These Baked Carrot Cake Donuts bring all the warm flavors of classic carrot cake into a delightful, handheld treat. Soft, spiced, and subtly sweet, each bite is packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and finely grated carrots. The baked method keeps them light and fluffy while still delivering that indulgent cake-like texture.
Topped with a creamy, rich cream cheese glaze, these donuts are the perfect balance of cozy and decadent. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as an afternoon snack, or alongside your favorite coffee, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, since they’re baked instead of fried, they’re a slightly healthier way to enjoy a donut without sacrificing flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in the finely grated carrots.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 6 donuts
Carrot cake is a beloved dessert, known for its rich flavors, moist texture, and comforting blend of warm spices. It’s often enjoyed as a layered cake, cupcakes, or even a loaf. But have you ever tried turning this classic treat into a donut? Baked Carrot Cake Donuts bring all the goodness of carrot cake into a convenient, handheld form—without the excess oil from frying. These donuts are soft, fluffy, spiced to perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Unlike deep-fried donuts, this version is oven-baked, making it a lighter and healthier alternative. Plus, they come together quickly, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results.
The Origin of Carrot Cake
Carrot cake has a fascinating history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Back then, sweeteners like sugar were expensive and difficult to find, so people used carrots as a natural sweetener in desserts. Carrots contain natural sugars that provide a subtle sweetness while also keeping baked goods moist.
During World War II, carrot-based desserts became popular again due to sugar rationing. Over time, the humble carrot cake evolved into a favorite dessert worldwide, often topped with cream cheese frosting. Today, we take it a step further by turning this classic into donuts—combining the flavors of nostalgia with the convenience of a modern treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why these Baked Carrot Cake Donuts deserve a place in your kitchen:
1. Healthier Than Traditional Donuts
Traditional donuts are deep-fried, which significantly increases their calorie and fat content. These carrot cake donuts are baked, not fried, meaning they are lower in fat but still have that satisfying fluffy texture.
2. Packed with Nutritious Ingredients
- Carrots: A great source of beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, making these donuts a slightly healthier option.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Not only do they add warmth and depth to the flavor, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar.
- Buttermilk: Helps keep the donuts moist and tender while adding a slight tang that balances out the sweetness.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
These donuts come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Unlike traditional carrot cake, which requires multiple layers and long baking times, this recipe lets you enjoy all the flavors in a fraction of the time.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch, an Easter gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they fit any occasion. Plus, they make a great addition to lunchboxes or as an on-the-go breakfast.
5. No Special Equipment Needed
You don’t need a deep fryer or even a stand mixer—just a donut pan and some basic kitchen tools. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead!
Breaking Down the Ingredients
Understanding why each ingredient is used will help you appreciate how they work together to create the perfect donut.
Dry Ingredients
- Flour – Provides structure to the donuts.
- Baking powder & baking soda – Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg – Essential spices that bring out the warm, rich flavors.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture while complementing the spices.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
- Buttermilk – Reacts with the baking soda to make the donuts light and airy.
- Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Grated carrots – The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and a bit of texture.
Cream Cheese Glaze
The glaze is what takes these donuts to the next level! It’s made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk for a smooth and silky consistency. It pairs beautifully with the spiced carrot cake base, making every bite indulgent.
How to Make Baked Carrot Cake Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices—in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients—brown sugar, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and egg—until smooth. Combine both mixtures and stir in the grated carrots.
Step 2: Fill the Donut Pan
Lightly grease a donut pan and spoon or pipe the batter into the molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk until smooth. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Donuts
- Use finely grated carrots: This ensures they blend smoothly into the batter without making the donuts too chunky.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the donuts dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use a piping bag: If you want perfectly shaped donuts, pipe the batter into the donut molds instead of spooning it in.
- Adjust the glaze thickness: If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you want a thinner drizzle, add more milk.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch to the batter or as a topping for the glaze.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the batter for a more filling treat.
Serving and Storing
These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week, especially if they have the cream cheese glaze.
- Freeze them (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and glaze before serving.
Final Thoughts
Baked Carrot Cake Donuts are the perfect blend of healthier baking, indulgent flavors, and nostalgic comfort. They deliver the essence of classic carrot cake in a fun, easy-to-make donut form. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
So why not give them a try? With their soft texture, warm spices, and velvety cream cheese glaze, they might just become your new favorite treat!
Conclusion
Baked Carrot Cake Donuts are the perfect fusion of comfort and convenience, delivering all the classic flavors of carrot cake in a delightful, easy-to-make treat. Their soft texture, warm spice blend, and rich cream cheese glaze make them an irresistible option for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon indulgence. Unlike traditional deep-fried donuts, this baked version is lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
With their moist crumb, natural sweetness from carrots, and a luscious glaze, these donuts prove that homemade baked goods can be both wholesome and indulgent. They are quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these Baked Carrot Cake Donuts are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a delicious twist on a timeless favorite!