Baked Carrot Cake Donuts
Classic carrot cake meets a popular breakfast treat with this Carrot Cake Donuts recipe. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these treats are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert, and are quick and easy to make in just one hour!
Super soft and moist, these baked carrot cake donuts are a delicious twist on the traditional carrot cake, perfectly spiced and packed with rich carrot flavor. Each donut is generously topped with a tangy but sweet cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted coconut that adds a complementary flavor that’s hard to resist!
Ever since I shared this recipe back in 2018, this carrot cake donut recipe has become a family favorite. They’re perfect for brunches, baby showers, Easter celebrations, birthdays, or just a treat for the weekend that the kids can help with. The best part is how quick and easy they are to make. In less than an hour, you can have a batch ready to enjoy!
If you love these carrot cake donuts, make sure to check out my Best Ever Carrot Cake, Raw Carrot Cake recipe, and Vegan Carrot Cake!
Our Favorite
Tasty Donut Recipes
Baked Carrot Cake Donuts
While traditional donuts are deep fried, this recipe uses the oven to make donuts that taste just as good if not better! Baked donuts are lighter because they absorb less oil, making them a healthier option without losing taste. This method is also safer and less messy because there is no need to use or clean up hot oil. Plus, baking is a great way to make sure each donut cooks evenly, making it a smarter choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Finely Grated Carrots – Grate the carrots yourself to make sure they are moist and fine, which is crucial for adding moisture and texture to the donuts; avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they are often dry and too coarse for this recipe.
- Oil – Utilizing oil instead of butter results in donuts that are moist and tender, with any mild-flavored oil like canola, vegetable, sunflower, or corn.
- Greek Yogurt – Incorporating Greek yogurt contributes additional moisture to the donuts, with full-fat recommended for optimal richness; it can be substituted with sour cream if preferred.
- All-purpose Flour – Serves as the foundation of the donut, providing structure.
- Leavening Agents (baking powder, baking soda) – These ingredients are essential for the donuts to rise, creating a fluffy and soft texture.
- Spices (salt, ground ginger, cinnamon) – Add a warm spiced flavor profile of carrot cake, while salt enhances and balances the flavor of all ingredients.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness to the donuts, balancing the spices and the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting.
- Egg – Acts as a binder in the batter, making sure the ingredients are well combined.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle warmth that pairs well with the other flavors.
- Cream Cheese Frosting (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar) – This creamy, tangy frosting tops the donuts, adding a rich and smooth layer that pairs well with the spiced donut base.
- Optional Toppings (toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, raisins) – Though optional, these add an additional element of texture and flavor and can easily be customized.
Be sure to check out the recipe card for the full ingredient list below
Equipment Needed
- Box Grater or Food Processor
- Hand Mixer
- Donut Pans
- Cooling Rack
- Offset Spatula
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease donut pans thoroughly. Set aside.
Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices to a large mixing bowl. Whisk to fully combine.
Combine wet ingredients: To a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until a pale mixture is formed. Mix in oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Mix the donut batter: Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir in the grated carrots. Add the remaining flour and mix until just combined without overworking.
Fill pan: Spoon the batter into the greased donut pans evenly.
Bake and cool: Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese frosting: Add the butter and cream cheese to a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to mix on high speed for 2-3 minutes. Gently add the powdered sugar and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the donuts: Once the donuts are completely cooled, use an offset spatula to frost the donuts with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until you can’t see large dry spots to prevent your donuts from becoming dense and chewy.
Flavor Variations and Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap the toasted coconut topping with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the carrot flavor.
- For a chocolatey variation, mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the cream cheese frosting.
- Replace all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Substitute the sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Add-ins
- To change up the flavor and texture of the donuts, add ⅓-1 cup of your favorite add-ins!
- Chopped walnuts
- Pecans
- Raisins
- Shredded coconut
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped pineapple
- White chocolate chips
- Crystalized ginger
Storing and Freezing
Storing: Any leftover donuts can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
expert Tips
- Make sure all refrigerated ingredients (egg, yogurt, cream cheese, and butter) reach room temperature before starting. Letting them sit out for 2-3 hours helps with smoother mixing.
- Grease your donut pans well to make sure the donuts release easily after baking without sticking.
- Fill donut pans about 3/4 full to allow space for the batter to rise without overflowing during baking.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely, which prevents them from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
To thicken the frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, thick frosting.
The donuts are completely baked when a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make donut muffins using a standard muffin tin. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for a slightly longer time, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
To make mini donuts or donut holes, grease your pan, add the batter about ¾ of the way full, and bake at 350°F for 8-9 minutes.
More Spring Recipes
If you loved these baked carrot cake donuts, check out these other great recipes.
If you make this recipe, take a photo and tag #bakedambrosia on Instagram and Facebook so that I can see your creations and feature them on Instagram! To stay up to date with the latest recipes, follow Baked Ambrosia on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. ♡
Carrot Cake Donuts
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Donut Pans
- Hand mixer
- Offset spatula
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound carrots about 2 medium, peeled and finely grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt full fat
- 1 tsp vanilla
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes for topping optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease donut pans and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with sugar until pale. Add oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla.1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 2 tbsp oil, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp vanilla
- Add half of the flour mixture to wet ingredients. Stir in grated carrots. Add remaining flour and mix until just combined.1/2 pound carrots
- Spoon batter evenly into prepared donut pans and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow to cool slightly before inverting onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter on medium high speed with a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar
- Use an offset spatula to frost cooled donuts and sprinkle with toasted coconut, if desired.1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes for topping
im anxious to start making these recipes ive printed ill probably post on Pinterest cause im new to instagram dont know how to post but with a picture and your name if you can email me as to how to post on instagram id appreciate it im 73 never been on instagram till this yr. Thanks