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    Home » Desserts

    Carrot Cake Donuts

    Published: Mar 23, 2015 · Modified: Nov 25, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Who doesn't love a good donut? We have the perfect solution for you. Introducing our Carrot Cake Gluten Free Baked Donuts - a guilt-free treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These delicious donuts are made with wholesome ingredients like coconut flour. Not only are they gluten-free, but they're also baked, making them a healthier option than traditional fried donuts. Plus, with the added touch of warm spice like cinnamon, these donuts are bursting with flavor.

    Two carrot cake donuts stacked on top of each other, with a bite taken out of one of them. The donuts are frosted with a cream cheese frosting

    What are gluten free baked donuts?

    Gluten-free baked donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. They are made with gluten-free flour and are baked instead of deep-fried, which makes them lower in fat and calories. Gluten free baked donuts are perfect for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. They are also a great option for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without feeling guilty about it.

    Ingredients you need to make Carrot Cake Gluten-Free Baked Donuts

    To make these donuts you will need:

    • coconut flour
    • baking powder
    • salt
    • cinnamon
    • ground ginger
    • eggs
    • butter
    • honey
    • vanilla extract
    • shredded carrots
    • walnuts (optional)

    To make the donut glaze you will need:

    • cream cheese
    • butter
    • powdered sugar
    • vanilla extract
    • milk

    Step-by-step instructions on making your donuts

    To make the donuts:

    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a donut pan.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices.
    3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the grated carrots, eggs, butter, honey and vanilla extract.
    4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
    5. Pour the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
    6. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
    7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    8. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely. Frost once cooled.

    To make the glaze:

    1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Stop the mixer, add in the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Stir on low speed until mixture is well combined, then continue to add milk as needed until it becomes a glaze.
    2. Dip the tops of each donut in the frosting and return the donut to the wire cooling rack to allow the frosting to set. Frosting will soft set.

    Tips for making perfect gluten-free baked donuts

    • Make sure to use a donut pan for the best results.
    • Grease the pan well to prevent the donuts from sticking.
    • Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the pan.
    • Don't overfill the molds, or the donuts may not rise correctly.
    • Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing them to prevent them from breaking.
    picture of a silicone baked donut mold with different colored donuts decorated insde each mold. The molds are blue and bend easily.
    See silicone donuts molds

    Serving suggestions and variations

    Our Carrot Cake Gluten-Free Baked Donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. They are delicious on their own without frosting, but you can also top them with the cream cheese glaze. You can also add chopped nuts, raisins, or pineapple bits to the batter for some extra texture and flavor.

    Frequently asked questions

    You may have some questions about making these donuts. I have answers! And if you have a question you can't find, leave me a comment and I'll try to answer it for you!

    Can you make these donuts dairy free?

    Yes! All you need to do is substitute dairy free butter for the donuts and dairy free cream cheese and milk for the glaze.

    Are these gluten free baked donuts vegan?

    There are a few things you can do to make these donuts vegan. The first is to use the dairy free substitutions above. You will also need to substitute maple syrup for the honey and egg replacer for the eggs. You can also substitute the eggs for flax eggs if tolerated or applesauce.

    Can I use a different type of flour?

    Yes, I realize you may have a coconut allergy so you can absolutely substitute almond flour or gluten free flour blend. If tolerated, you can use all purpose flour too.

    How do I ensure my donuts have a moist texture?

    Gluten-free baked goods can sometimes be dry, so it's important to add moisture to the recipe. The grated carrots, butter and eggs help to keep the donuts moist.

    Do I need to make any adjustments to the baking time or temperature for gluten-free carrot cake donuts?

    Gluten-free baked goods may require slight adjustments in baking time and temperature. It's recommended to follow the recipe instructions but keep an eye on the donuts as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly or take longer to bake, you can adjust the temperature or baking time accordingly.

    How can I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?

    To prevent sticking, it's important to grease the donut pan thoroughly, even if it's non-stick. You can use oil, cooking spray, or butter to grease the pan before adding the batter. Additionally, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Can I make the carrot cake donut batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?

    It's generally not recommended to make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, as gluten-free batters tend to lose their leavening power over time. It's best to prepare the batter just before you're ready to bake the donuts for optimal results.

    Can I frost my donuts?

    Absolutely! I included a gluten-free cream cheese frosting recipe. But a simple glaze, or any other frosting of your choice works too! Just make sure to use gluten-free ingredients for the frosting as well.

    How should I store my donuts?

    Once the carrot cake donuts have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw frozen donuts before consuming.

    Baked donuts are the best!

    If you are looking to make some other great gluten free baked donut recipes, we have plenty! Why not try some snickerdoodle baked donuts? These toffee donuts are good too! and you can never go wrong with classic double chocolate baked donuts!

    Today as a member of the Secret Recipe Club, I'm surprising Jess from Flying on Jess Fuel by highlighting her baked donut recipe. Jess is a navy pilot wife and makes some of the most amazing recipes.

    Two carrot cake donuts stacked on top of each other, with a bite taken out of one of them. The donuts are frosted with a cream cheese frosting

    Carrot Cake Donuts

    Traci Wennerholm
    Carrot Cake donuts are a guilt-free treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Made with wholesome ingredients these donuts are not only gluten-free but also packed with nutrients. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Indulge in a guilt-free treat and enjoy every bite.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    10 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 donuts
    Calories 202 kcal

    Equipment

    • donut pan

    Ingredients
      

    To make the donuts:

    • ½ cup coconut flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 6 whole eggs at room temperature
    • 4 tablespoons butter melted and slightly cooled
    • ⅓ cup honey
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1½ cups shredded carrots

    To make the glaze:

    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened (do not use fat free)
    • 2 tablespoons butter softened
    • 1½ cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2-3 tablespoons milk

    Instructions
     

    To make the donuts:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a donut pan.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the grated carrots, eggs, butter, honey and vanilla extract.
    • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
    • Pour the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
    • Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely. Frost once cooled.

    To make the glaze:

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Stop the mixer, add in the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Stir on low speed until mixture is well combined, then continue to add milk as needed until it becomes a glaze.
    • Dip the tops of each donut in the frosting and return the donut to the wire cooling rack to allow the frosting to set. Frosting will soft set.

    Notes

    Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. Donuts can be frozen up to two weeks in the freezer. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 213mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 2982IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword carrot cake donuts, carrot cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, gluten free donuts, healthy donuts
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Karen

      March 23, 2015 at 6:09 am

      Hard to believe that those are baked and gluten free! FAB doughnuts! GREAT SRC pick this month - Karen

      Reply
    2. Rebekah @ Making Miracles

      March 23, 2015 at 6:33 am

      Thank you for sharing these! I just received some coconut flour to bake with - and I think these little treats are calling to me... 🙂

      Reply
    3. sallybr

      March 23, 2015 at 7:18 am

      Gluten free donuts, very interesting! I also had a gluten-free recipe for my assignment, so we are on the same page this month!

      Happy Reveal Day!

      Reply
    4. Bean

      March 23, 2015 at 7:41 am

      Yum! These donuts look amazing! I've been wanting something carrot cake like lately And these definitely fit the bill! Great SRC pick!

      Reply
    5. Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm

      March 23, 2015 at 8:07 am

      Terrific choice for Easter time SRC.

      Reply
    6. Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere

      March 23, 2015 at 2:21 pm

      Ok. Now I really need to get our my baked donut pan!

      Reply
    7. Tara

      March 23, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      These look delicious. Perfect for Easter. Great pick!

      Reply
    8. Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies

      March 23, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      I love baked doughnuts...so easy to make and always delicious! I have a bag of opened coconut flour that I need to use up...I know what I'm making with it! Great SRC pick!

      Reply
    9. turnips 2 tangerines

      March 23, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      Happy Reveal Day~ Lynn

      Reply
    10. Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories

      March 23, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      Very cute doughnuts!! Perfect for Easter. I know my grandsons would love these!

      Reply
    11. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel

      March 23, 2015 at 9:29 pm

      Glad you liked these!! I need to make them again before Easter... so yummy! 🙂

      Reply
    12. vmg206

      March 24, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      These look great!
      Thank you for sharing your post this week at Brag About It Link Party on VMG206. I'm featuring you at Next Weeks Brag About It Link Party, Monday at midnight!
      ~ Megin of VMG206

      Reply
    13. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie

      March 25, 2015 at 9:01 am

      Ooo just in time for carrot cake season I love these! Good reason to bust out my own doughnut pans

      Reply
    14. Melissa

      March 25, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      What a great sweet treat for breakfast. I love carrot cake and now I have an excuse to eat it in the morning!! Great pick this month 🙂

      Reply
    15. hapatite

      March 26, 2015 at 1:59 pm

      now i have an excuse to bust out my donut pan again!

      Reply
    16. lk529

      April 01, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Beautiful!

      Reply
    17. stitchin4mama

      February 01, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      Am wondering if the flour ratio would be the same with AP flour? Hubby can't have coconut, oatmeal or most nuts. Thanks

      Reply
      • burntapple

        February 01, 2021 at 8:33 pm

        It depends on what the ap flour contains. You might need to add a little more liquid. Let me know how it turns out with the ap flour!

        Reply

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