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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots) - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 cup powdered sugar I love using fresh, quality ingredients for my Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Donuts. The dry ingredients form the base of the batter. I prefer all-purpose flour for a light texture. Brown and granulated sugars add sweetness and depth. Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth. A pinch of salt balances the flavors. For the wet ingredients, I use a large egg for richness. Buttermilk gives a nice tang and keeps the donuts moist. Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Grated carrots bring a fresh taste and natural sweetness. If you like a little crunch, add chopped walnuts. For the glaze, maple syrup adds a sweet and rich flavor. Powdered sugar gives the glaze a smooth finish. This simple glaze makes the donuts shine and taste great! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the donuts evenly. 2. Grease your donut pan. Use non-stick spray or light oil. This prevents sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt well. 1. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Then, add buttermilk, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. 2. Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry mix. Combine until just blended. Do not overmix; this keeps donuts fluffy. 3. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts if you want. They add flavor and crunch. 4. Spoon the batter into the donut pan. Fill each cavity about two-thirds full. 5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. 1. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. They need to cool completely. 2. For the glaze, whisk together the maple syrup and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. 3. Adjust the glaze. Use more syrup for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one. 4. Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze. Let excess glaze drip off. 5. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set. You can sprinkle extra walnuts on top for a nice touch. To get the best texture, do not overmix your batter. Overmixing makes donuts tough. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until they mix. This keeps your donuts soft and fluffy. Measuring flour correctly is also key. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup. Then level it off with a knife. This method prevents too much flour, which can ruin your donuts. Adjust the glaze consistency to suit your taste. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. If you want it thinner, add more maple syrup. Dip the top of the donut into the glaze for even coverage. Allow excess glaze to drip off before setting them on the rack. This gives a beautiful finish. Spice variations can add a fun twist. Consider adding ginger or cloves for a warm flavor. You can also mix in nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch. Top with extra chopped walnuts for a lovely finish. Other toppings like shredded coconut or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar also work well. Pro Tips Use Fresh Carrots: Grating fresh carrots ensures maximum moisture and flavor in your donuts. Don't Overmix: To keep your donuts light and airy, mix the batter until just combined. Cool Completely: Make sure your donuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting. Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding spices or extracts to your glaze for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can play around with flavors to make these donuts your own. Try a spiced pumpkin donut base for a fall twist. Replace some of the flour with pumpkin puree. This adds moisture and flavor. Another fun option is adding chocolate chips. Just fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips before you fill the pan. The sweet chocolate pairs great with the carrot and spices. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. For a vegan version, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Also, use almond milk instead of buttermilk and maple syrup for sweetness. Adding seasonal fruits can brighten these donuts. Try mixing in some diced apples or pears. They add a fresh taste and extra moisture. For holidays, consider using festive spices. Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the mix. These spices create a warm, cozy flavor that fits any celebration. To keep your maple glazed carrot cake donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the container at room temperature. Avoid putting them in the fridge, as that can dry them out. If you have extra donuts, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze your donuts, let them cool completely first. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy, take one out and let it thaw at room temperature. To warm them up, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. These tasty donuts stay fresh for about four days when stored properly. You will know they are spoiled if they feel hard or smell off. Always check for any mold before eating. By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious maple glazed carrot cake donuts at their best! These donuts stand out because of their unique mix of flavors. The blend of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, gives them warmth. The grated carrots add moisture and sweetness. The maple glaze on top adds a rich, sweet finish. You can also add walnuts for crunch and flavor. This combination makes them a treat for any time of day. Yes, you can make these donuts in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy them later. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. To help your donuts rise, measure your ingredients carefully. Too much flour can make them dense. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. These leavening agents help the donuts rise. Also, don’t overmix your batter. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy. These carrot donuts combine simple ingredients with clear steps for great results. You learned how to mix dry and wet items, bake, and glaze them perfectly. Keeping the right texture and adjusting flavors keeps these treats fun and tasty. Try the variations for seasonal flair or dietary needs. Store or freeze them to enjoy later. Follow these tips for donuts that shine in any setting. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Donuts

Delicious donuts made with grated carrots and topped with a sweet maple glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 0.25 cup chopped walnuts
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or lightly oil it.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add in the buttermilk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
  • Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the maple glaze, whisk together the maple syrup and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Adjust the consistency with more maple syrup for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
  • Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Return to the wire rack to set.
  • Optional: Sprinkle some additional chopped walnuts on top of the glazed donuts for extra crunch and presentation.

Notes

Optional: Add more walnuts for extra crunch.
Keyword carrot cake, donuts, maple glaze