Rose & Cardamom Donuts Recipe – Ghee & Coconut Flour Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose & Cardamom Donuts Recipe – Ghee & Coconut Flour Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Rose & Cardamom Donuts are seriously addictive. I first made these for a little Diwali celebration with my family, and they were a huge hit. The delicate floral aroma, combined with the warm spice of cardamom… it’s just heavenly. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average donuts! They’re light, fluffy, and bursting with flavour. We’re using a blend of almond and coconut flour for a naturally gluten-free base, and the ghee adds a richness you just can’t beat. But the real star of the show is the rose and cardamom syrup – it’s what takes these donuts from delicious to unforgettable. They’re perfect for a special occasion, a sweet treat with your evening chai, or just because you deserve something lovely.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy donuts:

• 1 cup almond flour (approx. 96g)
• 0.5 cup arrowroot flour (approx. 60g)
• 0.5 cup coconut sugar (approx. 100g)
• 0.25 cup coconut flour (approx. 30g)
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.75 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (approx. 177ml)
• 0.25 cup maple syrup (approx. 60ml)
• 2 tablespoons melted ghee (approx. 30ml)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup maple syrup (for the syrup – approx. 240ml)
• 0.25 cup coconut sugar (for the syrup – approx. 50g)
• 0.5 cup water (for the syrup – approx. 120ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice (approx. 2.5ml)
• 1 teaspoon rose water (approx. 5ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (approx. 2.5g)
• Pinch of saffron
• Crushed pistachios for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure your donuts turn out perfectly:

• Ghee: Don’t skimp on the ghee! It adds a beautiful flavour and tenderness. If you don’t have ghee, you can use melted butter, but ghee really elevates the taste.
• Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is super absorbent, so don’t substitute it with another flour 1:1. It’s what gives these donuts their lovely texture.
• Almond Flour: I prefer using blanched almond flour for a finer texture, but almond meal will work in a pinch.
• Rose Water: This is where the magic happens! You can find rose water at most Indian grocery stores or online. A little goes a long way, so start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. My dadi (grandmother) always said the best rose water smells like a summer garden.
• Saffron: A pinch of saffron adds a beautiful colour and subtle flavour. It’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it for special occasions. You can lightly warm the saffron in a tablespoon of milk to help release its colour and flavour before adding it to the syrup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s bake!

1. Preheat your donut hole maker or oven to 350°F (175°C) if using a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, arrowroot flour, coconut sugar, coconut flour, and baking soda. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, maple syrup, melted ghee, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag. This makes filling the donut molds so much easier.
6. Fill the donut molds completely. If using a donut pan, grease it well first.
7. Bake for 15 minutes in the oven, or until the donut maker indicator light turns off.
8. Let the donuts cool on a wire rack while you make the syrup.

Now for the syrup!

1. Combine the maple syrup, coconut sugar, water, lemon juice, rose water, cardamom, and saffron in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
3. Once the donuts are cooled slightly, soak them in the warm syrup for 5-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they’re evenly coated.
4. Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve warm!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake the donuts! They should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
• Make sure the syrup is warm, not boiling hot, when you soak the donuts.
• For extra flavour, let the donuts sit in the syrup for a longer period – even overnight!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to the almond and coconut flour!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cardamom and saffron to your liking. My friend, Priya, loves to add a tiny pinch of nutmeg too.
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for Holi or Diwali! You can add edible glitter to the syrup for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of masala chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a beautiful addition to a dessert platter.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be tasty the next day!

FAQs

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can bake the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. But I recommend soaking them in the syrup just before serving, so they don’t get soggy.

What is the best way to ensure the donuts are not dry?

Don’t overbake them! And make sure to soak them in the syrup for long enough. The syrup is key to keeping them moist and delicious.

Can I use a different type of flour besides almond flour?

While almond flour provides the best texture, you could experiment with cashew flour, but the results may vary.

What does rose water add to the flavor profile?

Rose water adds a delicate floral aroma and flavour that complements the cardamom beautifully. It’s a classic Indian flavour combination!

How can I adjust the sweetness of the syrup?

Reduce the amount of maple syrup or coconut sugar in the syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.