil is best for frying donuts?

    The kind of oil you use for frying is really, really important. You must use an oil that is good for high heat. Some oils, like olive oil, go rancid in high heat so you need to use one of these:

    • Canola oil
    • Coconut oil
    • Avocado oil
    fried gluten free sufganiyot on a paper towel

    Step 8: Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel. The paper towels help absorb the extra oil.

    rolling sufganiyot in powdered sugar

    Step 9: Roll your sufganiyot in powdered or regular sugar.

    using a squirt bottle to inject strawberry jelly into each donut

    Step 10: Use a squirt bottle or pastry bag and long frosting tip to squirt the strawberry jelly into each donut.

    a plate full of gluten free jelly donuts

    You will end up with a big plate of gluten free jelly donuts just screaming to be eaten!! 

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:

    Why didn't my jelly donuts cook inside?

    If this happened to you, my first guess is the oil was too hot and the outsides cooked so fast that your insides are raw dough. You don't want the oil hotter than this or your donuts will cook on the outside too fast and the inside will not cook

    What flavor jelly?

    Traditionally, people usually use strawberry or raspberry jelly to fill their jelly donuts. You can use any flavor you like!!

    Can you use jam instead of jelly?

    You can definitely use jam instead of jelly for this jelly donut recipe. One of the main differences is you will have chunks of fruit in your donuts.

    What if your donuts don't puff up when frying?

    If your donuts don't puff up, it is most likely you had a yeast rising failure. I really encourage you to rise your dough in a warm oven as I described above.

    If you love to fry desserts, give these Gluten Free Funnel Cakes, Fried Gluten Free Donut Holes, and these Gluten Free Fried Donuts recipes a try too!

    a jelly donut on a plate with a bite taken out

    More gluten free donut recipes to try:

    • Easy Gluten Free Donut Holes {Oil Fried or Air Fried}
    • The Best Gluten Free Funnel Cake Recipe
    • Easy Gluten Free Yeast Donuts
    • Easy Gluten Free Vanilla Donuts

    Reader adaptations:

    Reader Tara M's photo of her finished jelly donuts on a plate
    Tara M's photo of making these jelly donuts

    "These were amazing!!!! I missed jelly doughnuts since I met my boyfriend who has celiac. I always feel guilty saying that I miss things and look for ways to bring them back into our life but with the best gluten free recipe. These were awesome!!!!"

    Tara M.

    Delicious! Made dairy free by using oat milk and DF butter."

    Lydia, Pinterest User

    I've been wanting Krispy Kreme donuts for 7 years, since going GF. I can't thank you enough."

    Becky N.

    Recipe

    Gluten Free Sufganiyot {aka Fried Jelly Donuts!}

    Sandi Gaertner
    One bite of these amazing gluten free jelly donuts aka gluten free sufganiyot and you will be hooked. Fill these fried donuts with jam, pudding, frosting, or Nutella.
    4.67 from 9 votes
    gluten free allergy icon
    nut free allergen icon
    soy free allergy icon
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections Save RecipeSaved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Additional Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 35 mins
    Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 donuts
    Calories 153 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For Donuts

    • 2 ½ cups gluten free flour * see notes
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 package dry yeast roughly 1 tablespoon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cups warm milk
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • ½ cup sugar

    For filling and coating

    • Powdered sugar
    • Jelly

    Instructions
     

    • Warm milk to 105º F and add the yeast and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Allow sitting for 5 minutes until frothy.
    • In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients including the remaining sugar (not the powdered sugar) and whisk to blend.
    • Add the warm milk mixture, butter, and eggs. Mix well.
    • Preheat the oven to 200º F. Turn off the oven.
    • Cover the bowl of dough and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the preheated warm oven and keep the door cracked open. Let the dough rise for 60 minutes.
    • Place a piece of wax paper down on the counter. Dust with gluten free flour blend.
    • Add the dough and sprinkle a little flour over it. Press down a little then top with another piece of wax paper.
    • Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to one-inch thickness.
    • Cut out circle shapes with biscuit cutters. Place on a plate
    • Allow the dough to sit 10 minutes. While they are sitting, heat light oil in a cast-iron skillet or fryer. You want the oil to be around 375º F.
    • When the oil is hot, add some of the dough circles.
    • Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side. Let the donuts get golden brown on each side.
    • Remove and place on a paper towel covered plate to absorb extra oil.
    • Optional: roll in powdered sugar to coat each donut.
    • Fill a squirt bottle with jelly or jam. Squeeze jam into each donut.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    1. I have tested this recipe with Cup4Cup, Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend, and Authentic Foods Multi Blend in this recipe. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
    2. If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum, please add 1 teaspoon.
    3. Make sure the oil you use for frying can handle high heat. I like to use coconut oil or avocado oil for frying.
    4. These gluten free fried jelly donuts will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 83mgPotassium: 98mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 123IUCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

    lemon e-cookbook cover image

    If you love the recipes you are finding on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon desserts e-cookbook!)

    « Gluten Free Cookie Mix In A Jar {Gift Giving!}
    Our Favorite Gluten Free Christmas Cookies »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharon

      December 21, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      I am confused about the yeast. It says "1 package dry yeast roughly 1 tablespoon". I purchased the 3-packets of Fleischmann's ActiveDry Yeast Original. But I'm sitting here looking at the packets... each one is 1/4 oz = approximately 2-1/4 teaspoons. Looks like 1/4 oz is half of a tablespoon, so... do I need 2 packets of yeast? But you said 1 packet, and I thought this size of packaged yeast was standard, so I'm worried I'll add the wrong amount of yeast.

      Could you clarify? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        December 21, 2021 at 7:25 pm

        Hi Sharon, it is fine to use the whole packet. Many use a container of yeast and one TBSP is fine. I have made these with both packet and container yeast. I hope this helps.

        Reply
        • Sharon

          December 21, 2021 at 7:35 pm

          Okay, I will only use one packet. Thank you so much Sandi for responding! Looking forward to making these!

    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

    Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step-by-step directions. Many recipes are also dairy-free. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner Recipes:

    • Easy Gluten Free Stuffed Peppers
    • Gluten Free Skillet Lasagna
    • Gluten Free Quiche with Sausage and Tomato
    • Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe
    • How to Fire-Roast Hatch Chiles and The 12 Best Hatch Chile Recipes!
    • How to Make Gluten Free Ramen Soup

    More Dinner Recipes!

    Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

    • 8 Tasty Ways To Enjoy Shishito Peppers {Easy Recipes}
    • The Best Gluten Free Blueberry Scones
    • Proposition Chicken's Gluten Free Fried Chicken Recipe
    • Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cod
    • Sweet Gluten Free Apple Fritters
    • The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits

    Click for more Trending Recipes.

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2014-2022 Fearless Dining