Carrot cake donuts are seriously the best! They’ve got that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and moist, making them a beloved treat for many. But let me tell you, these vegan gluten-free versions take it to a whole new level! I remember the first time I made these delightful donuts; I was hosting a brunch with friends, and I wanted to impress them with something unique. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, the warm, fragrant aroma of cinnamon and fresh carrots filled my kitchen, and my friends couldn’t resist diving in. Not only are these donuts a deliciously healthier option, but they’re also packed with flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to whip up a batch for your next gathering—or just for a special treat to enjoy at home!

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious carrot cake donuts! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup almond flour: This gives the donuts a lovely nutty flavor and keeps them gluten-free.
1 cup grated carrots: Freshly grated for that sweet, earthy taste that’s essential in carrot cake.
1/2 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of caramel flavor—yum!
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Helps keep the donuts moist and acts as a binding agent, too.
1/4 cup plant-based milk: Any variety works, but almond or oat milk are my favorites.
1 teaspoon baking powder: For that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Because what’s a carrot cake without cinnamon? It adds warmth and spice!
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: A little goes a long way for that cozy, spiced flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For a bit of crunch, but feel free to skip if you’re nut-free!

How to Prepare Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free

Making these carrot cake donuts is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fluffy donuts in no time.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want the donuts to bake evenly!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is mixed well.
Next, add in the grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, and plant-based milk. Stir until everything is nicely combined; the batter should be thick but pourable.
If you’re using walnuts, gently fold them into the batter now. Oops! Don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that light texture we all love!
Now, pour the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. You can use a piping bag or a spoon for this—whatever works best for you!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Wow, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here; you want them to cool properly before digging in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, these carrot cake donuts are a game changer! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for them:

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for a last-minute treat!
Flavor Packed: The combination of warm spices and sweet carrots creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Twist: Vegan and gluten-free, these donuts are a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, spices, or even a drizzle of vegan frosting for that extra touch!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for brunch, a snack, or dessert, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends.

Tips for Success

If you want your carrot cake donuts to turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:

Measure Carefully: Make sure to measure your almond flour and coconut sugar accurately. Too much flour can lead to dense donuts!
Grate Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are key! Pre-packaged ones can be drier and won’t give you that moist texture we love.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts—no one wants that!
Cool in the Pan: Letting the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them hold their shape better.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! A little ginger or cardamom can add a delightful twist.

Variations of Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free

The beauty of these carrot cake donuts is that you can really make them your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra kick of flavor that pairs perfectly with the carrots.
Nutty Delight: Swap out walnuts for pecans or even pistachios for a different texture and taste. You could also mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
Dried Fruit: Toss in some raisins or chopped dried apricots for a chewy surprise in every bite—yum!
Frosting Fun: Top your cooled donuts with a simple vegan cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple glaze for a sweet finish.
Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the batter or dip the tops in melted vegan chocolate for a decadent treat that’s sure to impress!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Wondering how to keep your leftover carrot cake donuts fresh and tasty? It’s super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days—if they last that long! I mean, who can resist a donut for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack?

If you want to enjoy them warm later, I recommend reheating in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, they’ll regain that lovely softness and warmth. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit rubbery. Trust me, keeping that perfect texture is all about timing!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful carrot cake donuts, you might be curious about their nutritional profile. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per delicious donut:

Calories: Approximately 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 3g

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, so keep that in mind when you whip up your batch! Regardless of the numbers, I promise these donuts are a tasty and healthier treat you can enjoy without any guilt!

FAQ About Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free

Got questions about these delicious carrot cake donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve heard:

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
You can, but keep in mind that it won’t be gluten-free anymore! Almond flour gives these donuts a unique texture and flavor.

How do I know when the donuts are done?
They’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing, too!

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just reheat them before serving for that fresh-baked taste!

What can I substitute for applesauce?
You can use mashed banana or even a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) if you prefer!

Will these donuts be as moist without the walnuts?
Yes! The applesauce and grated carrots keep them moist, so feel free to skip the walnuts if you’re not a fan.

Call to Action

I hope you’re as excited to try these carrot cake donuts as I am! If you make them, please let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or your favorite toppings! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and rate the recipe—your feedback means the world to me! Sharing your experience not only inspires me but also helps fellow home cooks create these delicious treats. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!

For more delicious recipes, check out all our recipes or try making spiced carrot date cupcakes for a delightful twist!

Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free: 7 Irresistible Ways

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious vegan and gluten-free carrot cake donuts.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add grated carrots, applesauce, and plant-based milk. Stir until combined.
Fold in walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into a donut pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool before removing from the pan.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
These donuts can be topped with vegan frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 150
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: carrot cake donuts vegan gluten free

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