If you’re a fan of cozy spices and crave-worthy baked treats, then Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing might just be your new favorite indulgence. These donuts combine everything you love about traditional carrot cake—moist texture, warm cinnamon, and sweet carrot goodness—into a fun, hand-held donut form.
What really seals the deal, though, is that rich and tangy cream cheese icing drizzled over the top, giving each bite the perfect finish. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a springtime celebration, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts feel both nostalgic and refreshingly different.
Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so they’re a little lighter without sacrificing flavor. With just the right mix of comfort and creativity, Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing are a treat worth baking again and again.
Ingredients
These Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing call for simple yet flavorful ingredients that bring the cozy taste of classic carrot cake into donut form. From warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to rich brown sugar and finely grated carrots, each component adds moisture and depth.
The cream cheese icing brings a luscious finish—smooth, sweet, and tangy. Whether you’re baking for brunch or dessert, these ingredients guarantee a crowd-pleasing treat.
Carrot Cake Donut Ingredients
To make soft, moist, and flavorful carrot cake donuts, you’ll need a balance of pantry staples and a few fresh additions. Begin with all-purpose flour, which provides the structure needed for the donuts to rise properly. Baking powder and a touch of baking soda help them puff up just enough while maintaining a soft interior. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give that classic carrot cake warmth, with just the right amount of spice in each bite.
You’ll also want brown sugar for depth of sweetness and moisture. It blends perfectly with the granulated sugar to create a balanced flavor. Eggs bind everything together and provide richness, while vegetable oil or melted coconut oil keeps the donuts moist without weighing them down. Applesauce or crushed pineapple (optional) adds an extra layer of moisture and natural sweetness, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile.
The real star, of course, is the freshly grated carrots. Use a fine grater for the best texture, ensuring they melt into the batter as it bakes. Add-ins like chopped walnuts or raisins are optional but highly recommended if you love a little crunch and extra sweetness.
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
The icing is where things get truly decadent. You’ll need cream cheese, softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly. Unsalted butter should also be softened for a silky texture when whipped with the cream cheese. Add powdered sugar gradually to sweeten and thicken the icing to your preferred consistency. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, and a pinch of salt helps cut through the sweetness and balance everything out.
For a slightly pourable glaze, add a splash of milk or heavy cream until the icing is just thin enough to drizzle over the donuts but still holds shape. If you prefer a thicker frosting that you can spread on with a knife or piping bag, simply reduce the amount of liquid.
Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. A donut pan is key for creating that classic shape, while mixing bowls, a whisk, and a rubber spatula help you combine ingredients efficiently.
Accurate measuring tools ensure consistency in flavor and texture. For grating carrots, a box grater works best. To finish, use a hand mixer for the icing and a spatula or piping bag to top the donuts beautifully.
Baking Tools for Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing
To create a batch of perfectly baked Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Start with a donut pan, which is essential for achieving that classic round shape with the center hole. Non-stick pans are ideal, but even then, be sure to lightly grease each cavity to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin with foil rings or a silicone mold can work as an alternative, though the result will be slightly different.
A large mixing bowl and a medium mixing bowl are must-haves for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before folding them together. This helps maintain a light texture and avoids overmixing. You’ll also need a whisk and a rubber spatula for smooth, even mixing.
Measuring tools are key for consistency. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for oil and milk. Measuring spoons ensure accurate spice and extract measurements, which are especially important in a spiced recipe like carrot cake.
For grating the carrots, a box grater or microplane works well. Aim for a fine grate so the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter and bake evenly. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, a small chopping board and sharp knife will be handy too.
Tools for Making Cream Cheese Icing
To whip up the creamy, smooth icing, start with a hand mixer or stand mixer. A hand mixer is ideal for small batches, while a stand mixer can make the process even easier if you’re doubling the recipe or prefer a hands-free approach. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are both at room temperature before mixing—this is key to avoiding lumps.
You’ll also need a medium mixing bowl for combining the icing ingredients. A rubber spatula comes in handy here too, for scraping down the sides and ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed.
Once your icing is ready, a spoon, offset spatula, or piping bag will help you apply it to the cooled donuts. If you’re going for a drizzle effect, a small whisk or fork can help control the flow.
Instructions Step by Step
Baking carrot cake donuts with cream cheese icing is a straightforward and rewarding process when you follow each step carefully. Starting with preparing the batter, mixing the right balance of wet and dry ingredients ensures your donuts turn out moist and flavorful.
Proper baking and cooling are crucial to maintain their soft texture and prevent the icing from melting. Finally, the creamy, tangy cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible.
Prepare the Donut Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil to ensure the donuts release cleanly after baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These warm spices give your carrot cake donuts that classic cozy flavor.
In a separate medium bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Stir in the finely grated carrots until evenly distributed. The carrots should be grated finely to help them blend into the batter and bake evenly, ensuring moisture and natural sweetness.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. Avoid overmixing—just stir until no dry spots remain. If you’re adding optional ingredients like chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins, now is the time to fold them in. These add texture and classic carrot cake flair, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a smoother donut.
Once the batter is combined, transfer it into a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This makes it much easier to neatly fill the donut pan cavities.
Fill and Bake the Donuts
Pipe the batter into each greased donut mold, filling them about ¾ of the way full. Don’t overfill, as the batter will rise while baking and could lose its hole shape. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then gently remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important they are fully cooled before adding the cream cheese icing, or the frosting will melt off.
Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the donuts are cooling, prepare your cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and lump-free. Add in powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, then continue mixing until smooth and fluffy. If you want a thinner consistency for drizzling, you can add a teaspoon or two of milk.
Taste the icing and adjust the sweetness or vanilla as desired. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread or drizzle easily.
Ice the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, it’s time to apply the icing. You can spread a thick layer using an offset spatula for a classic frosted look, or drizzle it lightly for a more decorative touch. For a more bakery-style finish, use a piping bag to apply the icing in a spiral or zigzag pattern.
If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dusting of cinnamon over the icing while it’s still soft. These little touches add flavor and presentation appeal.
Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy the donuts right away or store them in an airtight container for later. They’re best served fresh but stay moist and delicious for a couple of days.
Tips for Best Results
Getting the best results with your carrot cake donuts comes down to a few simple but important details. Fresh ingredients, precise measurements, and gentle mixing can transform your batch from good to outstanding. Small steps like using room temperature ingredients and allowing the donuts to cool fully before icing make a noticeable difference.
Following these tips ensures your donuts have the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance every time you bake them.
Use Freshly Grated Carrots
For the best flavor and moisture, always use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded ones from the store. Pre-packaged shredded carrots tend to be drier and thicker, which can result in less moist donuts. Grating the carrots at home ensures they’re fine enough to blend into the batter smoothly and release their natural sweetness and moisture into every bite.
Measure Your Flour Properly
Too much flour can make your donuts dense and dry. To avoid this, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this often packs the flour and leads to using more than intended. Proper flour measurement makes a huge difference in the final texture of your donuts.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mixing the batter too much activates the gluten in the flour, which can make your donuts tough. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until they’re combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps—overmixing is a much bigger problem than a slightly uneven batter. Keeping the mix gentle will help your donuts turn out tender and soft.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and butter blend more easily and evenly into the batter and icing. Cold ingredients can cause your batter to curdle or your icing to be lumpy. Let your ingredients sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin, especially if you’re baking in a cooler kitchen.
Allow Donuts to Cool Completely Before Icing
It’s tempting to ice the donuts while they’re still warm, but patience pays off. Applying cream cheese icing too soon will cause it to melt and slide off, ruining the look and texture. Make sure your donuts are fully cooled on a wire rack before adding that luscious layer of frosting. This also helps the icing set properly.
Add Optional Mix-Ins With Balance
Nuts, raisins, or coconut flakes are popular add-ins, but don’t overload the batter. A half cup to three-quarters cup is plenty for a batch of donuts. Too many mix-ins can weigh down the batter and affect how well your donuts rise and bake. Fold them in gently and evenly for best results.
Variations and Add-ins
Customizing your carrot cake donuts is easy and fun, whether you want to tweak the spices or add texture with nuts and fruits. These variations allow you to make the recipe your own while keeping the classic flavor foundation intact.
You can also cater to dietary preferences by trying gluten-free or vegan alternatives without sacrificing taste or texture. Exploring different icing flavors and toppings lets you match your donuts to any occasion or craving.
Switch Up the Spices
One of the easiest ways to customize your carrot cake donuts with cream cheese icing is by experimenting with the spice blend. The traditional mix includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, but you can add or swap in other warm spices like cardamom, allspice, or even a pinch of ground cloves.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the spice amounts slightly. On the flip side, for a more intensely spiced donut, try doubling the cinnamon or adding a little extra nutmeg to the mix. This simple variation helps tailor the flavor to your personal taste or the season.
Add Texture with Nuts and Fruits
Chopped walnuts or pecans are classic in carrot cake and work beautifully in donut form, too. Toast them lightly before adding to enhance their flavor and keep them crisp. You can also include raisins, golden raisins, or chopped dried pineapple for added sweetness and chew.
Fold about ½ cup of your preferred add-in into the batter—just enough to add interest without overwhelming the texture. These mix-ins give the donuts a more rustic, hearty bite that feels true to traditional carrot cake.
Make It Gluten-Free or Vegan
If you’re looking to adapt the recipe for dietary needs, it’s easier than you might think. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the texture as close as possible to the original. For a vegan version, swap the eggs for flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based milk, and make sure your cream cheese and butter are dairy-free. The flavor and structure stay remarkably similar, and everyone can still enjoy the same indulgent treat.
Experiment with the Icing
The cream cheese icing can also be varied to match your mood or occasion. Try adding a little orange zest or lemon juice for a citrusy twist that cuts through the sweetness. A touch of maple syrup can lend a warm, earthy note that complements the spices in the donuts.
For an extra-special finish, sprinkle the frosted donuts with chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or even a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. These little changes can really elevate your presentation and make your donuts feel festive and unique.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Proper storage keeps your carrot cake donuts fresh and delicious longer, which is especially important with cream cheese icing. Refrigerating them in airtight containers maintains moisture and flavor while preventing spoilage. Layering with parchment paper avoids sticking.
These simple steps help your donuts stay soft and tasty for several days, making it easy to bake ahead or enjoy leftovers without losing quality.
How to Store Freshly Made Carrot Cake Donuts
Once your carrot cake donuts with cream cheese icing are completely cooled and frosted, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their moisture and flavor. Because the icing contains dairy, the donuts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Use parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent the icing from sticking. Stored this way, they will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days. Before serving, let the donuts sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes to bring out their best flavor and soft texture.
If you prefer to keep the donuts unfrosted until just before serving, store the plain donuts at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Keep the cream cheese icing in the refrigerator separately and apply it when you’re ready to serve for a freshly frosted finish.
Freezing for Longer Storage
Freezing carrot cake donuts is a great way to enjoy them over time without compromising too much on taste or texture. To freeze, first ensure the donuts are fully cooled. If you plan to freeze them with icing, place the frosted donuts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—this prevents smearing and sticking.
Then transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers. This method helps protect both the icing and the donut shape. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Alternatively, you can freeze the donuts without icing and add the cream cheese frosting fresh after thawing. This approach may yield better texture for the icing and allows you to customize each batch as needed. Store the icing in a separate airtight container in the freezer, then thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Tips for Thawing and Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen carrot cake donuts, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. If the donuts were frozen without icing and you want to enjoy them warm, reheat them gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
People Also Ask
Can You Bake Carrot Cake Donuts Instead Of Frying Them?
Yes, carrot cake donuts are best baked rather than fried, especially for a healthier and lighter texture. Baked donuts are easy to make using a donut pan, and they retain the classic flavors of carrot cake without the added oil from frying. Just fill the donut pan with your batter, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes, and let them cool before frosting. The result is a tender, fluffy donut that’s perfectly sweet and spiced.
How Do You Prevent The Cream Cheese Icing From Being Runny?
To keep cream cheese icing thick and spreadable, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature but not too soft. Beat them together until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar. Avoid overmixing once the sugar is added, and chill the icing for a few minutes if it feels too loose. This gives it time to firm up before applying it to the donuts.
Can You Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can make gluten-free carrot cake donuts by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a binding agent to maintain the structure. The rest of the ingredients, like shredded carrots, spices, and cream cheese icing, are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation without sacrificing taste or texture.
How Long Do Carrot Cake Donuts Last With Icing?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, carrot cake donuts with cream cheese icing will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days. For the best flavor and consistency, bring them to room temperature before serving. If you prefer to keep the icing separate until serving, the plain donuts can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, and the icing in the fridge for about a week.
Can You Freeze Carrot Cake Donuts With Cream Cheese Icing?
Yes, you can freeze carrot cake donuts with or without the cream cheese icing. If freezing with icing, place the donuts on a tray and freeze until the icing is firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. If you prefer, freeze the donuts unfrosted and add the icing after thawing for a fresher look and feel. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect blend of warmth, spice, and sweetness. These donuts capture all the comforting flavors of a classic carrot cake, but in a convenient, bite-sized form. Topped with smooth and tangy cream cheese icing, they’re the ideal treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Whether you enjoy them freshly baked or as a make-ahead option, they are versatile and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins. With simple ingredients and a quick baking process, these donuts are a deliciously fun twist on the traditional carrot cake. Indulge in this treat whenever you’re craving something comforting yet indulgent!