Irresistible Carrot Cake Doughnuts Recipe for Sweet Cravings

There’s something magical about the change of seasons that makes me want to bake. As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn golden, I can’t shake the craving for comforting treats that warm the heart. One of my absolute favorites is carrot cake—it’s a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air. Now, imagine that divine flavor in a chewy, pillowy doughnut form! Yes, you guessed it, I’m talking about Carrot Cake Doughnuts!

If you’ve ever enjoyed a slice of moist carrot cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, get ready for a delightful twist! These doughnuts are spiced just right, lightly sweetened, and oh-so-soft. They are perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into these, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch!
• Perfectly spiced to celebrate the cozy fall vibes.
• Better than any bakery doughnut—homemade means love!
• They stay soft and delicious for days (if they last that long!).
• Can be topped with cream cheese glaze or simple sugar glaze—whatever your heart desires!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! These doughnuts come together quickly, so having everything prepped will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

• 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: Freshly grated carrots work best, as they provide moisture and a lovely sweet flavor. Feel free to experiment with the nuts—add them for a lovely crunch or leave them out for a nut-free option!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your doughnut pan. You don’t want these beauties sticking!
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Get that aroma going—trust me, it’s heavenly!
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add the finely grated carrots and mix until well combined. Now, you can almost taste how amazing these doughnuts are going to be!
4. Combine mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined. Be careful! Overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts, and nobody wants that!
5. Add nuts (if using): If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them in gently. They add a lovely crunch and elevate the texture.
6. Fill the pan: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each doughnut cavity about 2/3 full. This allows them to rise beautifully without overflowing.
7. Bake! Pop your doughnut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
8. Cool: Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the glaze: While the doughnuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner one, add a tad more milk.
10. Glaze those doughnuts! Once the doughnuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, or drizzle it over for a pretty effect. Let the glaze set for a minute or so.

Tip: If you prefer a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the glaze for that extra warmth. It adds such a lovely touch!

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Fruitiness: Incorporate some crushed pineapple for added moisture and sweetness—just be sure to drain it well!
• Low sugar option: Swap the brown and granulated sugars with a sugar alternative like monk fruit or coconut sugar. You can also try using applesauce to naturally cut down on sugar!
• Different glazes: Instead of a vanilla glaze, try an orange glaze for a citrusy kick. Just mix fresh orange juice and zest into your powdered sugar!

Serving Suggestions

These Carrot Cake Doughnuts are perfect as they are, but why not elevate your experience a little? I often love serving them warm alongside a steaming cup of chai or coffee. They’d also be delightful with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of yogurt for a cozy brunch—just imagine that creamy yogurt paired with the spices!

For a more festive presentation, arrange them on a beautiful platter with a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for garnish. They’re also a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions or simply to enjoy a lazy weekend morning.

Storage Tips

These doughnuts can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to prolong their life, you can refrigerate them, though they might lose a bit of that soft texture.

For longer-term storage, freeze them! To do this, let the glaze set completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or let them thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to ensure those doughnuts hold together nicely.

What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?

No doughnut pan? No problem! You can use a muffin pan instead. Just fill the cups and adjust the baking time for about 15-20 minutes. They may not have that classic doughnut shape, but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I add other mix-ins aside from nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips, raisins, or even shredded coconut for a tropical flair. The possibilities are endless, and I love getting creative!

How should I store any leftovers?

Leftovers can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for a couple of months. Just remember to thaw them completely before enjoying or give them a quick heat-up in the microwave!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and tasting these Carrot Cake Doughnuts as much as I do! They are truly a cozy hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing (or savoring solo, no judgment here!). If you try them out, please come back and let me know how they turned out for you! Your feedback and stories warm my heart and keep the love for baking alive. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

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Irresistible Carrot Cake Doughnuts Recipe for Sweet Cravings

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 doughnuts 1x

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Description

Satisfy cravings with these delectable Carrot Cake Doughnuts. Easy recipe, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a unique twist on classic flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup crushed walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)

2–3 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your doughnut pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Add the finely grated carrots and mix until well combined.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined.

If using walnuts or pecans, fold them in gently.

Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each doughnut cavity about 2/3 full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the doughnuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the glaze, or drizzle it over. Let the glaze set for a minute.

Notes

Deliciously spiced carrot cake doughnuts, glazed to perfection, offering a fun twist on a classic dessert. Ideal for breakfast or as a cozy treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 doughnuts
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: Carrot Cake Doughnuts, Dessert, Fall Recipe, Homemade Doughnuts, Easy Doughnuts, Spiced Doughnuts