What a difference a week makes.
I know I have been rather silent on my end and if you have been stopping by as of late, you will know that I have been alluding to experiencing some life changes. I have held back on the exact details; I will one day soon expand more on that but for now, I am in the midst of preparing for a new home, a new roommate, a new city to live in, a new job and a new chapter to my life.
For someone who has always felt so afraid of/opposed to change and is experiencing so much of it in such a short span of time, I think I am taking it rather well. In fact, might I even say that there is an underlying sense of excitement brewing in me. What I am learing in this time is that facing your fears isn’t as scary of a thing that you once made them out to be.
What has blown me away even more so is the fact that the moment I faced them was the moment all of these incredible doors and opportunities have opened up. I would have never been able to do the things that are on my horizon had I not mustered up the strength to take care of myself, put me first and venture out into the scary, exciting unknown. This change is birthing new life in me.
I could get used to this…
Salted Caramel Mini Donuts Recipe
Gluten, dairy, and egg free
Makes 16-18 mini donuts
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/3 c. sorghum flour (I use Authentic Foods brand)
- 1/3 c. Brown rice flour (Authentic Foods)
- 1/4 c. cocoa powder
- 1/4 c. potato starch
- 1/4 c. arrowroot powder
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- (OR: 2/3 c. regular flour + 1/4 c. cocoa powder and omit xanthan gum)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 c. buttermilk (1/2 Tb apple cider vinegar + 1/2 c. non-dairy milk)
- 1 1/2 tsp Ener-G egg replacer + 2 Tbs warm water, mixed til frothy
- 1/4 c. oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix dry ingredients {from flours to salt} together until fully combined.
- Make a well in the center of the bowl. Add all the remainder of wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just incorporated.
- Grease a mini donut pan.
- Place 1/2 batter into a ziploc baggie. Cut the corner of one side to use as an opening. This part is important in the shape of the donuts: Using one hand to firmly keep the dough flowing out of the hole, squirt the dough out in a circle in the pan.
- Bake 8 minutes. Allow to sit in the pan for 3 minutes after you take it out of the oven.
Caramel Filling
- Use this recipe
- Reserve 3-4 Tbs for frosting.
- Pipe remainder into hole of mini donut.
Salted Caramel Frosting
- 1/4 c. non-dairy butter {I like Fleischman’s}, softened
- 3-4 Tb caramel sauce
- 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1 Tb non-dairy milk
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt (taste for preference)
- Mix butter and caramel sauce together with an electric mixer on medium for 2 minutes, until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and mix. Add milk until creamy, smooth, and fluffy.
- Spoon onto the tops of donuts.
- Option: Top with fleur de sel and a mint leave.
















104 comments
Randi says:
Apr 25, 2013
OH my god i love you for putting in the substitutes for us not-gluten intolerant people!! you can’t get arrowroot and xanthan gum where i live and i’m horrible at adapting recipes myself so thank you thank you! i will definitely be making these as soon as i get home
Tasty Tuesday Series Part I – The Vegan Mini Donut Obsession « Good Clean Food says:
May 15, 2012
[...] to perfection. I feel like Mike TV on Willy Wonka, I want to reach into the screen and take her salted caramel mini donuts, or vegan re-enactments of all my favorite girl scout cookies (ok, just the Samoa), or that dang [...]
funnyloveblog says:
May 8, 2012
Love the recipe, love your blog, love YOU! Nicely done, lady.
mj monaghan says:
May 6, 2012
My heart goes out to you, Cara. I’m excited for you and will at the same time keep you and your upcoming changes in my thoughts and prayers.
Cara says:
May 7, 2012
I definitely will keep you updated! Plus, I will be closer now to where you and your family just moved to so now we have no excuse to not get coffee…
Carolyn Brown says:
May 6, 2012
So I was hopping over to your blog to get a good recipe for a GF/V cookie that I could take to a “cookie party” next weekend. I got distracted by this latest post. I’m not surprised that you have 94 comments on these delicious looking donuts. Yummmmmm. As I perused through all the comments, it made my heart happy to see how many people love you and believe in you, Caraboo (Of COURSE they do!) As I’ve said before, I’m so very proud of you. Can’t wait to watch this new adventure unfold for you, you incredible, talented, gorgeous, creative, fabulous, hilarious, vibrant, energetic, innovative, fabulous soul. Love. Love. Love.
Oh, and any personal faves for a cookie? And I’m not the world’s greatest baker, so a KISS recipe would be best.
Cara says:
May 6, 2012
This blog has opened up so much love into my life, it’s ridiculous! The people behind these comments (including you) are some of the most wonderful people–I am so blessed, especially during this time in life.
About the cookie recipe, do you want it to be gf/vegan or a normal ol’ recipe?
Vegyogini says:
May 5, 2012
I’m so proud of you for leaning into the discomfort of change and embracing all your blessings and challenges. I hope we’ll get to meet up for a Cafe Gratitude date (or even a Babycakes date) before you leave LA.
Cara says:
May 6, 2012
I will still be So Cal–just moving to Orange County
woo hoo.
Thank you for the love! I like how you say it’s “leaning” into it–a perfect description…
Vegyogini says:
May 7, 2012
Oh, great! OC isn’t too far away to meet up for lunch.
Lou says:
May 5, 2012
I think change is feared so much by so many people… it’s when you accept and embrace change that it becomes EXCITING and amazing opportunities pop up. One door shuts, and ten more open…. that one door can be painful though Cara, so I’m thinking of you… time heals all eventually (plus think of how much you can LEARN about YOU in the process!)
x
Cara says:
May 6, 2012
I think I need to come over for that long-awaited cup of coffee…
xo!
coldandsleepy says:
May 4, 2012
Whatever lies ahead for you, I hope it’s going to be wonderful. I’ll be here reading along, crossing my fingers on your behalf, and drooling over your food photos.
Cara says:
May 4, 2012
Can I just say how much I miss you? I know I keep saying it but it’s so different not being able to comment on your blog! It really bums me out because I just adore you so. Please know that I think of you often though and still keep up with CASC
xo–thank you for these wishes. I will need those toes and eyes crossed too. hehe
Karista says:
May 4, 2012
Oh wow these are over the top decadent! Gluten and dairy free too. I’m so excited. We’re gluten free here at my house and I’m dairy free. W are going to love making these. Yum!
Cara says:
May 4, 2012
Well isn’t that full of serendipity then!
It is a *must* now to make these donuts for all the fam to enjoy.
Karista says:
May 4, 2012
And congratulations on your new adventures! Wishing you huge success and tons of happiness and joy.
Shira says:
May 4, 2012
I am so there with you! What a great post – embracing change is so powerful, I am so happy for you that you are experiencing such wonderful new life! Bravo! I wish you all the best in your new and exciting adventures
xo
Cara says:
May 4, 2012
This is a much needed comment, Shira–thank you, thank you, thank you. xo
Ella @ Lifeologia says:
May 4, 2012
So you are the goddess of temptation!!!!
I’m dying here ~ these looks so good
*)
Cara says:
May 4, 2012
Now that is a title a girl can get used to
ha! Thanks, Ella. xo
Brittany says:
May 3, 2012
Good lord I am drooling, these look so good!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
You might need a towel. Drool has been known to cause keyboard malfunction
Isobelle says:
May 3, 2012
More DONUTS!!! You know, I never liked donuts until I moved to America. You are all a bad influence on me, I swear.
On another note, I am more than glad to hear that you are viewing your current situation in a positive light, and that these new opportunities are finding you. You may have left that comment on my blog and deleted it, but I still received the notification to my email inbox. All I can say if – Man, you are one strong woman! The fact that you keep pushing through in such hard circumstances is so inspiring, and I’m thrilled that you are able to start fresh and throw all of this behind you. You deserve the world, and you know that. Because you work hard, and you see the best in everything. WHAT A LADY!
Looking forward to seeing more posts from you. Or else..
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Thank God we are back to threats!! I have missed them, I really have..
And oh my gosh, could you say any NICER things to me, Isobelle? For reals, I cannot tell you how deeply touched I was to read this–from the bottom of my heart, thank you friend. Thank you.
spabettie says:
May 3, 2012
I will agree with my friend Abby, life does begin at the end of your comfort zone! that’s where all the action is, and all the happiness! I wish so much of that happiness for you, dear XXO
hug hug (wag) hug from Mr B and me. <3
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Hugs and wags right back!
Abby is a smart gal, isn’t she? She is pretty freaking rad too. I heart her. And I heart YOU! Thank you for this, friend.
Amanda says:
May 3, 2012
I am very curious to get the details of all of your life changes! I hope they bring you happiness and joy (and bring you closer to NC!)!! I have been dreaming about donuts a lot lately and then I see your delicious post. You have certainly put donuts on my brain! I think it is because for so long I thought I’d never get to have them again! Now I have even more of your amazing recipes to try!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Details to come once things settle down but thank you for your interest, Amanda
I’m excited to share more as time passes… And sadly, I am not going to be closer to NC–still living in California but the good news is that you can still move here and be near me
hehehe
gloria kersh says:
May 3, 2012
do you think I could make these as mini muffins or reg. sized muffins. I don’t have a donut pan! ;-( and I MUST make them.
Best of luck with all the changes, I’m sure you’re gonna kick CHANGES butt!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
I would try the mini muffins but I cannot guarantee they will come out the same. I don’t see why not though, but then again, I have learned with gf/vegan baking, you just never know… Fingers crossed for you!
Heather says:
May 3, 2012
Should I send you a pair of long johns and a down parka now or just wait until you arrive?
Change and I have struggled over the years. As I grow , change isn’t nearly as scary as it use to be – just embrace it and from it a lot of good will come.
Anything you do, anywhere you are and anyone you are with you will still be the amazing Cara we all know and love
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
How about I wait until things get sunny over there before visiting. Anything that requires me to take off my sandals and put on a down parka isn’t really a good combo for me. ha. No really, I am a BIG baby in the cold–you would get annoyed with me. xo
Richa@HobbyandMore says:
May 3, 2012
Tell me about not liking any change!:)) yeah that me yelling at everyone who changed the direction of my bed!
Sending you the best for a smooth and non scary transition.. And i am super intrigued about everything.. and waiting to hear more!!:)
I need a mini donut pan.. thats it! amazonfresh delivery today evening!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
You DO need a mini donut pan, yes! I fully support that sort of change in a person’s life
Thank you for the best wishes–they are already working in my favor. xo
Keisha says:
May 3, 2012
I know exactly how you feel. It’s like: Ahh. No. Change…don’t…happen…I’m not ready! That’s my life lately.
P.S. love this recipe and your blog!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Sending you lots of love right back as we both embrace change, Keisha. Thank you for the encouragement–means so much… xo
Brooklyn says:
May 3, 2012
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 3, 2012
I hope this “new city” you’re referring to is Seattle. And the “new roommate” is me. And the “new job” is making me donuts. Because I am in serious need of gluten-free salted caramel mini donuts.
Anonymous Burn says:
May 3, 2012
The answer to this game of CLUE is: Philadelphia, with AnonymousBurn (and a donut pan), as my wifey! Must be!!!
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 3, 2012
Dang. I was hoping it’d be some sort of give-away…
Anonymous Burn says:
May 3, 2012
I’m hoping if I say it is so then it just is so.
Richa@HobbyandMore says:
May 3, 2012
I second moving to Seattle!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Is a rope, revolver or pipe involved in the answer?
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
HAHA. Are you looking for a live-in donut chef, Brooke? Does it come with an allowance?
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 3, 2012
Yes. I will allow you to make me any type of donut your little heart desires. I will also allow you to sleep in my boy’s room. To sweeten the deal, they’re getting a bunk bed soon… I know you’re about to pee your pants from the awesomeness of the offer, but wait, there’s more… Hair. In a Can. You know you wanna.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
When can I start packing?
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 3, 2012
Haven’t you started already?! Get the lead out!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Don’t be so bossy! The donut chef needs to take her time.
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 4, 2012
Sorry… I got a little too excited there for a minute…
Melissa says:
May 3, 2012
Good luck on all the exciting changes in your life! Major life changes like this can be scary, but I find it ends up being worth it in the end. Also, I need these doughnuts in my life. Right now.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Thank you for that, Melissa. I am truly finding a high from these changes–is that crazy to say? ha. For your encouragement, I will send you some donuts, how about that?
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
May 3, 2012
Oh my lord. That’s it- donut pan is on my wishlist. I would eat those entirely for the caramel filling!
Glad to hear you are doing better. Change is always scary but exciting at the same time! I’m going to be going through some major changes in September and I’m already anxious about them. Just know it will all work out in the end and this will bring new adventures, friends and experiences
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Now you have peaked my interest–what is happening in September, Gabby?
Thank you for the encouragement! I couldn’t be any more thrilled about my near future. You are right, it really will be bringing about an entire new wave of experiences that gets me all giddy inside. xo
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
May 3, 2012
Oh just a little move to Toronto to go to school for Holistic Nutrition
Super excited about it!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
TAKE ME WITH YOU!!! I am so jealous! Where are you now?
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
May 3, 2012
I’m in Kingston, ON, a very exciting place let me tell you lol. In all seriousness I do love it here, but I am craving a change to a big city. Plus I miss school and this time school will be focused on something I am passionate about! It will be so refreshing to be around people with similar interests
I would take you with me in a second! Don’t be afraid to visit!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
I love the worldly connections blogging brings! You better believe that I am going to hold you to that offer. And keep me updated on your schooling experience. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am for you!
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
May 4, 2012
YES let’s do this! It will be an epic visit
And thanks darling
September can’t come fast enough!
Cara says:
May 4, 2012
Now I just need to update my passport…
frugalfeeding says:
May 3, 2012
All will end well I’m sure, Cara! At any rate, you may colour me intrigued. Out of interest, will we ever see a recipe that isn’t a DOUGHNUT again? Not that these don’t look absolutely spectacular, because they do. Lovely post
.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
I told you that I am on a DONUT kick. Why are you still surprised to see another DONUT here??! Fear not, it is ending soon. Too much of a good thing is just completely wrong, so I’m finding
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 3, 2012
What’s this guy got against donuts?! Frikin’ unAmerican!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
He just clearly does not share our passion for the donuts… What a damn shame
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
May 4, 2012
Those Brits with their extra u’s and their gh’s.
frugalfeeding says:
May 4, 2012
Actually, it’s you with your lack of the letter ‘u’, since you speak English. We came first, it’s merely a question of providence.
frugalfeeding says:
May 4, 2012
Damn it! I meant provenance – it has been a long day.
frugalfeeding says:
May 4, 2012
I do love your DOUGHNUTS though, Cara.
Cara says:
May 4, 2012
Are you having fun talking to yourself Nick? hehe
Laurel says:
May 3, 2012
The only thing better than chocolate and caramel together is a chrysalis emerging into the maginificent butterfly it’s always been destined for. Love you.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
That is probably the best description for my situation. That is precisely what it feels like–a complete and utter metamorphisis. Love you too! Did you get your Jel from me yet?
Laurel says:
May 3, 2012
Heck no. I didn’t even get a visit when you were 35 minutes away and being the perfect lady I am neither did I intrude on your privacy. Babies, nieces, mothers and sisters bonding. Bah! Humbug! {snicker snicker} Oh. Snickers. Yes, please.
Laurel says:
May 3, 2012
Just got here! Thanks so much – now I have to make some more marshmallows. Uhoh.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Wait, you are a mere 35 minutes from where my sister lives? No! I thought you were like 90 minutes away…don’t get crazy on me, you know I was trapped indoors without the option to escape. Why didn’t YOU visit ME??!
Glad you got the Jel! Sorry I didn’t have time to write a note–I felt so ghetto for not doing so
Laurel says:
May 4, 2012
You were on my mind the whole time. I just kept thinking it would be unforgivably rude to take away your family time. That is apparently what I get for thinking. Well, next time she has a baby…
Caitlin says:
May 3, 2012
when one door closes, another opens. that’s what my mom always says and it definitely applies to you
i am so excited for you and your new endeavors.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Except in my case it has been, when one door closes, 84 new ones open in the time span of 3 days
I’m so excited too, friend–thank you. xo
Caitlin says:
May 3, 2012
that’s what i like to hear! don’t get lost in the house of a million doors
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
HA. Well, I am bad with directions…
Somer says:
May 3, 2012
I seriously need a donut pan! You sound like you are doing a little better
xoxo
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
I’m doing a lot better. And you will be too once you give me your address. Email. NOW.
Somer says:
May 3, 2012
Okay all ready!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says:
May 3, 2012
You are on a roll with these donuts – and these look as incredible as I would expect. Good luck with all the changes going on right now, I think change can be good, but is generally a pain and scary in the process.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Heather, have I told you that when I see your face over here it makes my day? <–it's true
Thank you for this lovely comment, as always–I am storing up these kind words into my heart right now…
Heather @ Better With Veggies says:
May 3, 2012
Aw – what a wonderful thing for YOU to say.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Well, it’s true. xo
ninaherbert says:
May 3, 2012
Well aren’t you a dark horse! So many changes and sounding so remarkably calm about it all.
)
You are destined for great things and it’s true, the comfort zone is comforting but this doesn’t necessarily translate to ‘doing new things and going new places’.
Ooh, I can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
On an Earth shattering note, I’ve never had salted caramel (of any sort) before. So I’m looking forward to trying these.
Thanks Cara, always.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
You have never heard of salted caramel and I have never heard of a dark horse
Salted caramel is the newest craze (well, it has been at least) here in the States. Anything to throw salt on. Americans. We love our salt. And our hypertension. ha
shannonroche says:
May 3, 2012
I can’t believe your donuts. They are always so phenomenal! I love salted caramel!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Shannon, you are always amazing to me. Thank you for your comments!
Willow says:
May 3, 2012
So good to hear you happy and excited! And these donuts… whoa boy. They sound so insanely good! Haha!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
I am finding that I always have the choice to see happiness and love from every circumstance. What a lesson to learn…
Willow says:
May 3, 2012
Tough to learn, but important! I have to remind myself of that every day.
Also – wanted to let you know that I just nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award! You can check it out here: http://willcookforfriends.blogspot.com/2012/05/sausage-and-wild-rice-one-pan-wonder.html
Anonymous Burn says:
May 3, 2012
Life, I think, is like Michelangelo says “In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.” All of your life’s possibilities have always been in there waiting for you to hew away the rough walls that imprison it.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
This is beautiful, Meg. I love this quote so much!!
Speaking of which, I was a Kohl’s yesterday and found a hanging that I was seriously going to buy for you that read “I love my dog and my dog loves me” but I thought it would be a little ghetto of me to take my sharpie and add an “s” to dog. ha
Anonymous Burn says:
May 3, 2012
Ghetto, maybe, but you and I can be *street* can’t we? It must be true that it’s the thought that counts because hearing you were thinking of me while off doing your life in your world brought a silly grin to my face. I rivaled Rose for cuteness, I know that I did.
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
We are rather ‘hood, yes, that is true my sister. Holler (said in the whitest of white voices).
OF COURSE I think of you while doing life!! xo
mj monaghan says:
May 6, 2012
C, it’s ‘holla’ sista!!
Cara says:
May 7, 2012
You mean, Holler sister? haha. <–I'm as white as you can be MJ
Sara says:
May 3, 2012
I have recently went through some life changes as well – you are right that it can open up opportunities. I have written about it a bit of my blog. This post is on change: http://reallifeproject.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/a-changewould-do-you-good/
I also have one on moving – in case that helps!
Good luck!
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
Thank you for the thoughtful links, Sara. Very appreciated
xo
Abby says:
May 3, 2012
Like they say (and I will hypocritically repeat), life begins outside your comfort zone. I have no doubt that wherever you go and whatever you do, good things will happen. There will be challenges, but there will be rewards…like donuts, perhaps?
Cara says:
May 3, 2012
If at the end of this journey is a box of freaking rainbow sprinkled donuts then I will say “It was all worth it!” Great, if there isn’t donuts, I’m hunting you down…