Spiced Carrot Cake Donuts Baked Recipe

Who says healthy food has to be boring? I’m here to show you that it can be the most exciting part of your day. Let’s make something that feels like a treat but fuels your body right. These Spiced Carrot Cake Donuts Baked are packed with flavor and goodness! If you love the warm spices of carrot cake, you should definitely try my oatmeal carrot cake for another wholesome dessert.

Imagine a soft, spiced donut that tastes like a slice of classic carrot cake. Now picture it baked, not fried, right in your kitchen. This recipe turns a favorite dessert into a wholesome morning treat or a satisfying breakfast dessert.

It’s all about using real, simple ingredients. We get sweetness from fruits and a touch of maple syrup. The warm spices make your kitchen smell amazing. I promise, you won’t miss the heavy, sugar-loaded versions.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Baked Breakfast / Snack
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 12 donuts

Why This Dish is Secretly Good for You

I love recipes where the health benefits are built right in. You get to enjoy every bite knowing it’s doing something good for you.

Carrots are the star here. They give us vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. We also use whole wheat flour for extra fiber, which helps keep you full. The warming spices like cinnamon are not just tasty—they can help balance your blood sugar. For another fantastic way to use carrots and warming spices, my spiced carrot walnut banana bread is a must-try.

My Favorite “Healthy Swap” Ingredients

Small changes make a big difference. These swaps boost nutrition without losing any of the fun, delicious taste we all want.

Instead of refined white sugar, I use maple syrup. It adds a rich flavor and some minerals. I also swap oil for applesauce. This keeps the donuts incredibly moist and cuts down on fat. Greek yogurt in the glaze adds a protein punch.

The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a happy baking session. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
• For the glaze: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp vanilla.

My Clean & Simple Cooking Method

This process is so straightforward. You just mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Your donut pan is your best friend here!

1. Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with a little oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt together.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg. Then whisk in the maple syrup, applesauce, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—a few lumps are okay. Fold in the grated carrot.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. You can also use a piping bag for less mess.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. They’re done when the tops spring back lightly to the touch.
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. For the glaze, simply whisk the 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp vanilla together. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze and enjoy!

How to Meal Prep This for the Week

These baked donuts are perfect for getting ahead. A little prep means a healthy, homemade treat is ready whenever you are.

Let the glazed donuts set completely. Then, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature and add the fresh glaze before serving.

Nutrition Notes

This is a general guide per donut, including the glaze. Remember, it’s about nourishment, not restriction!

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g (mostly natural from maple syrup & carrot)
• Fat: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this without a donut pan?

Yes, you can! This batter works beautifully as muffins. Just grease a muffin tin and fill the cups 2/3 full. Bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes.

My glaze seems runny. How can I thicken it?

Make sure you’re using thick, full-fat Greek yogurt. If it’s still runny, you can pop the mixed glaze in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before dipping.

Can I use a different flour?

Absolutely. All-purpose flour works fine. For a gluten-free version, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

I truly hope this recipe shows you how joyful healthy baking can be. It’s a simple way to add a bit of bright, spiced sweetness to your morning.

These donuts prove that food can be both nourishing and a total celebration. Sharing them with family or enjoying one with your coffee is a small act of self-care. If you’re looking for a savory way to enjoy carrots, my cozy ginger spiced carrot and sweet potato soup is the perfect comfort food.

I hope you love how this delicious recipe makes you feel! Please leave a comment and a rating below!