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A marble cake stand topped with homemade donuts coated in white icing and shredded coconut; one donut has a bite taken out, revealing a golden brown inside. A checkered cloth and a glass of milk are in the background.

Carrot Cake Donut Recipe

Soft, moist Carrot Cake Donuts with cream cheese glaze. An easy, family-friendly baked treat perfect for Easter brunch or spring baking.

Course desserts
Cuisine American
Keyword baked carrot cake donuts, Carrot cake donut recipe, Carrot Cake Donuts
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 10
Author momma lew

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Use a zester to shred the carrots finely but if you like them thicker you can use a regular cheese grater. 
  3. Spray donut pan with cooking spray or butter. Set aside. 
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Set aside. 
  5. In a large mixing bowl, mix together shredded carrots, eggs, milk, butter and vanilla. 
  6. Mix dry ingredients slowly into the wet ingredients until just incorporated. 
  7. Fill the donut cups ¾ of the way with batter. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Cool donuts on a cooling rack.
  8. Beat together cream cheese and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in powdered sugar. Frost donuts with cream cheese icing using a butter knife.
  9. Garnish with shredded coconut, chopped pecans or chopped walnuts. 

Recipe Notes

How to Store Carrot Cake Donuts

If They’re Frosted (with Cream Cheese Glaze)

Because of the cream cheese frosting, they need to be refrigerated.

  • Place donuts in an airtight container

  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking

  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days

👉 Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving so they soften back up and the glaze gets creamy again.

If They’re Unfrosted

You can keep them at room temperature.

  • Store in an airtight container

  • Keep on the counter for up to 2 days

For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Carrot Cake Donuts?

Yes — but freeze them without the frosting.

  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap

  • Place in a freezer-safe bag or container

  • Freeze for up to 2 months

Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh cream cheese glaze before serving.

Pro tip: If they feel slightly firm after chilling, 5–7 seconds in the microwave (unfrosted only) brings back that just-baked softness.