Imagine biting into a soft, moist donut that captures the essence of classic carrot cake, but without the heavy guilt. These Baked Carrot Cake Donuts are about to revolutionize your breakfast and dessert game, offering a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or a dessert lover looking for a smarter indulgence, this recipe will become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Grate your carrots fresh for maximum moisture and flavor - pre-packaged shredded carrots can be too dry.
- Don't overmix the batter! Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep your donuts tender and light.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag for neat, professional-looking donuts that fill the pan evenly.
- Check donuts a minute or two early - oven temperatures can vary, and you want them just golden, not overdone.
- Let donuts cool completely before adding any frosting or powdered sugar to prevent melting and ensure the best texture.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg
