Growing up in Lansing, our family made a yearly trip to Uncle John’s Cider Mill. The location has grown greatly since I was a child. However, they don’t offer gluten free donuts. (They do make some amazing hard cider, tho!) Now, I travel to the east side of the state, to support one of these Michigan businesses that offer gluten free cider mill donuts.

Greater Detroit – also made by Gluten Free Specialties (gluten & dairy free)

For many years, Gluten Free Specialties in Rochester supplied gluten free donuts to just Yates Cider Mill and Franklin Cider Mill. Then, in 2019, many Michigan cider mills responded to customer demand, and partnered with Gluten Free Specialties. If you want a cider mill in your area to carry gluten free donuts, speak up and tell them about gluten free bakers in your area! 

• Yates Cider Mill (Rochester & Canterbury Village)
• Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Holly)
• Franklin Cider Mill  (Franklin)
• Westview Orchards & Winery (Washington Twp.)
• Big Red Orchard (Washington) 
• The Property Farms And McCallum’s Orchard (Jeddo- Thumb area)
• Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm (Rogers City)

• Almar Orchards (Flushing, west of Flint) (They also make JK’s Farmhouse Organic Hard Cider!)
• Porter’s Orchard (Goodrich)
• Bayne’s Apple Valley, (Freeland, Saginaw County)
• Blake’s Cider Mill (Armada and South Lyon)
• Plymouth Orchards (Plymouth)
• Ruggles Ranch and Farm Markets (White Lake)
• Kackleberry Farms (Monroe)
• Country Mill (Charlotte)

Please be alert- In previous years, The Country Mill had both the donuts from Gluten Free Specialties, AND house made “gluten friendly” RICE donuts, sold in a package of 6.

Their gluten friendly RICE donuts were cooked in a shared fryer. The gluten free donuts in packages of 2 are from Gluten Free Specialties, and are made in a dedicated gluten free facility.  Read more on my Facebook page. 

Spicer Orchards Gluten Free Donuts – Made In House (shared facility)

Starting in 2026, Spicer Orchards will be making their own gluten free donuts. (Vegan donuts will still be available from Mama Alana’s Pantry.) Here are the details

• Their gluten free donuts are made a designated area with designated utensils, fryer, washing area, and sanitizer.
• There is space in between the gluten free station and the wheat based donut station. In addition, the sections are separated with a floor to ceiling curtain. However, we are not a 100% gluten free facility.
• The prep area and donuts are tested for gluten using GlutenTox Pro.
• Spicer’s Orchards makes their gluten free donuts from a certified gluten free mix.
• The gluten free donuts contain dairy, egg, and soy.
• Gluten Free Donut Ingredients: Gluten Free Flour Blend (Potato Starch, Brown Rice Flour, White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Sorghum Flour, Xanthan Gum), Sugar, Soybean Oil, Non-Fat Milk, Whey, Dextrose, Soy Flour, Salt, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate) Dried Egg Yolk, Potato Flour, Cinnamon, Natural Flavor
• Fried in a blend of Cottonseed and Palm Oil
• The cost is $7 for a 2 pack.

VEGAN and Gluten Free Donuts by Mama Alana’s Pantry (nut free)

Click here to learn more about Mama Alana’s Pantry

• Spicer Orchards – Blueberry & Apple
  • Also, Gluten Free Mixes
• Mueller’s Orchard – Cinnamon Sugar & Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Parshallville Cider Gluten Friendly Donuts

Parshallville launched gluten friendly donuts in 2025. They are made in the same facility as donuts made with wheat flour. However, they are taking the following precautions.

• Made from a mix that is bought and prepared, and is certified gluten free
• Mixed in a separate bowl and with a separate paddle
• Made before any gluten containing products were made
• Sugared in a separate bin in a separate space.
• Fried in a dedicated fryer
• $13/doz, $9/half dozen, $2.50 single
• Contains soy
• Ingredient list – RICE FLOUR, SUGAR, FOOD STARCH-MODIFIED, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, BAKING SODA, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CELLULOSE GUM, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT, SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE, SOY LECITHIN, SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, XANTHAN GUM.

Greater Grand Rapids  – made by Kind Crumbs (gluten, soy, nut free and vegan)

Kind Crumbs in Grand Rapids specializes in commercial production of gluten free baked goods. You find them in stores such as Harvest Health, D&W Fresh Market, and Foods for Living in East Lansing. However, you can also find them at these farm markets and cider mills in western Michigan. Click here for donut ingredient information. 

• Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm Market (NW GR)
• Red Barn Market (Lowell) (makers of Painted Turtle Hard Cider)
• Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery (NE GR)

Google Map of Michigan Cider Mills with Gluten Free Donuts

Are Any of These Gluten Free Donuts Available for Shipping?

Both Gluten Free Specialties and Kind Crumbs ship their donuts. Gluten Free Specialties ships their donuts nationwide. Kind Crumbs ONLY ships their donuts within the state of Michigan.

You can order from Gluten Free Specialties by visiting their website. To order donuts from Kind Crumbs (which are gluten free AND vegan), you will have to call them. 

Mama Alana’s Pantry also ships their gluten free & vegan donuts. Visit her website to place an order.

Store Bought Donuts

Not finding any cider mills near you with gluten free options? There are two gluten free brands which makes delicious, commercially available gluten free donuts. Both Katz and Kinnikinnick donuts contain no dairy, nuts or soy. While you can order them online, you can also find Katz and Kinnikinnick donuts in your local stores. Find Katz Donuts on Amazon.  (affiliate link)

Another option is to buy gluten free donuts from one of the many dedicated gluten free bakers in Michigan. Find my complete list, organized by geographic region, at this link. Buy a package the whole family can enjoy, take them with you to the cider mill, and have a small family picnic!

Homemade Gluten Free Donuts

Of course, one can always make their own gluten free donuts, and take them to the cider mill. My two ingredient gluten free pumpkin donuts are truly a hit this time of year. Depending on which cake mix you use, these can easily be made free from the top 8 allergens. These chocolate dipped gluten free cake donuts are also free from the top 8 allergens.

Looking for gluten free donuts with fancier flavors? My friend Daniela from The Gluten Free Austrian is a trained pastry chef. Her gluten free apple cider donuts look amazing. My friend Johnna from In Johnna’s Kitchen compiled the ultimate list of 52 gluten free donut recipes. There’s sure to be one to fulfill your gluten free donut cravings.

Did I miss any? What other Michigan cider mill locations do you like to frequent? Leave me a note in the comments! 

Originally Published September 2020

The post Michigan Cider Mills with Gluten Free Donuts appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Delicious Gluten Free Donuts, With Only Three Ingredients

These gluten free pumpkin donuts use only three ingredients. They are as follows: King Arthur Gluten Free Classic Yellow Cake Mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. That’s it. You don’t need  the additional ingredients listed on the back of the box. No butter or oil. No eggs. No milk. Just the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and spice. And technically, the spice is optional. 

What Ingredients are in the King Arthur Gluten Free Cake Mix?

King Arthur Gluten Free Classic Yellow Cake Mix contains none of the top 9 allergens, as ingredients. Some of those allergens are present in their facility, so visit King Arthur’s website to learn more about their Allergen Program. It contains sugar, tapioca starch, rice flour, corn starch, emulsifiers made from rice starch and fatty acids, baking powder, salt, natural vanilla flavor and xanthan gum.

Can I Use a Different Gluten Free Cake Mix?

In theory, yes. When I first published this  back in 2017, I used the Really Great Foods Golden Cake Mix. I combined equal ounces of cake mix with an equal amount of pumpkin puree, and they were perfect. Some of the best donuts I’d ever tasted.

However, when I’ve tried this same ratio with other cake mixes, it never turned out as well. I was on a mission to recreate them with a mix I could easy find at the store. 

In other failed attempts, I felt that they pumpkin donut batter was too moist and dense. Therefore, I combined one King Arthur Gluten Free Classic Yellow Cake mix (which is 22 oz) with 16 ounces of pumpkin puree.

Why 16 oz? Because most cans of pumpkin puree contain 15-16 ounces of puree. I really am all about making recipes as easy to follow, as possible. 

Should I Glaze these Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts?

These gluten free pumpkin donuts are perfectly delicious on their own. However, you can add a glaze or coating of cinnamon and sugar, if you like.

However, I find these donuts can kind of sticky if they’re not eaten the same day they are baked. Adding a glaze or coating in melted butter & cinnamon sugar only increase this issue, after 24 hours. 

I chose to do a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top. I tried to melt the Enjoy Life White Baking Chips, to use a dairy free topping. However, that turned into a HOT MESS. (Literally.)

I found greater success using Guittard’s Choc-Au-Lait white baking chips. (They are not dairy free.) As you can see, my drizzling technique needs some improvement. However, the donuts taste amazing, and that’s all that matters.

Can I Freeze These Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts?

You should definitely be able to freeze this. However, I’d try to do so on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Remember how I said these donuts can be sticky after the first day?

Without parchment paper, these will freeze to the cookie sheet. After freezing the donuts for about 1-2 hours, you should then be able to safely transfer them to a freezer safe plastic bag for long term storage.

I Don’t Have a Donut Pan. Can I Make These in a Muffin Pan?

Yes, you can. In fact, The Big Man’s World has a recipe for 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins on his website. His post also includes ideas for mix-ins. Food.com recommends using an 18 0z cake mix and and a 15 oz can of pumpkin pure. I think the key to baked good success is using less pumpkin than cake mix, in ounces. 

Other Donut and Pumpkin Recipes

The inspiration for these donuts came from The BakerMama’s  Two Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts post. Check it for ideas on making baked goods by simply adding applesauce or mashed bananas.

More in the mood to bake from scratch? Try my basic gluten free donut recipe (with egg and dairy free options), as well as my gluten free donut muffin recipe. 

Searching for more gluten free pumpkin based recipes Try my gluten free (and egg free!) pumpkin chai snickerdoodles, and my grain free pumpkin pie bars.

Following a Whole 30 diet? Try Dessert for Two’s Whole 30 Pumpkin Muffins. (Made with almond & coconut flour.) And of course, if you want a traditional, from scratch donut recipe, check out The Gluten Free Austrian’s Baked Pumpkin Donut recipe. 

Print

Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts

Ingredients

• 1 King Arthur Baking Yellow Cake Mix, 22 oz
• 16 ounces pumpkin puree
• 2-3 tsp pumpkin pie spice optional
• Melted Earth Balance Butter for Dipping approximately 1/2 cup
• Mix of cinnamon and sugar approximately 1 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon
• Melted white chocolate Optional

Instructions

• Using mixer, thoroughly blend cake mix and pureed pumpkin. Add pumpkin pie spice if using. (I roughly used the recipe from Budget Bytes for homemade pumpkin pie spice.)
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (By doing this step second, you allow the batter to rest, and allow the flour to absorb all the moisture from the pumpkin.)
• Transfer batter to piping bag or ziploc bag. Cut tip of bag and pipe batter into donut pan. Lightly rap pan on counter to release any air bubbles.
• Bake donuts for 10- 12 minutes, rotating pans half way through. After removing from oven, allow donuts to cool 2-3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Allow all donuts to cool prior to coating in cinnamon and sugar.
• Note- I only recommend dipping the donuts in butter and sugar if you’re going to eat them on the same day. Otherwise, the additional moisture from the butter will make the donuts gummy on the next day 
• Lightly dip donuts in melted Earth Balance Buttery Spreads. Next, lightly dip donuts in cinnamon and sugar mixture. Return donuts to cooling rack to set.
• Additional option. Melt while baking chips and use it as a drizzle on the donuts. I prefer Guittard White Baking Chips. 

*This post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

Originally Published August 23rd 2017

The post Gluten Free Pumpkin Donuts appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery Located?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Therefore I hope the many pictures I took at Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery give you an idea of the awesomeness of this place. This 100% dedicated gluten-free bakery makes just about anything you can imagine.

Cookies? Check. Donuts? Check. Cake and eclairs? Double check. Just where does one find all these amazing gluten-free baked goods? Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery is located outside of Chicago, in Hinsdale.

Why did Ali Graeme Open a Gluten Free Bakery?

My husband and I arrived early on a Sunday morning. Owner Ali Graeme personally gave me a back end tour of the bakery. Staff were busy making donuts, and these gorgeous blueberry scones, pictured below. Look at the size of those blueberries! HUGE! As others mixed, cut and decorated, Ali shared the “why” behind Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery.

Ali’s son received a Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2007. At that time, she felt that all the gluten-free options for her son tasted far from excellent. Then, shortly after his diagnosis, her doctors diagnosed her as well. (Please remember Celiac Disease is genetic. Therefore all family members should be tested as well.) What started as a passion for safe baking for her own household blossomed into a business feeding others.

Are Sweet Ali’s Bakery Items Celiac Safe?

Yes, the entire building is gluten free. In addition, all Sweet Ali Gluten Free Bakery items are certified gluten free through the Gluten Free Certification Organization.

Gluten Free Cupcakes are a Sweet Ali’s Specialty

Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery makes a large assortment of cupcakes. Each week they highlight a “cupcake” of the week. They include seasonal flavors such as pumpkin, as well as creative cupcakes like chai latte, maple bacon and PB & J. I bought a hot chocolate cupcake (topped with marshmallows) and carrot cake cupcake for my parents.

When I returned the following weekend for the Mend Hunger fundraiser, I sampled the confetti cupcakes for myself. Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery was honored at that event for donating money to Mend Hunger, which provides food allergy friendly products to 29 different food pantries in the Chicagoland area.

Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery contains such a wide variety of items. When one walks into the store, your eyes first fall upon a table covered in an assortment of goodies. Apple cakes, pound cakes and toffee bars immediately tempt your taste buds.

One the day we visited, a large bowl of marshmallow treats sat in plain view. I love feasting my eyes on their decorated cut out cookies. Aren’t they just beautiful? I could easily “gobble, gobble” them all!

Their Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls are Amazing

However, the big draw at Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery continues to be their cinnamon buns. We purchased a package of these for my parents, who had been watching our dogs. My dad’s review was that they “were to die for!”

You can find these amazing sweets in their stores, at Egg Harbor Cafes in the greater Chicago area, and on their website. If you order them online, they will ship them to you without the cream cheese frosting.

Does Sweet Ali’s Offer Vegan Baked Goods?

Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery also makes many vegan items. (They are not a dairy or egg free facility, so choose wisely if you have a food allergy to either.) These vegan chocolate chunk cookies look delicious enough to eat as far as I’m concerned!

I love seeing the GFCO certification label on these as well. It shows the level of dedication this bakery takes to safeguard those who need to follow a gluten-free diet. You will find these cookies on their shelves, as well as packaged mixes and her flour blend.

Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery also serves locally roasted coffee from Dark Matter Coffee. Enjoy a cup inside the shop or get a cuppa to go in one of Sweet Ali’s travel mugs. They also sell t-shirts and other swag to show off your Sweet Ali’s love.

Does Sweet Ali’s Bakery Ship to Other States?

Yes! You can order SO many of their gluten free baked goods online. That includes their cinnamon roll, breads, brownies, angel food cake, cookies, mixes and more.

There are certain times during the year that they will have a $5 flat shipping fee for nationwide orders. It’s a great time to stock up on your Sweet Ali’s favorites. Please note that orders ship within 4-8 days after an order is received.

Sweet Ali’s Bakery Was Voted 1 of 10 Best in Illinois

After all, when you’re voted one of the 10 best bakeries in Illinois (even amongst regular bakeries), it’s definitely something worth representing! I’ve been a huge fan of Sweet Ali’s for years, also meeting them at the GFAF Expo. I’m so glad I finally ventured into the bakery to experience all they have to offer. Make sure to plan a stop yourself the next time you’re in the Chicago area!

Sweet Ali’s Bakery Location and Contact Info

Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery
13 W. 1st Street Hinsdale IL 60521
630-908-7175
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am – 4pm (Open until 5 on Thursdays)
Webpage | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

More Chicago Gluten Free Dining Suggestions

Looking for more gluten free options in the Chicago area? Check out my guide to Chicago Gluten Free Dining and Sights to see.

Have you visited Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free bakery? What yummy treat is your favorite? Leave a comment below!

Originally Published November 2017

The post Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

I took the time to research and compare each ingredient list. Some are simply brands we know and love, in a new box. Others are products that Aldi likely asked brands to tweak a bit, to get them to a lower price point. Either way, you don’t have to be completely sad that May is over!

Never been to Aldi before? Check out my post about shopping for gluten free items at Aldi.

Identical Replicas

Many of the Aldi gluten free special buy products come from established gluten free companies. Aldi simply repackages them in their own labeling. These products have identical, word for word, ingredients on the label. (Photos in this section courtesy of the brands they represent.)

Live G Free Gluten Free English Muffins

The ingredients for the Live G Free English muffins are IDENTICAL to the Katz Gluten Free English Muffins.  If you sign up for their newsletter, they often highlight sales thru their website. Not a fan of online shopping? Use the Store Locator on their website to find their products near you. 

Live G Free Gluten Free Chocolate Frosted and Glazed Donuts

If you thought this Aldi gluten free special buy tasted familiar, you’re right. Katz makes both of these donut flavors. (And many more!) Order from their website, Amazon, or use their store locator to find them in a store near you. (Can’t eat egg? Try my basic gluten free baked donut recipe and dip them in Enjoy Life Chocolate!)

Live G Free Seasonal Donuts (in December)

Miss the Christmas Gingerbread and Cranberry donuts? Katz offers those as well! Order from their website, Amazon, or use their store locator to find them in a store near you. Want to make your own seasonal donuts? I’m a huge fan of my homemade gluten free gingerbread donuts. (They can also be made into cupcakes.)

Breakfast Best Gluten Free Honey and Cinnamon Buns (not a May Item)

These first showed up in Aldi stores in December 2024. Like all of their products, these sweet buns are gluten, dairy, peanut, tree nut and sesame free. Use their store locator to find them in a store near you. You can also order them directly from their website or Amazon. Amazon

Live G Free Gluten Free Texas Toast (not a May item)

Aldi has offered the Katz Texas Toast in the actual Katz packaging before. They’ve also offered it in the Live G Free packaging. It’s fairly safe to assume the Aldi Texas Toast is in fact made by Katz. Use the Katz store locator to find them near you, or order from Amazon.

Live G Free Gluten Free Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins and Blueberry Zucchini Muffins (not a May item)

Noticing a trend here? Earlier this year Aldi offered Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. While some thought they were made by Veggies Made Great, after looking at the ingredient list, I’m fairly certain they were made by Katz. Order straight from the Katz website or from Amazon. Hate online shopping? Use their store locator.

Live G Free Gluten Free Fresh Pasta (Fettuccine, Tortellini, etc.)

The ingredient label for the Aldi noodles matches exactly with Taste Republic gluten free noodles. Find them at Whole Foods or use their store locator to find them near you. You can now also order Taste Republic products, including their dairy free tortellini, on Amazon.

Live G Free Gluten Free Fresh Lasagna Roll Ups and Stuffed Shells

One of Manini’s Gluten Free Lasagna Roll Ups signature features is the use of ancient grains in their products. This includes sorghum, teff, millet and amaranth. Due to increased cost of shipping, you can no longer order frozen items directly from them. They are, however, available through Amazon Fresh. You can also use their store locator to find their products near you. I know I’ve seen them at Fresh Thyme in East Lansing, Michigan.   

LiveGFree Gluten Free Fresh Pizza Dough

This FRESH gluten free pizza dough is made by Manini’s. The use of whole grain millet, sorghum and other ancient grains is what convinces me this is the same manufacturer. This product is vegan and rice free. Just like the fresh ravioli, you need to use Amazon Fresh to find it near you. Or try their store locator.

Live G Free Gluten Free Frozen Cheese Ravioli

I thought Conte’s made the Aldi ravioli. Wrong. A company named Celentano produces them. The “dried whole eggs” as an ingredient in both brands clued me in! Use their “where to buy” feature to find them near you.

Live G Free Gluten Free Egg Rolls

There are very few companies that make gluten free egg rolls. (Feel Good Foods and Lucky Spring Rolls) I’m fairly certain that Feel Good Foods make the Egg Rolls for Aldi. Check out their website for more information.

Earth Grown Vegan Vegetable Potstickers (not a May item)

Much like the Earth Grown Vegan Potstickers at Aldi, Feel Good Foods offers a gluten free vegan potsticker. (They also offer a chicken one, if you eat meat.) Use the Feel Good Foods website store locator to find their products near you. 

Fremont Fish Market Gluten Free Boom Boom Shrimp (Not a May item)

While I haven’t compared the ingredients one-to-one, it is highly possible that Aldi sources this product from Northern Chef. Northern Chef makes many gluten free frozen seafood products. In the past I’ve seen them at Meijer, but not sure if they’re still available there. (Royal Asia also sells a gluten free Boom Boom Shrimp. Royal Asia and Northern Chef are owned by the same parent company.)

Live G Free Gluten Free PB + J Bites (and other flavors) (not a May item)

Without a doubt, I knew Michigan’s own The GFB made the  Aldi gluten free special buy “bites.” Order from their website, Amazon, or use their store locator to find them near you!

Live G Free Gluten Free Cheesecake Sampler

The biggest showstopper in the Aldi gluten free special buy lineup is the gluten free cheesecake sampler. Based on ingredients, these are made by Atlanta Cheesecake Company. Stores that seem to have these on a continual basis include Food Lion, Weis Markets, and Acme Markets. Daiya Foods makes dairy free cheesecake that is also gluten free. It can be found at many grocery store chains. 

Incredibly Similar Ingredients for Past Items

These Aldi gluten free special buy products contain ingredients VERY close to certain brands. Sometimes, Aldi will ask them to reformulate a product to make it slightly cheaper. I share why I believe these are the brands you’re looking for.

Live G Free Gluten Free Stuffing

You don’t need to hoard all the stuffing every Fall. Aleia’s makes gluten free stuffing year round. Meijer sells it, as well as Fresh Thyme and other stores. While they don’t have separate “turkey and chicken” flavors like Aldi, this stuff is just as good. 

Live G Free Gluten Free Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns

When I searched Google for the ingredients in these buns, Little Northern Bakehouse showed to be the closest. The ingredients listed are almost identical to the Aldi buns, minus the millet and chia. Bonus, these contain no eggs! They are often available at Fresh Thyme Markets. Use their store locator to find them near you.

Live G Free Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Is the Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin bread your favorite May Aldi gluten free special buy? Little Nothern Bakehouse makes an almost identical product as well! You can order a case of them on Amazon.

No Comparison – Unique Items

I performed my best sleuthing. However, I failed to find exact or even incredibly close replicas of these May Aldi gluten free special buy products. Therefore, I mention brands that offer great alternatives.

Live G Free Gluten Free Boxed Skillet Dinners

I can’t find a name brand company that sells meals like this. Walmart sells a similar product, so hopefully you can find it in your local Walmart. You can also try Iowa Girl Eats’ recipe for Homemade Cheeseburger Helper. 

Live G Free Gluten Free Frozen Skillet Meals

I almost bet that Conte’s produced the Aldi gluten free special buy skillet meals. However, the ingredients didn’t match at all. However, I imagine they taste similar. Order directly from Conte’s website, or from Gluten Free Mall. (P.S. They make gluten free stuffed shells, too!)

Live G Free Gluten Free Croutons

These croutons list rice milk as the first ingredient. Despite my searching, I found no identical gluten free crouton counterpart. However, I highly recommend Aleia’s gluten free croutons! Order from their website or use their store locator.

Live G Free Gluten Free Angel Food Cake Mix

The only commercially made gluten free angel food cake mix I know of is produced by Kinnikinnick in Canada. While the Aldi LiveGFree mix is not identical, the Kinnikinnick may be a good alternative. Order it through their website or Amazon. Also, Meaningful Eats created a perfect gluten free Angel Food Cake recipe!

Live G Free Gluten Free Lemon Cake Mix

Love that lemon cake mix? (It pairs so nicely with my mother-in-law’s lemon curd filing!) Authentic Foods makes the closest replica I could find. Order it online through the Gluten Free Supermarket site or use their store locator.

Live G Free Gluten Free Key Lime Cake Mix

Friends, I’m at a loss. I found no gluten free cake mixes with key lime flavor. If you crave key lime flavor, you might want to try this new Gluten Free Banana Lime Bread from GF Jules. Someone mentioned that they used King Arthur Measure for Measure in Trisha Yearwood’s Key Lime Cake and it tasted fabulous.

Never Any Chicken with Orange Sauce or Sweet and Sour Chicken

I got nothing. I searched the internet for over an hour, and I couldn’t find a similar product. Every frozen orange chicken meal I found contained wheat. I recommend this Crispy Gluten Free Orange Chicken recipe from Mama Gourmand, instead. 

Well friends, there you have it. Hopefully this list helps fulfill your Aldi gluten free special buy longings, all throughout the year. In addition, I hope I introduced you to some new brands to support. Feel free to check out my list of Aldi gluten free products available year round. 

Are there any Special Buy products I missed? Tell me in the comments below. 

**This page contains Amazon affiliate links. A small portion of the sale is credited to me, but does not alter the cost of your purchase. Thank you for supporting my advocacy and my website.**

Originally Published May 2019

The post Aldi Gluten Free Special Buy Alternatives appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

What is a Paczki? 

If you don’t live in Michigan, you may be unfamiliar with the word “paczki.” (Pronounced poon-ch-key, this word is also plural. So no need to add an “s” on the end.) Polish immigrants made these decadent treat popular here in Michigan.

Why Are Paczki Significant?

These filled pastries usher in Lenten season. The idea is that during Lent you give up fattening ingredients, such as fat, eggs and sugar. Therefore, making these rich treats allows one to use up these ingredients before they go bad.

Are Paczki Gluten Free?

As traditional bakers prepare paczki with flour and fry them in oil, many with Celiac Disease think they will never enjoy one again. However, these Michigan bakers are making gluten free paczki in various flavors. Some are deep fried, many are dairy-free, and all are delicious! This list also includes keto paczki as well.

Gluten Free Specialties – Rochester Hills (SHIPS)

Gluten Free Specialties started making Michigan gluten free paczki years ago. Located in Rochester, Michigan. you can buy assorted flavors ONLY from their store. Ordering is only available for shipping, not for in store pick up. You can reach them at 248-860-0680. You can also see their Pazcki FAQ post on their Facebook for more information.

 1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

Our paczki contain egg, corn, soy and dairy. Nuts are used in our facility.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

We have already begun to take orders. Fat Tuesday is February 17th. No orders will ship between February 12th and the 17th. The first 100 orders will be guaranteed in time for Fat Tuesday. They will stay on website for an undetermined date, but will be taken off when we are no longer able to fill orders. Please note that we reserve the right to take Paczki off the website WITHOUT WARNING.

3) What flavors are you offering for shipping?

• Custard with Chocolate Dip or NAKED.
• Raspberry with Chocolate Dip, Powder Sugar or Naked.
• Lemon with Powder Sugar or Naked.
• Naked means that your donut will come with NO Powder, or Chocolate sent on the side. Naked is only available Online.
• We do some special flavors on Paczki Day for IN STORE only. NO substitutions online or in store. Chocolate is shipped on the side for ship outs only, not for in store.
• Vanilla and Chocolate Creme will only be available IN STORE.

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are fried in palm oil.

5) HOW should people order?

For shipping, people can order from our website. There is no advance order for in-store pick-up.

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

SHIP OUT: Paczki come in 4 Packs of the same flavor. You can order as many 4 packs as you like. No Assorted available.
IN STORE: Sold individually. Any flavor. No minimum

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

$19 online. Have not determined cost for individual in store at time of email

8) Do you ship?

We ship All over the United States, except AK and PR.

NOTE NEW ADDRESS – 2656 South Rochester Road Rochester Hills, MI 48307

Keto Katz – Clinton Twp (SHIPS)

Keto Katz paczki are made in a dedicated gluten free and sugar free facility. They use stevia and erythritol as sweeteners.

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

No. Our Paczki are only free from gluten and sugar.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

Online orders will be available starting now. Pick up dates February 12, 13, 14 and 17.

3) What flavors are you offering?

• Custard
• Chocolate
• Lemon

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are fried in avocado oil

5) HOW should people order?

Order directly from our website for pickup. If you want them shipped, please see the link under question 8).

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

We sell our paczki in packs of 2, 4 and 6.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

They cost $12 for 2, $24 for 4, $36 for 6

8) Do you ship?

Yes. Please use this separate website for shipping orders. They are only shipped in 2 pks. Orders placed by 2/2 will ship on 2/4

Orders placed by 2/9, will ship on 2/10

Missy’s Sweet Treats – St. Clair Shores

NO LONGER TAKING ORDERS

This is the limited info I have from their Facebook page

“Minimum for ordering is four (you can mix and match). Traditional flavors are $4 each, and specialty is $5 each.

I will be taking limited orders for each day. You will need to pick your pickup time window when you order, because as always, these are made fresh day of. There will be options late morning and early evening pickup for your convenience.

If I get a large influx of orders, I will open the 15th for pickup as well

Flavors – Raspberry, Strawberry, Lemon, Cannoli (Paczki are fried, not baked.)

HOW TO ORDER – Send them a direct message via their FB page

Rumi’s Passion – Plymouth

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

Our gluten free paczki are free of gluten, wheat, nut, dairy, oat, sesame and potato. In addition, our gluten free paczki contain no preservatives. Some of our Paczki contain Soy-lecithin due to the chocolate topping, but customers may order them naked to avoid the soy. (Non-chocolate paczki are soy free.) All paczki contain corn. Egg-free options will be available on Saturday, February 7 only.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

 Pre-orders will be available for Tuesday, February 10 ONLY with a minimum of 12 paczki (you may mix and match but can only order “as-is” or “naked”). Deadline for pre-order is February 4th.

3) What flavors are you offering?

• Custard with chocolate
• Raspberry with glaze
• Lemon with powdered sugar
• Blueberry with powdered sugar
• We will offer more flavors available for first come, first serve at the bakery, such as strawberry & apple

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are fried in canola oil.

5) HOW should people order?

Please call us (734-335-7145) or come see us in person.  All orders must be pre-paid.

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

You must order a full dozen (12) if you plan to pre-order. Pre-orders will ONLY be available on February 10th.

We will be offering fresh Pączki 4 times in February:
* Saturday, February 7 – First Come, First Serve & Vegan options available
* Tuesday, February 10 – Pre-orders available
* Saturday, February 14 – FCFS only
* Tuesday, February 17 – FCFS only

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

$4.75 for one, $57 per dozen

8) Do you ship?

No

Allergy Free Bakery – Shelby Twp (Top 9 Free)

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

Everything we make is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Kosher & Free from the TOP 9 Food allergens: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Soy, Sesame, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, and Milk! *Paczki contain oat milk.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

The deadline to pre-order is February 13th, 2026. You must order a minimum of 6 paczki. Pre-order pick up is ONLY February 17th.

3) What flavors are you offering?

• Custard
• Chocolate Custard
• Strawberry
• Raspberry
• Cookies and Cream

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are fried in canola oil

5) HOW should people order?

To place your order please call or text 586-900-2253

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

You must order a minimum of 6 paczki for pre-order.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

$6.99 each, $39.99 for 6

8) Do you ship?

While we do offer shipping for some of our products, we do NOT offer shipping for paczki.

Mama Alana’s Pantry – Linden (2025 Info)

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

Our gluten free paczki are free from eggs, dairy, peanuts and tree nuts.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

Information unknown at this time, as she needs to prepare for surgery.

3) What flavors are you offering?

• Creme filled with chocolate frosting
• Raspberry filled with vanilla frosting

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are baked. We do brush a little vegetable oil on the pan to prevent sticking.

5) HOW should people order?

Go to the Mama Alana’s Pantry website to order.

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

We will have limited quantities, but they can order what they’d like as long as it’s available. They can schedule pickup time at checkout.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

We charge $17.95 for 4 paczki

8) Do you ship?

We can ship.

Everything is Gluten Free – Brighton & Ann Arbor

Everything is Gluten Free is a home based, cottage law business. There is no storefront.

1) Are your paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut/ tree nut free?

All contain egg and dairy and are free of the other listed allergens

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

Deadline to order is February 11th. Pick-ups will be in Ann Arbor, Brighton, and Canton on 2/14 and 2/17

3) What flavors are you offering?

• creme-filled
• creme-filled with chocolate glaze
• cherry
• apple
• lemon

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are fried in vegetable oil

5) HOW should people order?

Order via the Google form link.

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

We requite a minimum order of 3 paczki. There is no maximum limit on how many you can orders.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

3 for $17, 6 for $32, 12 for $62

8) Do you ship?

No, we are a cottage food kitchen. We will have 3 options for pick-up

No More Belly Aching – Brighton

1) Are your paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut/ tree nut free?

Everything we bake is dairy free. These paczki are free from soy, peanuts and tree nuts. They contain egg.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

We are currently taking orders. (A deadline wasn’t given. Fat Tuesday is Feb. 17th.)

3) What flavors are you offering?

Lemon and Raspberry

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our gluten free paczki are BAKED, not fried.

5) HOW should people order?

Pre-order your paczki on our website. You can also reach them at 810-225-9773.

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

Paczki are sold in 6 packs – 3 Lemon & 3 Raspberry

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

One 6 pack costs $14

8) Do you Ship?

No, we do not ship.

Nirit’s Bakery – Ann Arbor

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

Our gluten free paczki are dairy, soy and nut free, but contain eggs.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?
We can start now till February 15th.

3) What flavors are you offering?
Raspberry or Strawberry filling

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Fried in sunflower oil

5) HOW should people order?
Online on our website

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?
We limit for minimum of half a dozen. I can do up to 48 at a time.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?
$18/ half a dozen

8) Do you ship?
No

G3 Food 4 All – Lansing (Allen St. Market)

They are made in a dedicated gluten free household and sold at Allen St. Market.

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?

Our paczki are dairy free, egg free, soy free, nut free and corn free.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

We will offer our gluten free paczki at the farmers markets we attend. They are first come, first serve.

• January 28th at Allen Farmers Market (ANC)
• January 31st Meridian Farmers Market
• February 4th at  Allen Farmers Market (ANC)
• February 11th at Allen Farmers Market (ANC)  NO SPECIAL ORDERS 
• SPECIAL ORDERS AND Paczki at Allen Neighborhood Center  (9:30-1:30 pm on
• Fat Tuesday)

3) What flavors are you offering?

• January 28th – Custard, Blueberry, Apple, Raspberry
• January 31st – Custard, Blueberry, Lemon, Raspberry
• February 4th- Chocolate, Custard, Lemon, Apple and Blueberry
• February 11th- unknown. Follow their FB page
• February 17th- unknown. Follow their FB page

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are fried in Extra Light Olive Oil

5) HOW should people order?

We offer our paczki first come, first serve. We will offer special orders for Fat Tuesday

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

If you have questions, you can email us.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

We charge $6 per paczki, $34.50 for 6, and $66 for a dozen.

8) Do you ship?

We do not ship.

Third Coast Bakery – Traverse City 

Third Coast Bakery in Traverse City, Michigan usually makes gluten free paczki. Everything in their bakery is gluten free and dairy free.

1) Are your gluten free paczki egg/ dairy/ soy / peanut or tree nut free?..

Our gluten free paczki are also dairy, soy, peanut and tree nut free. They contain eggs and coconut.

2) When will you start taking orders? What is your deadline to order?

Pre-orders are due by Friday, Feb 13^th at 4 pm for pickup on either Monday 2/16 or Tuesday 2/17. Paczki must be preordered by the half-dozen in any assortment of flavors, but customers cannot mix fillings and toppings.

We will have them available in-store beginning Sat 2/14 on a walk-in basis.

3) What flavors are you offering?

• Raspberry with Vanilla Glaze
• Vanilla Custard with Chocolate Glaze
• Chocolate Custard with Chocolate Glaze
• Whipped Vanilla with Chocolate Glaze
• Lemon with Lemon Glaze

4) Are your gluten free paczki baked or fried? If fried, in what kind of oil?

Our paczki are baked.

5) HOW should people order?

To order, call us at 231-421-8696. Order deadline is February 13th at 4 pm. Orders can be picked up in-store Mon. Feb 16th or Tues. Feb 17th.

6) Do you require a minimum order? Do you have a maximum order?

One must order a minimum of 6 paczki, and can be ordered in assorted flavors.

7) How much do your gluten free paczki cost?

We charge $5.99 per paczki.

8) Do you ship?

We CANNOT ship paczki. Visit our website to see items we can ship to you.

**This article is intended for informational / educational purposes only. Always confirm any food preparation concerns with staff before ordering. 

Gluten Free Paczki Recipe

Want to try making your own paczki? Try this recipe for Gluten Free Fried Jelly Donuts from Fearless Dining.

Fat Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally people eat pancakes on that day. My Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancakes would be perfect for that! Do you have any other Fat Tuesday traditions? Share your story in the comments below! 

First published February 2018

The post Michigan Gluten Free Paczki – A Polish Tradition appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, EMAIL and social media links.**

My First Gluten Free Bakery Experience

Gluten Free Specialties was originally called Celiac Specialties. My first memory of Celiac Specialties is over a decade old, from 2003. We drove from our home in Swartz Creek to Chesterfield Township, where their first store was located. This was before GPS, smartphones and Google Maps. We arrived in the city and stopped at a local library to ask for directions. The librarian knew exactly where we wanted to go, as she visited the bakery often.

We arrived at Gluten Free Specialties. Ten minutes after closing. I was heart-broken. But the workers inside saw us standing at the window, took pity on us, and graciously let us inside. It was a sight to behold. I could eat anything in the store, without fear of gluten ingredients. Anything.

Best Gluten Free Donuts I’ve Ever Tasted

We bought freshly made donut holes, returned to the car, and voraciously ate them between the two of us. My memory to this day is vivid. My husband and I are sitting in our burgundy Le Sabre, the smell of warm cinnamon donuts filling our nostrils. We told ourselves we shouldn’t eat the whole bag. My non-gf husband exclaimed they were the best donut holes he’s ever had, better than our local Quality Dairy. If you’re not from Lansing, you don’t know how huge a compliment that is!

Fast forward to 2016 and Gluten Free Specialties has a new owner and a new location. But their dedication to a strictly gluten-free environment has NEVER changed. Read about Priscilla’s passion and vision for this bakery, in her own words.

Interview with owner, Priscilla Demello

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

Gluten Free Specialties was originally called Celiac Specialties, and was opened by my husband’s sister, Michelle. She, a non gluten-free baker, was approached over 20 years ago by someone with Celiac Disease needing safe baked goods.  Her brother Mike joined a few years later, helping her to fulfill her mission of creating gluten-free foods that were celiac safe without sacrificing great taste and texture.

I, Priscilla, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2002. After my diagnosis, a coworker introduced me to what would become Gluten Free Specialties. Because of Michelle’s baking, I was able to embrace my diagnosis and dedicate myself to truly eating gluten-free. Shortly thereafter, I started working at the bakery, on the weekends. This allowed me to connect with other celiacs and hopefully help those who were newly diagnosed. Who knew that someday my part-time work would lead to my life time love!

2. Are there other highlights of your products?  Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc?

We try to accommodate as many allergies as we can. We are very proud that 95% of our products are also dairy (casein) free. When creating a new product, we always attempt to make it dairy-free. If it doesn’t meet our quality standards, then we use dairy as a last resort. While we use no nut flours in our baked goods, we do use whole peanuts in some items. Our Caramel Apple Pie is currently the only item we use oats in, and we use purity protocol oats.

3. What steps do you take to ensure that your baked goods are truly gluten-free?

We get gluten-free statements from our vendors to ensure all of our ingredients are safe. We do not bring ANY wheat into the facility, so their is no possibility of cross contact or any wheat being in the air vents and air flow. No gluten in the building, period. We also submit our products to the FDA for testing.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

Gluten Free Specialties has may reviews on their Facebook page. I (Margaret) was struck by one particular story.

“Went in today for the first time because I noticed via Facebook that they were close to me. A super nice woman, who I’m assuming is the owner, explained all the different products they make and went beyond that to give me advice & write down the names of some good books. I’m new to Celiac Disease with positive blood work but cannot have an endoscopy until I deliver (4 months pregnant). I was extremely saddened when my doctor recommended the GF diet because everything I was craving turned into everything I could no longer have. But this place definitely brightened my outlook! I bought pasta, cinnamon donuts, Hawaiian bread and blueberry muffins. I have tried the muffins already this morning and they are AMAZING! (And I am super picky!) I will definitely be going back!”

I think it’s safe to say that Priscilla and her husband are living out Michelle Fuller’s passion. They’re not only turning out a much loved product, but are taking steps to care and educate their clients as well.

So what baked goods are you missing after diagnosis? Do you have a dedicated gluten-free bakery near you? Keep following throughout the year as I interview every gluten-free bakery in Michigan!

Gluten Free Specialtes Location, Contact Info and Hours

2656 South Rochester Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Email

(248) 860-0680
Open Monday – Friday 10am – 5 pm (Tuesday open until 6 pm), Saturday 10 am – 2pm, Sunday 11 am – 3 pm

Gluten Free Specialties is one of many great, dedicated gluten-free bakers across the state of Michigan.  Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map!

Originally published February 2016

The post Gluten Free Specialties – Paczki, Donuts, Bread and More! appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Traverse City Dining and Shopping

Third Coast Bakery

Third Coast Bakery is 100% dedicated gluten free and dairy free bakery needs to be on your itinerary. So many delicious options, and they offer coffee and tea as well. Added bonus for those who don’t live in the area? They ship nationwide!

Clean Crumbles

Clean Crumbles operates a dedicated gluten free and dairy free bakery. You’ll find them at 436 W Front St, Traverse City, MI, United States, 49684.

Taproot Cider

I’ve only eaten at Taproot Cider twice, but it left a lasting impression. I’m not the only one, because many people will tell you it’s their “go to” for gluten free dining. They believe in making their meals with local ingredients, so the menu changes.

MiddleCoast Brewing Company

MiddleCoast Brewing Company offers gluten free flatbread pizzas, cooked in a dedicated gluten free oven. They offer three flavors of flatbread – Margherita (mozzarella, tomato, basil); Supremo (mozzarella, pepperoni, mushroom, onion & green pepper); and Mean Green (mozzarella, pesto, chicken, spinach and artichoke hearts.) 

They also have dedicated gluten free fryers, and desserts. They recently added breakfast options.

Milk and Honey Cafe and Ice Creamery

This sweet shop makes their own ice cream from scratch, and has some unique flavors. The owner states “all our ice cream, vegan cream, sorbet, gelato and froyo is gluten free.” Because of this, they are one of the many Michigan Ice Cream parlors with gluten free options. 

Oryana Commnity Co-op

Am I the only one who likes to visit grocery stores while on vacation? Oryana Community Co-op has an amazing gluten free selection. They have two locations. The original (and my favorite) location is located downtown. Their newer location, located south of the downtown area, was previously a Lucky’s grocry store. (And they just started stocking Old World Gluten Free Pierogi!)

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Fun fact- The Village used to be a mental health hospital. My mother-in-law even did a nursing rotation here. While there are restaurants on premises, I have not eaten at any of them. There is a coffee shop inside, Cuppa Joe, that sells Third Coast Bakery products. I enjoy the various shops in the building. In the summer, stop by the Farmer’s Market on Monday mornings from 2pm- 6pm.  (Not to be confused with the Saturday Sarah Hardy Farmer’s Market.)

Speaking of shopping, don’t skip the downtown Traverse City area along Front St. Lots of fun shops there, as well!

De Food Truck USA

This new food truck is 100% gluten free! They offer fried chicken, fish and fries. For those who are vegetarian, this truck also offers falafel, which are cooked in a separate fryer. Read my review. They recently moved their food truck to Mesick.

M-22 Dining and Shopping

Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate (Empire)

Grocer’s Daughter makes the most amazing glutetn free fudgesicles. I recommend buying one and enjoying it along the waterfront at Empire Beach, a short 3 min drive from the store.

Good Harbor Grill (Glen Arbor)

I discovered this restaurant on the Find Me Gluten Free app. I ordered a gluten free sandwich, and they stated that it’s prepared in a dedicated gluten free prep space. The sandwich was so big I had to save half for another day!

Cherry Republic (Glen Arbor)

I recommend stopping at Cherry Republic solely for the cherry wine that they make. They have a tasting room, where you can enjoy a flight. So fun!

The Front Porch (Suttons Bay)

I could have spent all day (and all my money) in this adorable store in Suttons Bay. The Front Porch has Michigan themed items, cookware, and so much more.

Other Traverse City Area Sights

There is a lot to see and do in the greater Traverse City area. I highly recommend traveling the M-22 loop, which is especially gorgeous in the fall. Inspiration Point in Arcadia offers a simply breathtaking view of the water. (Once you climb the stairs.) Of course, The Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are a great place to visit as well. A drive up Mission Peninsula offers a view of the many vineyards and wineries, and leads you to Mission Point Lighhouse.

For more ideas, check out the Traverse City website. Also, follow my friend The Peninsula Explorer on Instagram.

So those are my favorite things about Traverse City. What are some of your favorites? Please share them in the comments below!

The post Gluten Free in Traverse City Michigan appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

No Donut Pan Needed

I created multiple gluten free donut recipes for this site. Mocha Donuts. Donuts topped with peanut butter ganache. Even pumpkin donuts. However, they all require the use of a donut pan. Which I highly recommend to everyone. However, sometimes you want donuts and don’t have that pan!

Therefore, I played around with my basic gluten free donut recipe, and tried the batter in a muffin tin. Automatic success! The great thing about this recipe is that it is “small batch.” It makes 6 regular sized donuts, and 14 mini donuts. Perfect for a treat, but without a lot of extra left around.

What Kind of Coating is On These Donut Muffins?

I coat these gluten free donut muffins in a blend of cinnamon and sugar. You could, however, coat it in anything you like. Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a new flavor twist. Or coat them in powdered sugar. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make peanut covered donuts, as my dad loved those.

To keep this recipe free from the top 8 allergens, I used melted coconut oil for dipping. If you can tolerate dairy, you can use melted butter. (For that matter, if you can tolerate dairy, you can use regular milk in the batter, as well.) I don’t recommend canola oil, as I find melted coconut oil acts more like melted butter in recipes.

How Many Mini Muffins Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes only 14 mini gluten free donut muffins. I love that, because it’s just enough for my husband and I to share. Plus a few to stash in the freezer for a later date. Speaking of freezing, they do reheat well. I place them on a plate, and microwave them for 8-10 SECONDS. They taste just like they came out of the oven!

What Pan Do You Use to Make These Mini Muffins?

I previously stated you need no special pan for these gluten free donut muffins. However, I’d highly recommend a mini muffin pan if you can find one. I used it to make these Gluten Free Cranberry Bites, as well. Outside of baking, you can use them to make your own peanut butter (or Sunbutter) chocolate cups.

Can I Make These in a Regular Muffin Tin?

Yes! Actually, the first time I made this, I prepared them in a regular muffin tin. I baked them in silicone liners. Once cooled, I coated them with cinnamon and sugar. I took a picture, next to the standard donut recipe. I wanted you to be able to visually see the comparison.

Can I Use Eggs and Dairy in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use eggs and cow’s milk in this recipe. I personally prefer the recipe using applesauce, but you do you. 🙂 You can use any kind of milk you like in this recipe.

Other Gluten Free Donut Recipes

Looking for other donut recipes? Need to avoid grains? Try these Paleo Cinnamon Donut Muffins from the Southern In Law blog. If you’re a fan of cassava flour, these Cassava Flour Donuts with Apple Cider Glaze from Otto’s sound fantastic. Of course, if you want to try yeasted, fried donuts, try these Incredible Gluten Free Yeast Donuts from Let Them Eat Gluten Free Cake.

Print

Gluten Free Donut Muffins : Top 8 Free

Equipment

• King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour 3 Pounds
• Nutiva Organic Steam-Refined Coconut Oil, Neutral Flavor
• Wilton mini muffin pan

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
• 1 tbsp oil I used canola.
• 1/4 c sugar
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tbsp applesauce or 1 egg or 2 tbsp aquafaba
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/4 c flour I used King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure, 155 grams
• 1/2 c rice milk or your milk of preference

For the topping

• 2-3 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1/2 c white sugar
• 1-1.5 tsp cinnamon or other spice

Instructions

• In a small bowl, melt coconut oil in microwave for 30 seconds. Meanwhile, measure milk in a 1/2 measuring cup and also allow to come to room temperature.  
• While those are coming to room temperature, combine baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and flour in a small bowl. I personally prefer weighing my flour instead of using a measuring cup, and I sift my flour prior to adding it to the other ingredients. Set bowl of dry ingredients aside. 
• Place melted coconut oil and canola oil in bowl of stand mixer. To that, add the white and brown sugars, and vanilla. Cream ingredients together for 3 minutes. 
• Add applesauce and whip for up to 1 minute. 
• Alternately add bowl of dry ingredients and milk, adding half of each until incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to make sure all flour is dissolved into the batter. 
• Allow batter to rest for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• ightly spray muffin pan with cooking oil (like Pam) and dust with gluten free flour. Fill the wells with batter. For mini muffins, I like to use a small scoop, which holds approx. 1.5 tbsp. If using a larger muffin pan, use two scoops per well. 
• Bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes for mini muffins, 16-18 minutes for standard size muffins. Allow to cool in donut pan for 5 minutes, then remove and place on cooling rack.
• While donut muffins are cooling, combine sugar and cinnamon in a small glass bowl. 
• In a separate shallow bowl, melt 2-3 tbsp coconut oil. (I use my microwave to do this.)  
• Dip donut muffins in coconut oil, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. I find it easiest to dip and coat the bottoms of all the donut muffins. After the bottoms are coated, then i go back and dip the tops in coconut oil, and cover in cinnamon and sugar. I find it's easier to handle the donut muffins this way, and creates less mess. 
• Enjoy fresh. They can also be frozen and reheated in microwave for 8-10 SECONDS.

Notes

To turn these into apple cider donut holes, boil one cup apple cider, until it reduces down to 1/2 cup, and use this in place of the milk. I also ground Bare baked apple chips i my blender, and subbed a 1/4 ground apple chips for 1/4 gluten free flour.

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The post Gluten Free Donut Muffins : Top 8 Free appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Donuts: Something We Can All Agree On

My husband likes to listen to talking head news analysts in the morning. At 6 am, it’s really the last way I want to start my day. I mean, my head contains enough self – criticism and negativity on its own. Instead, I prefer to start my day with donuts. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one.

Recently Aldi offered their large selection of gluten free special buys in May. (I say recently, because after two weeks, my store was completely cleaned out.) However, one person mentioned she couldn’t enjoy the chocolate glazed donuts, because they contained egg. Therefore, I created this VEGAN basic gluten free donut recipe. #COMMUNITY

Egg Substitutes

So, baking dairy free (in my opinion) is much easier than baking egg free. Many options abound for replacing eggs. Many people use flax + water as a substitute. However, flax seeds do something to my gut. I’ve used applesauce in my vegan chocolate chip cookies. Therefore, I chose to play with aquafaba this time.

What is aquafaba? It’s the liquid in a can of beans. Wild, right? It magically whips up like egg whites. Many people recommend using 1/4 of aquafaba to replace one egg. However, when I do so, my baked goods always sink. Therefore, I used three tablespoons in my basic gluten free donut recipe. It worked like a charm!

What to do with the leftover chickpeas? Make my hummus recipe, of course!

Life Is Better With Chocolate

Now, you can make this basic gluten free donut recipe plain. My non-gf husband thoroughly enjoyed them that way. If I remember correctly, his exact words were “I’d buy these!” But, IMO, life is always better with chocolate. Some days with copious amounts of chocolate, amiright?

Remember those chocolate glazed donuts from Aldi I mentioned above? Those donuts are dipped in chocolate on both sides. I tried that. MESS ALERT! Therefore, I grabbed the sprinkles from my cupboard and decorated away. Life needs a touch of color, don’t ya think?

Other Gluten Free Chocolate Recipes

Donuts are meant to be shared. Know who I’d share with? My fellow advocates who bless me with their support and encouragement. Sometimes it’s a quick text message or even a comment on a post that makes my day. While we may live far apart, I know those in my “E.L.F. family” support and encourage me. Examples include:

• Mēgan from Allergy Free Alaska- You’ll love her Grain free chocolate chip donuts with chocolate ganache!
• Erica from Celiac and the Beast – Have you tried her Gluten Free Bourbon Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cookies?!
• Amanda from Eat At Our Table – I highly recommend her easy, peasy gluten free vegan chocolate mousse!
• Michelle from My Gluten-Free Kitchen  – Her Gluten Free Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is breathtaking!

Basic Gluten Free Donut Recipe Notes and Tips

I tried this recipe using egg, regular milk, and butter with King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure flour. It baked up a bit more dense. Therefore, maybe use a bit less flour. In addition, I made these vegan, using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour. I would recommend using 2-3 tablespoons less flour, as they turned out much more dense.

I tried this recipe with applesauce instead of aquafaba, with great results. They may require a bit more baking time, maybe 12 minutes instead of 10. I did not try this recipe with flax egg. This recipe makes 6 donuts. I have not doubled it to test the results for a full dozen. However, I think you should easily be able to do so.

Other Donut Recipes

I’m a big fan of donuts. Other recipes on my site include gluten free mocha donuts, gluten free chocolate donuts with SunButter frosting and two ingredient pumpkin donuts. I also modified this recipe to make gluten free donut muffins. Looking for even more donut recipes? Check out this list of 52 gluten free donut recipes from In Johnna’s Kitchen.

**This recipe is based on alterations made from King Arthur Flour’s baked doughnuts recipe.**

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Basic Gluten Free Donut Recipe (Vegan Options)

Equipment

• King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour 3 Pounds
• Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips, 10 oz
• Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, 2-Count

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
• 1 tbsp oil I used canola.
• 1/4 c sugar
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp aquafaba or 3 tbsp applesauce or 1 egg
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/4 c flour I used King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure, 155 grams
• 1/2 c rice milk or your milk of preference

For chocolate glaze

• 1 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• In a small bowl, melt coconut oil in microwave for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and allow to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, measure milk in a 1/2 measuring cup and also allow to come to room temperature. If using a regular egg, also get this out of the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. 
• While those are coming to room temperature, combine baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and flour in a small bowl. I personally prefer weighing my flour instead of using a measuring cup, and I sift my flour prior to adding it to the other ingredients. Set bowl of dry ingredients aside. 
• Place melted coconut oil in bowl of stand mixer and allow to “cream” for up to 2 minutes. To that, add the oil, white and brown sugars, and vanilla. Cream ingredients together for 3-4 minutes. 
• Add aquafaba and whip for up to 1 minute. 
• Add bowl of dry ingredients and milk, alternating half of each until incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to make sure all flour is dissolved into the batter. 
• Lightly spray donut pan with cooking oil (like Pam) and fill the wells with batter. I do so by stretching a sandwich bag over the mouth of a tall glass, and pouring batter into the bag. Then cut the tip of the bag, and pipe batter into the 6 separate donut wells. 
• Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Allow to cool in donut pan for 5 minutes, then remove and place on cooling rack
• While donuts are cooling, place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a large glass bowl. Place over a small pot of boiling water, and allow to melt. Dip completely cooled donuts in melted chocolate glaze. Shake excess off into bowl, and transfer dipped donuts to cooling rack. 
• Enjoy, with or without sprinkles.

**Enjoy Life Foods sponsored this post, and compensated me for my time and energy. This post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through those links help support this blog with no extra expense to you. Thank you for your continued support!**

Originally Published May 2019

The post Basic Gluten Free Donut Recipe (Vegan Options) appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Gluten Free Charcuterie Board

Why not start your brunch off with a few snacks? A gluten free charcuterie board allows you to make an beautiful arrangement of treats, with no extra cooking! 

Grain Free Mashed Potato Crust Quiche

There’s a reason that this Gluten Free Mashed Potato Crust Quiche stands at the top of my Mothers’s Day gluten free brunch favorites. You DON’T have to roll out a crust! This grain free quiche contains a baked crust of mashed potatoes. Nothing could be easier. Add whatever to the filling that you want. However, I feel that spinach is always a great way to go. And of course, cheese!

Gluten Free Stuffed Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Hands down, this is my favorite breakast casserole, ever. This dish is stuffed with rich cream cheese and sweet blueberries between layers of gluten free bread. Prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven Sunday morn!

Homemade Gluten Free Breakfast Sausage

Hoping to bring mom gluten free brunch in bed? She’ll appreciate this Homemade Gluten Free Breakfast Chicken Sausage. Made without preservatives and fillers, but made with love, she’ll appreciate your mindfulness! You could also use this sausage in my strata above!

Apple Pie Spice Pancakes 

These Gluten Free Apple Pie Spice Pancakes may very well be my favorite pancakes, ever. While they have all the flavors of fall, they’re perfect any time of year. Don’t skip the cooked apples on top. They’re amazing! 

Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce

Not only do these Gluten Free Buckwheat Pancakes show mom the depth of your heart, they’re good for her heart as well! These whole grain pancakes make a great addition to any Mother’s Day gluten free brunch menu! Don’t skip the strawberry sauce!

Best Ever Gluten Free Biscuits

These hot and flaky gluten free biscuits always make my mouth water. Made with Lifeway Kefir instead of buttermilk, and Cup 4 Cup brand Multipurpose flour, they’re my absolute favorite biscuits. 

Gluten Free Crescent Rolls

Need a soft and delicious roll to go with your brunch? Look no further than my gluten free crescent roll recipe. The secret to this recipe is the Cup 4 Cup brand flour that I use. It’s a tad more expensive, but 100% worth it! 

Small Batch Yeast-Free, Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe makes 4 small gluten free, and yeast free cinnamon rolls. No egg required, either! I made these as Christmas gifts one year, and all of my family loved them.

Two Ingredient Gluten Free, Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

Looking for egg free options for your Mother’s Day gluten free brunch? These are THE most amazing donuts I have ever made. Only two ingredients, a can of pumpkin and a box of cake mix, separate mom from this delicious treat. Dairy free too!

Gluten Free Monkey Bread

One of my most popular recipes, this Gluten Free Monkey Bread will be enjoyed by everyone! While prepping it takes a while, the end result is absolutely delicious.

Gluten Free, Dairy Free Mocha Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache

This recipe truly does take the proverbial cake. This Gluten Free and Dairy Free Mocha Cake is so rich, for the queen your mom really is! If you were looking for a decadent gluten free brunch dessert for Mother’s Day, you can stop your search!

Gluten Free French Apple Cake

It’s well known that not everyone loves chocolate. Therefore, my last gluten free recipe brunch to share is this stellar Gluten Free French Apple Cake. It tastes like custard, pie and cake, all rolled into one! Plus, it requires so little time to prep, you can do it last minute, just in case you forgot to plan a meal for Mother’s Day!

So, what are your Mother’s Day plans this year? Will you be making a gluten free brunch? Or will you be taking mom out to eat? If you’re looking for last minute gifts for mom, check out these Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from my friend Eat At Our Table!

Originally published May 2018

The post 10+ Marvelous Gluten Free Brunch Recipes appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.