Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Donuts topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and subtly sweetened, these baked donuts combine the wholesome goodness of shredded carrots and Greek yogurt for a tender crumb. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup shredded carrots, packed
- 2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare wet ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently fold in the shredded carrots ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
- Fill donut pan and bake: Lightly grease a donut pan and spoon or pipe the batter evenly into each cavity, filling about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: While the donuts bake, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency and sweetness.
- Cool and frost: Allow the donuts to cool completely in the pan or on a wire rack before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Chill the frosted donuts in the refrigerator for best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store the frosted donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded carrots for the best texture and moisture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and tender.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Donuts taste best the day they are made but can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 4-5 days.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, try using muffin tins for a similar treat, adjusting baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
