Irresistible Baked Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Easy Recipe Guide
Prepare your taste buds, donut lovers! We’ve got a truly special treat waiting for you: an incredibly easy-to-make carrot cake donut recipe that’s simply delicious. These delightful baked donuts are perfectly spiced, wonderfully moist, and scrumptiously topped with a rich cream cheese icing, fresh walnuts, and crunchy pecans. Forget the fuss of deep-frying; these beauties come together with minimal effort, offering a healthier indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
There’s something uniquely comforting about carrot cake, and when transformed into a fluffy, cake-like donut, it becomes an instant classic. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, these baked carrot cake donuts are guaranteed to impress. They capture the essence of a warm hug on a cold winter night, yet their bright flavors make them a perfect year-round treat. Get ready to bake your way to pure bliss!
Baked Carrot Cake Donuts: A Delicious and Healthier Indulgence
These baked carrot cake donuts are more than just a sweet treat; they are a celebration of flavor and texture. By intricately combining a mix of simple yet flavorful ingredients, we achieve a succulent, moist donut that feels both familiar and extraordinary. Unlike their fried counterparts, baked donuts offer a tender, cake-like crumb that is both rich in taste and lighter on the palate, making them a fantastic choice for any time of day.
In just under an hour, you can whip up a batch of these mouth-watering goodies. They are bursting with warm spices, have a satisfyingly fluffy texture, and are beautifully crowned with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, serving up to nine donuts – though whether you share them is entirely up to you!
Craving More Delicious Donut Recipes?
If you’re hooked on homemade donuts, explore some of our other delightful creations:
- The Best Ever Jam Donuts
- Unique Avocado Donuts
- Vegan Baked Sugar Cinnamon Donuts
- Easy Soft Yeast Donuts
This recipe is genuinely as easy as one, two, three! Serve these up for a delightful breakfast, bring them to a brunch event as a show-stopping crowd-pleaser, or make them for a delicious treat that you can keep all to yourself. No matter how you enjoy them or who you share them with, this baked carrot cake donut recipe will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t believe us? Give it a try and see for yourself!
Honestly, these carrot donuts give a whole new meaning to “eating your vegetables.” Carrots and a treat? Yes, please! The grated carrots add incredible moisture and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the warm spices. While we can’t promise 20/20 vision, we can guarantee a delightful culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and have you reaching for another one!
What’s the Difference Between Baked Cake Donuts and Regular Fried Donuts?
The primary distinction lies in the preparation method and the resulting texture. Regular, traditional donuts are typically made from a yeast-leavened dough and are deep-fried, resulting in a chewy, airy texture with a crispy exterior. They often absorb more oil during the cooking process.
Baked cake donuts, on the other hand, are made with a batter that is similar to cake batter, often leavened with baking powder and baking soda. They are, as the name suggests, baked in an oven, usually in a donut pan. This method produces a donut with a denser, more tender, and moist crumb, much like a miniature cake. The result is a treat that is generally considered healthier due to less fat absorption, and the clean-up is significantly easier without the need for hot oil. Both types offer unique culinary experiences, but baked cake donuts are perfect for those seeking a less greasy, cake-like texture and a simpler cooking process.
Carrot Cake Donuts: Essential Tips, Clever Tricks, and FAQs
To ensure your homemade carrot cake donuts turn out perfectly every time, we’ve gathered some frequently asked questions and invaluable tips. Let’s make your baking journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Why Choose Baked Over Fried for Carrot Cake Donuts?
Baked donuts hold a special place in my heart due to their uniquely rich flavor and tender texture. While I certainly appreciate a classic fried yeast donut, there’s an undeniable charm and ease that comes with baking these nostalgic treats. It makes me feel like a kid again, without the mess!
From a practical standpoint, baking donuts is far less messy than frying. You completely avoid the need for large quantities of hot oil and the handling of sticky yeasted dough. This means less splatter, less clean-up, and a much faster track to enjoying your delicious carrot cake goodies. Plus, opting for a baked version often means a slightly healthier indulgence, making them a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy more often.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
It’s perfectly understandable if a donut pan isn’t a staple in your kitchen, especially if you’re not a seasoned baker or a donut expert. But don’t let that stop you from trying this incredible recipe! There are several creative ways to achieve donut shapes without a dedicated pan. No donut pan? No problem!
- Muffin Tin Magic: If you have a standard muffin tin, you can easily create donut shapes. Simply take small pieces of aluminum foil or parchment paper, crumple them into balls, and place one in the center of each muffin cup before filling with batter. This will create the classic hole in the middle. The resulting “donuts” might be a bit flatter and resemble muffins with holes, but they’ll taste just as amazing!
- Cookie Sheet Creativity: For a more free-form approach, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off) and pipe circular shapes directly onto the sheet, leaving a space in the middle for the “hole.” You can also make makeshift molds from strips of aluminum foil to guide your piping.
- Cookie Cutter Hack: If you have various sizes of round cookie cutters, they can be incredibly useful. Place a larger cookie cutter on a lined baking sheet, then place a smaller one inside it. Pipe your batter into the space between the two cutters. If you only have one size, pipe a full circle and then use a small, oiled shot glass or a balled-up piece of tin foil in the center to create the hole.
- Embrace Donut Holes: When all else fails, or if you simply prefer them, turn your baked carrot cake donuts into adorable donut holes! Mold your batter into small ball shapes and bake them on a lined cookie sheet. Their form may be a bit untraditional, but they’ll be just as delicious and perfect for popping in your mouth.
Remember, since you’re baking these donuts in the oven, almost anything that can safely withstand oven heat can be ingeniously repurposed as a donut mold in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
How Do I Store Homemade Carrot Cake Donuts?
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your homemade baked carrot cake donuts. Once completely cooled, always store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and helps lock in their delicious moisture and flavor. When stored at room temperature, they should remain fresh and enjoyable for up to two days. If you want to extend their freshness, especially with the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate them. They can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted donuts in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then frost as desired.
Expert Tips for Icing Your Carrot Cake Donuts
Applying the perfect layer of cream cheese icing is crucial for these carrot cake donuts. If you find dipping your donuts challenging, don’t hesitate to use a spoon or an offset spatula to spread the icing on. I often use the spoon method myself when making this carrot cake donut recipe, especially because I’m an icing fanatic and find it allows me to create a wonderfully thick and even layer of that luscious cream cheese goodness.
Here are a few more icing tips:
- Cool Down Completely: This is perhaps the most important tip! Ensure your donuts are completely cooled before applying the icing. If they’re still warm, the icing will melt and run off, creating a messy rather than a beautiful finish. A little bit of residual warmth, however, can sometimes help the icing adhere slightly better to the donut’s outer layer without melting.
- Icing Consistency: Pay close attention to the consistency of your cream cheese frosting. It should be thick enough to cling to the donut but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add milk a tiny bit at a time until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, you can add a little more powdered sugar.
- Decorate Immediately: Once iced, sprinkle your chopped walnuts and pecans (and any other toppings like sprinkles) immediately before the icing sets. This ensures they stick perfectly.
Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Donuts
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize your carrot cake donuts:
- Extra Spices: If you love a bolder spice profile, consider adding a pinch more ginger or a dash of allspice to the donut batter.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest folded into the batter or the cream cheese frosting can add a bright, fresh note that beautifully complements the carrot and spices.
- Dried Fruit: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, fold in a quarter cup of golden raisins or shredded coconut along with the grated carrots.
- Different Nuts: While walnuts and pecans are classic, feel free to experiment with other chopped nuts like almonds or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.
- Maple Glaze: For a twist on the frosting, consider a simple maple glaze made with powdered sugar, a touch of maple syrup, and a splash of milk.
Ingredients for These Irresistible Baked Carrot Cake Donuts
All this talk of warm spices and creamy frosting makes me want to bake another batch right now! If you’re as ready as I am to dive into this delicious adventure, here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to gather. Having your ingredients and tools prepped will ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.
Essential Baking Tools
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient ratios.
- Doughnut pan: Essential for shaping your baked donuts.
- Baking sheet: Useful for toasting nuts and for general oven use.
- Whisk: To combine dry ingredients evenly.
- Large mixing bowl: For mixing the wet and then combining all ingredients.
- Ziplock bags: A convenient way to pipe batter into the donut pan.
- Hand mixer (or stand mixer): For efficiently combining wet ingredients and making the frosting smooth.
- Knife: For chopping nuts and peeling carrots.
- Spoon: For general mixing and applying frosting.
And now, for the yummy stuff – the ingredients!
Donut Ingredient List: Building the Flavorful Base
- Grated carrots: The star ingredient, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The structural base of your cake-like donuts.
- Baking soda and baking powder: The leavening agents that give these donuts their lovely fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves: A harmonious blend of warm spices that define the carrot cake flavor profile.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Milk (any milk of your choice): Adds liquid to the batter for proper consistency.
- Coconut oil (melted): Provides richness and a subtle tropical note; can be substituted with other neutral oils.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.
Icing & Toppings Ingredient List: The Decadent Finish
- Cream cheese (softened): The foundation for a tangy, rich, and classic carrot cake frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Provides sweetness and body to the frosting, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Milk (any milk of your choice): Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to make it perfectly spreadable.
- Chopped walnuts and chopped pecans: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the carrot cake profile.
How to Make Baked Carrot Cake Donuts: A Simple Guide
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of delicious baked carrot cake donuts:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully peel your carrots, then finely grate them. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined, then set this bowl aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat the egg and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light brown and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- To the egg and sugar mixture, add your milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until well combined.
- Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the large bowl containing the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Once the batter is mostly smooth, gently fold in the shredded carrots using a spatula.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
- Transfer the donut batter into a large Ziplock bag. Snip off a small corner of the bag (about ½ inch) to create a makeshift piping bag.
- Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full. This ensures they rise perfectly without overflowing.
- Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, carefully remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Do not turn the oven off yet, as we will use it for the nuts.
- While the donuts are cooling, spread your chopped walnuts and pecans on a small baking sheet. Toast them in the still-warm oven for about 5-6 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let cool. Then, you can turn off the oven.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting and Assemble
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Use your hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until all ingredients are well combined and the frosting is smooth.
- Slowly add the milk, a teaspoon at a time, mixing continuously. Test the consistency after each addition to ensure the frosting is neither too thick nor too thin – it should be spreadable but still hold its shape.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each donut into the cream cheese frosting, twisting and turning to ensure it’s evenly covered. Alternatively, use a small spoon or offset spatula to spread a thicker, more decadent layer of frosting onto each donut.
- Immediately after frosting, sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts and pecans over the top of each donut. For an extra festive look, you can also add a few tablespoons of Easter sprinkles (or any sprinkles suitable for the occasion!).
Have everything you need? Jump to the recipe card below and start baking your way to carrot cake goodness!
Let’s not waste any more time just dreaming about these delicious baked carrot cake donuts and get straight to whipping up their deliciousness. Once you’ve baked them, let us know what you think in the comments below!
And, as always, happy baking!
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Baked Carrot Cake Donuts Recipe
petro
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Doughnut pan
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baking sheet
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whisk
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Large Mixing Bowl
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Ziplock bags
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hand mixer
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Knife
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spoon
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electric mixer
Ingredients
For the donuts
- ½ cup carrots peeled and grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ ground ginger
- ¼ ground nutmeg
- ¼ ground cloves
- ¼ salt
- 1 egg
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup milk any milk of your choice
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting
- 2 oz. cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp unslated butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5-2 tsp milk any milk of your choice
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup pecans
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Grease your donut pan with a nonstick spray. Peel and grate your carrots.
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In a medium bowl whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix the egg and brown sugar with a hand mixer, until light brown. Then add your milk, coconut oil and vanilla extract and stir all to combine.
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Grab the bowl of dry ingredients and add them to the large bowl with wet ingredients. Don’t overmix, just stir to combine.
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After everything has been mixed, add your carrots and simply fold them in.
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Put the batter in a ziplock bag, cut off a small corner, and pour the batter into your donut pan. Make sure to fill for about 2/3 per donut.
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Bake your donuts for 14-16 minutes over 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until cooked inside. Once done, take out of the oven and let cool off on cooling rack. Do not turn the oven off yet.
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Toast your walnuts and pecans for 5-6 minutes in the oven. Once done, let cool off and turn the oven off.
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Prepare your icing by combining your cream cheese and butter. Mix these with the hand mixer until smooth. Add your powdered sugar until all ingredients are combined well.
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Add your milk very slowly, make sure to test your consistency throughout to make sure it isn’t too thick or too thin.
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Dip each donut in the icing, twist and turn to make sure they are covered. I used a small spoon to add a thicker layer and just spread it out.
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Chop your walnuts and pecans and add to your icing.
Nutrition