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Carrot Cake Donuts – Soft, Spiced & Irresistible

Carrot cake is a timeless classic — moist, warmly spiced, and sweetened naturally with carrots and cinnamon. But what if you could enjoy all that cozy flavor in a fun, handheld treat? Enter Carrot Cake Donuts — baked, fluffy, and topped with a creamy glaze or frosting that makes every bite irresistible. These donuts are perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or as a healthier dessert alternative to fried donuts. Made with shredded carrots, warm spices, and just the right touch of sweetness, they’re light, moist, and packed with flavor. Best of all, they’re baked — so you get all the indulgence without the deep-frying. Serve them with cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish, or keep them simple with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Either way, these donuts will quickly become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling & Glazing time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Donuts:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup crushed pineapple optional, for extra moisture
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk to thin

Equipment

  • Here’s what you’ll need to make these donuts:
  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Box grater (for shredding carrots)
  • Donut pan (standard 6 or 12-cavity)
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag (to fill donut molds)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1 – Prep the oven and pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Step 3 – Mix wet ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4 – Combine batter
  1. Fold shredded carrots, pineapple (if using), and nuts into the wet mixture.
  2. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 5 – Fill the pan
  1. Transfer batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  2. Pipe into donut molds, filling about ¾ full.
Step 6 – Bake
  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7 – Cool & glaze
  1. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  2. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, then dip donuts or drizzle on top.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5 days (especially with cream cheese glaze).
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
🥄 Variations
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese.
Sugar-Coated: Roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing.
Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter.
Extra Spice: Add cardamom or cloves for deeper warmth.
Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and bake for 8–10 minutes.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin — they’ll be carrot cake muffins instead.
2. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots work best for moisture and texture.
3. Do I have to use pineapple?
No, it’s optional, but it adds extra flavor and moisture.
4. Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, they’re optional — great for nut-free baking.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, bake a day ahead and glaze before serving.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace up to half of the flour for a heartier texture.
7. How do I keep donuts moist?
Store them covered and avoid overbaking.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for parties or brunch gatherings.
9. Is the glaze necessary?
Not at all — they’re delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
10. Can I add raisins?
Yes, ¼ cup raisins or currants works beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Donuts are a delicious twist on a beloved classic dessert. Soft, spiced, and moist, they’re the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Whether topped with cream cheese glaze, cinnamon sugar, or enjoyed plain, they’re sure to be a hit at breakfast tables, brunch spreads, or festive gatherings.
Once you try them, you’ll never look at donuts the same way again — they’ll become a go-to recipe for every season.