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Baked Carrot Cake Donuts


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist, spiced carrot cake donuts baked to golden perfection, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cup (156 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 ½ cups (140 g) shredded carrots
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (124 ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (4 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (30 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • Chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a donut pan with non‑stick spray or parchment liners.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and vegetable oil; mix until smooth.
  4. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, then fold in shredded carrots.
  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut molds, filling each about ¾ full.
  6. Bake for 12‑15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While donuts cool, beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Pipe or spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over each cooled donut.
  10. Garnish with chopped pecans before serving.

Notes

For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg