Easy & Healthy Baked Carrot Cake Donuts (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options)

Indulge in the comforting flavors of spring with these incredible Baked Carrot Cake Donuts. Each bite offers a delightfully soft and cakey texture, infused with a harmonious blend of warming spices, sweet coconut, and fresh carrot. What makes these donuts even better? They’re naturally gluten-free and can be effortlessly adapted to be dairy-free, making them a fantastic treat for a wide range of dietary preferences. Crowned with an irresistible white chocolate and toasted coconut topping, they’re a dessert that’s both wholesome and utterly delicious.

This recipe was first shared in March 2018, and it has since been lovingly updated to bring you even better results. We’ve included new, vibrant photos, clearer instructions, helpful tips for readers, and minor adjustments to the recipe to ensure perfection every time you bake. The goal is always to make your baking experience as enjoyable and successful as possible!

As spring unfolds and holidays like Easter approach, these carrot cake donuts become a truly special addition to any celebration. While gathering might look a little different this year, the joy of baking and sharing homemade goodies remains. Imagine dropping off a package of these delightful treats on a loved one’s doorstep – a perfect gesture to brighten their day. And let’s be honest, you’ll be tempted to eat them all before they even leave your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Donuts

Beyond being incredibly delicious, these baked donuts offer several advantages over their fried counterparts. Baking significantly reduces the fat content, making them a healthier indulgence without sacrificing flavor or texture. They’re quick and easy to prepare, requiring no messy deep-frying. Plus, the combination of gluten-free ingredients and the option for dairy-free makes them accessible to more people. The addition of protein powder gives them a slight nutritional boost, turning a sweet treat into a more satisfying snack. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weekend morning, these carrot cake donuts are sure to become a new favorite.

Details on a Few Key Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient is essential for successful baking. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components in this delicious carrot cake donut recipe:

• Oat Flour – This is our superstar whole-grain, gluten-free flour. Made simply from finely ground rolled oats, it’s packed with fiber and nutrients. Oat flour lends a wonderfully soft and slightly chewy texture to baked goods, making it perfect for these cakey donuts. If you don’t have store-bought oat flour, you can easily make your own by blending certified gluten-free rolled oats in a high-speed blender until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency. Remember to always use certified gluten-free oats if you need to maintain a strict gluten-free diet.
• Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder – Adding protein powder not only contributes a subtle hint of vanilla sweetness but also boosts the protein content, making these donuts a more satisfying treat. This recipe was specifically developed and tested using a plant-based protein powder that is gluten-free and vegan. While other protein powders like whey might work, they haven’t been tested, and results may vary in terms of texture and moisture. Using unflavored protein powder would also work, but you might want to increase the vanilla extract or honey slightly to compensate for the lost sweetness and flavor.
• Unsweetened Apple Sauce – A secret weapon in healthy baking! Apple sauce is fantastic for adding moisture to baked goods without introducing excess fat or refined sugar. It subtly enhances the texture, keeping the donuts wonderfully soft, and its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the delicious carrot cake spices. Using unsweetened apple sauce allows us to control the sugar content in the recipe, but if you only have sweetened on hand, it can still be used – just be aware your donuts will be a bit sweeter.
• Liquid Egg Whites – These provide structure and lightness to the donuts while adding a boost of lean protein. I often keep liquid egg whites on hand for quick omelets and protein pancakes, which makes them convenient for this recipe. If you don’t have liquid egg whites, you can substitute them by using the whites from two whole large eggs. Roughly, 1/4 cup of liquid egg whites is equivalent to the whites from two large eggs.
• Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg) – This classic trio of warming spices is what gives carrot cake its signature comforting flavor profile. Don’t skip these! They are crucial for creating that authentic, aromatic taste.
• Honey – Our natural sweetener. Honey adds a lovely depth of flavor and moisture. Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative if desired.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Provides essential moisture and a healthy fat source. A neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil or melted coconut oil can also be used.
• Finely Grated Carrot – The star ingredient! Finely grating the carrot ensures it disperses evenly throughout the batter and cooks down to a tender, moist consistency.
• Unsweetened Medium Coconut – Adds a wonderful texture and tropical note that complements the carrot and spices beautifully. Medium-shredded coconut works best here, offering a good balance between texture and integration into the batter.

How to Make Baked Carrot Cake Donuts

Creating these delightful donuts is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Prepare Your Pan: First, pre-heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 12-cavity mini donut pan and generously grease each cavity with non-stick cooking spray. This is a crucial step to prevent sticking. Once greased, sprinkle a small amount of chopped walnuts evenly into the bottom of each donut cavity. This will create a lovely textured crust on the top of your baked donuts.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and kosher salt. If any of your flours or protein powder tend to be lumpy, it’s a good idea to sift these dry ingredients together to ensure a smooth, even batter.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened apple sauce, extra virgin olive oil, liquid egg whites, and honey until they are well combined and smooth.
4. Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Carrot and Coconut: Gently fold in the finely grated carrot and unsweetened medium coconut until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill Donut Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into each donut cavity. You can use a small spoon or, for easier and cleaner filling, transfer the batter to a pastry bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full, spreading the batter evenly but being careful not to disturb the walnuts on the bottom of the pan.
7. Bake: Bake the donuts for 13-15 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to remove them. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack to allow the donuts to cool completely before topping. Cooling completely is important for the topping to set properly.
9. Prepare Topping: While the donuts are cooling, prepare your delicious topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in two 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
10. Top and Enjoy: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops of each donut into the melted white chocolate mixture. Immediately sprinkle with toasted unsweetened coconut for extra flavor and visual appeal. Allow the topping to set for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making and storing these baked carrot cake donuts:

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

Achieve donut perfection with these helpful tips and suggestions for easy substitutions:

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Oat flour and some protein powders can sometimes be a bit clumpy. To ensure a perfectly smooth and uniform batter, I highly recommend sifting your dry ingredients together before combining them with the wet mixture. This helps to aerate the flours and prevents any pockets of dry ingredients in your final donuts.
• Coconut Choice: While various types of coconut exist, I find that medium-shredded unsweetened coconut works best in this recipe. Its finer texture integrates smoothly into the batter, providing a delightful chew without being too fibrous. Always opt for unsweetened coconut to control the sugar level in your donuts. If you use sweetened coconut, your donuts will naturally be sweeter, so you might consider slightly reducing the amount of honey.
• Certified Gluten-Free: If you are baking for someone with celiac disease or a strict gluten intolerance, it is absolutely essential to use certified gluten-free oat flour and protein powder. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, leading to cross-contamination. Look for labels specifically stating “certified gluten-free” to be safe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: To make these donuts entirely dairy-free, ensure you use a plant-based protein powder that is explicitly dairy-free or vegan. For the topping, simply omit the white chocolate or substitute it with a high-quality vegan white chocolate alternative or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and plant-based milk. A simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar, lemon juice, splash of milk) also pairs wonderfully with carrot cake flavors.
• Donut Pan Size: This recipe is designed for a 12-cavity mini donut pan, which yields donuts approximately 3 inches in diameter. If you only have a standard 6-cavity donut pan that makes larger donuts, you will need to increase the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 18-20 minutes, using the toothpick test. Adjust as needed until cooked through.
• Don’t Overmix: As with most baked goods, overmixing the batter can develop the gluten (even in gluten-free flours, some structure can be overdeveloped) and result in a tougher texture. Mix until just combined; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and often preferred.
• Filling the Pan: For a cleaner and more efficient way to fill your donut pan, consider transferring the batter to a pastry bag or a large ziploc bag with a corner snipped off. This allows for precise piping into the cavities, especially helpful when working around the walnuts at the bottom.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key when it comes to cooling. Ensure your donuts are completely cool before applying any topping. If the donuts are still warm, the chocolate topping will melt and slide off, or fail to set properly.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. A pinch of allspice or cloves could also be added for an even warmer flavor profile.
• Nut Variations: If walnuts aren’t your favorite or you have an allergy, pecans make an excellent substitute and also pair wonderfully with carrot cake. You can also omit nuts entirely if preferred.

Other Gluten-Free Baked Donut Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed these carrot cake donuts, you might love exploring more of our delicious and healthy gluten-free baked donut recipes:

• Peanut Butter Banana Donuts – A delightful combination for a breakfast treat or snack.
• Pumpkin Donuts – Perfect for fall or any time you crave warm spices.
• Gingerbread Donuts – A festive and flavorful option.

More Carrot Cake Recipes

Can’t get enough of carrot cake? We’ve got you covered with a variety of wholesome and delicious carrot cake inspired desserts:

• Carrot Cake Loaf (with cashew cream frosting) – A classic, moist loaf cake with a creamy, rich frosting.
• Carrot Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches – A unique and refreshing twist on the traditional.
• Coconut Carrot Cake (dairy-free and egg-free bundt cake) – A stunning and inclusive bundt cake.
• Small Carrot Cake Recipe (single layer carrot cake) – Perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want just a little something sweet.
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes – Individual portions of carrot cake perfection.

We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these wonderful Baked Carrot Cake Donuts as much as we do. If you make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and rating below to share your experience.

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