Who says healthy food has to be boring? I’m here to tell you it can be the most exciting part of your day. These Spiced Carrot Cake Donuts Baked are a total joy, packed with flavor and goodness! If you love carrot-based treats, you must try my classic Oatmeal Carrot Cake for another wholesome dessert.
They are a perfect morning treat or a sweet breakfast dessert. Imagine the cozy spices of carrot cake, but in a soft, baked donut form. It’s a happy way to start your day.
This recipe is a celebration of how good real ingredients can taste. We’re making a treat that feels indulgent but is secretly nourishing. Let’s get baking!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Baked Goods / Breakfast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
Why This Dish is Secretly Good for You
These donuts are more than just a tasty bite. They are full of ingredients that love you back. Let’s dig into the good stuff inside.
Fresh carrots give us vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, are full of antioxidants. They help fight inflammation and make your kitchen smell amazing.
Using whole wheat flour adds fiber, which keeps you feeling full and happy. Each ingredient was chosen to boost your energy, not crash it. It’s a smart choice for a sweet craving. For another fantastic way to use carrots and warm spices, my Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread is a reader favorite.
My Favorite “Healthy Swap” Ingredients
I love finding simple swaps that make food better for us. These changes keep all the flavor and add extra nutrition. Here are my go-tos for this recipe.
I use Greek yogurt instead of lots of oil or butter. It makes the donuts incredibly moist and adds a protein punch. Pure maple syrup is my sweetener of choice for a more natural flavor.
It has minerals and a richer taste than plain sugar. Whole wheat pastry flour replaces all-purpose flour. It’s lighter than regular whole wheat but keeps the fiber. You won’t miss a thing!
Spiced Carrot Cake Donuts Baked Recipe
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Spiced Carrot Cake Donuts Baked Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a delicious result. You might have most of them in your pantry right now.
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or white whole wheat flour)
- 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, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 large carrot)
For the Simple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
This method is so easy and fun. You just mix, fill, and bake. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have warm donuts ready to enjoy.
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well with a little oil or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. That’s the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set this aside.
- In a larger bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Whisk the egg, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, melted oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter.
- Fold in the finely grated carrot. The batter will be thick and lovely, speckled with orange.
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag. Snip off a corner and pipe the batter into each cavity of your prepared donut pan, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. They’re done when the tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the glaze by stirring the yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze and enjoy!
How to Meal Prep This for the Week
I’m a big fan of making mornings easy. These donuts are perfect for preparing ahead. You can have a healthy treat ready all week long.
Bake and cool the donuts completely. Store them unglazed in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze them! Place cooled, unglazed donuts in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the toaster oven. Make the fresh glaze right before you’re ready to eat.
Nutrition Notes
This is a general look at what’s in each glazed donut. Remember, it’s about feeling good and enjoying real food.
- Calories: ~140
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Added Sugar: 6g (from maple syrup)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t have a donut pan. Can I still make this?
Yes, you can! You can bake this batter in a muffin tin. Just fill lined muffin cups about halfway and adjust the bake time. Start checking at 15 minutes. You’ll have delicious carrot cake muffins instead.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try a great swap. Use a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) instead of the regular egg. Make sure your maple syrup is vegan-friendly. The results will be slightly denser but still tasty.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the glaze?
For a dairy-free option, a thick coconut yogurt works well. You can also make a simple powdered sugar glaze with plant-based milk and a little vanilla. The flavor will be different, but still sweet and good.
I hope this recipe shows you how vibrant and exciting healthy baking can be. It’s all about using whole ingredients in clever, delicious ways. These donuts are proof that you don’t have to give up fun food to feel your best. And 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.
They are a wonderful project for a cozy morning. I love seeing the bright carrot shreds mix into the batter. It feels like making something truly special from simple, honest food.
I hope you love how this delicious morning treat makes you feel! Please leave a comment and a rating below!
