These Carrot Cake Baked Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting are an easy donut recipe that is perfect for Easter brunch or a Spring party! Perfectly moist and slathered in a tangy cream cheese frosting. The best way to get your vegetables!
Have you guys jumped on the baked donuts train yet?
I’ll admit, it took me a little while. The first time I tried was a big fail, and I stashed my donut pans in the cupboard for quite a while afterwards.
But once I busted them out to make these Lemon Blueberry Donuts, I never looked back. Since then these Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts and these Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Donuts have made their appearances, but it was time to add another to the must-make list.
I know.
Carrot cake.
What is this madness?
Are you a fan of veggie desserts or no? I know for some they can be a tough sell, and I used to be one of those people.
When I was a kid, I remember my cousin had carrot cake for her wedding cake. And I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it. I still remember my disappointment to this day.
For a 10 year old kid, what is a wedding without cake?? And there is only carrot cake?!? It felt like the biggest rip off!
But I’ve since come around, and while carrot cake isn’t right up there at the top of my list, I will admit that it’s perfectly delicious with a slather of cream cheese frosting. Without the cream cheese frosting? Not a chance.
I mean, my girls will eat just about anything in donut shape, frosting or not. The fun shape gets to them and I have to hold them off to get the frosting on (which isn’t a bad problem to have, I guess, especially if they’re getting extra veggies!).
Usually, I add crushed pineapple to my carrot cake because I do love pineapple, in desserts or dinners. But I didn’t want to mess with my favorite baked donut recipe too much and alter the liquid, so I left it out this time. Feel free to add in raisins or nuts if that’s your thing!
Tips and Tricks for Making these Carrot Cake Baked Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- You will need a non-stick donut pan for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can probably bake the batter into muffins but I haven’t tried that, so I can’t give any advice on that. The donuts pop out easily after a couple minutes of cooling, so don’t worry if you only have one pan!
- Feel free to add in raisins or nuts, whatever suits your fancy!
- These donuts freeze perfectly, so they’re great for making ahead!
Carrot Cake Baked Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150g
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 large carrots peeled and shredded (about 2 cups)
- 2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of nutmeg
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces light cream cheese, room temperature ½ package
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup powdered icing sugar
Instructions
Donuts:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease your donut pans. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together butter and oil. Add sugar and whisk until combined.
- Add milk, eggs, vanilla and whisk until combined. Stir in carrots.
- Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and nutmeg and stir just until combined.
- Spoon or pipe batter into prepared pans, about ¾ full.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth — this might take 4-5 minutes but it will come together!
- Spread on cooled donuts and decorate as desired (I used toasted coconut!). Serve.
- Leftovers may be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days or in the freezer up to 3 months
Nutrition Information
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Glenda says
Could I exchange the milk for pineapple juice to get the flavor or maybe half milk and half pineapple juice? These donuts sound delicious. I plan to make them with my granddaughters.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Glenda! I’ve only tested the recipe with milk. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Bisma says
Can i make these in an air fryer since donuts are usually fried? Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Sorry, I have zero experience with an air fryer!
Zainab says
These donuts would be an awesome way to start the day! So perfect for Spring!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
These donuts are pure perfection and SO dreamy for spring! Love that thick-frosted cream cheese frosting! 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sarah!