Go Back
–+ servings
Old Fashioned-Style Carrot Cake Donuts

Heavenly Old Fashioned-Style Carrot Cake Donuts at Home

Indulge in Old Fashioned-Style Carrot Cake Donuts, a delightful twist on a classic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Donut Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Can swap with granulated sugar.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar All brown sugar can be used as well.
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt Regular table salt can be substituted.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Allspice can be an alternative.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Can be omitted if desired.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Fresh nutmeg enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Imitation vanilla can replace this.
  • 2 large Eggs Consider alternatives if avoiding eggs.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup Molasses Honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 cup Finely Grated Carrot Fresh carrots are best.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups Canola Oil Used for frying; vegetable oil can be swapped.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Let it soften for easy mixing.
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar Sifted for a smooth finish.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use favorite flavored extract if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream Milk can be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • Candy thermometer
  • Donut Cutter
  • parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Dough
  1. In a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and spices, mixing until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, molasses, vanilla extract, and finely grated carrot. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
  1. After chilling, lightly flour a clean workspace and roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donut shapes and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
  1. In a high-sided pot, heat canola oil to 350ºF. Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, frying until golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Glaze the Donuts
  1. Once cooled, dip each donut into the glaze and allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1donutCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding crushed pineapple or coconut alongside the grated carrot. Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!