Carrot Cake Donuts Easy and Amazing Easter Treat

Every spring, I crave something cozy yet bright, and Carrot Cake Donuts always answer that call. They bake up soft and tender, filled with warm spice, shredded carrots, and creamy Greek yogurt. Then I dip them in pineapple cream cheese frosting. Each donut comes in around 226 calories, so they fit beautifully on an Easter brunch table or dessert platter.

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Donuts

First, these Carrot Cake Donuts bake instead of fry, so you get a lighter texture with less fuss. As a result, you skip the oil splatter and still enjoy that classic cake donut bite.

Also, the crumb stays soft and moist thanks to Greek yogurt and freshly shredded carrots. Meanwhile, crushed pineapple adds gentle sweetness and extra tenderness.

Because they bake in about 10 minutes, you can make Carrot Cake Donuts even on a busy morning. In fact, the full recipe takes around 25 minutes from start to finish.

The warm cake spice brings that familiar carrot cake flavor. Then the pineapple cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy finish that feels just right for Easter desserts and spring gatherings.

These Carrot Cake Donuts also travel well, so you can bring them to brunch, potlucks, or church events without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Donuts

½ cup unsalted butter, softened. This gives the Carrot Cake Donuts richness and structure.

⅔ cup packed brown sugar. It adds moisture and a light caramel note.

½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Together, they round out the flavor.

1 large egg. It binds the batter and helps the donuts rise.

⅔ cup Greek yogurt. This keeps the crumb tender and soft.

⅔ cup crushed pineapple, drained, with juice reserved. The fruit adds sweetness and moisture.

⅔ cup freshly shredded carrots. Fresh carrots work best because they release more moisture into the batter.

2 teaspoons cake spice or a cinnamon nutmeg blend. This gives that warm, cozy carrot cake flavor.

2 cups all purpose flour. It provides structure.

1½ teaspoons baking powder and 1½ teaspoons baking soda. These lift the Carrot Cake Donuts and keep them light.

For the Frosting and Toppings

4 ounces softened cream cheese. It forms the base of the frosting.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter. It makes the frosting creamy and smooth.

2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice. This adds a bright, tangy note.

¾ cup powdered sugar. It sweetens and thickens the frosting.

½ cup finely diced walnuts. They add crunch and classic carrot cake texture.

Orange sprinkles are optional, but they make the Carrot Cake Donuts look festive for Easter desserts recipes.

Step by Step: How to Make Carrot Cake Donuts

Prep and Mix the Batter

First, heat your oven to 375°F. Then coat a donut pan with nonstick spray and lightly dust it with flour.

Next, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until creamy. After that, mix in the egg until fully combined.

Then stir in the Greek yogurt, drained pineapple, and freshly shredded carrots. The batter will look thick and slightly textured.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, cake spice, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. However, do not overmix, or the Carrot Cake Donuts may turn dense.

Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into a large zip top bag and snip off one corner. Then pipe the batter into each donut well, filling them about halfway.

Because the donuts rise as they bake, avoid overfilling the molds.

Bake for about 10 minutes. The tops should feel set and spring back lightly when touched.

Next, let the Carrot Cake Donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Make the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

While the donuts cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Then add the reserved pineapple juice and mix again. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting turns creamy and spreadable.

Frost and Finish

Once the Carrot Cake Donuts cool fully, dip the tops into the frosting. Let the excess drip off gently.

Then sprinkle chopped walnuts over the frosting. If you like, add orange sprinkles for a bright Easter touch.

The finished donuts taste soft, moist, and warmly spiced, with a sweet tangy topping that brings everything together.

Expert Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Donuts

First, always grate your carrots fresh. Pre shredded carrots feel dry and do not blend as smoothly into the batter.

Next, drain the crushed pineapple well. Too much liquid can make the donuts heavy.

Also, fill each donut cavity only halfway. As a result, they bake evenly and keep their shape.

Let the Carrot Cake Donuts cool completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.

This recipe makes about 18 large donuts. Prep takes around 15 minutes, and baking takes about 10 minutes, so you can serve them in about 25 minutes total.

Each donut has about 226 calories, with 12 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 237 milligrams of sodium, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

Storage and Make Ahead Notes

Store frosted Carrot Cake Donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, bring them to room temperature before serving so the texture softens.

They taste best within 2 to 3 days.

If you want to prep ahead, bake the donuts and store them unfrosted at room temperature. Then frost them the day you plan to serve.

For transport, place the donuts in a single layer in a snug container so the frosting stays neat.

FAQs About Carrot Cake Donuts

More Such Recipes

• Easter Blossom Cookies Recipe
• Easter Trifle Dessert Recipe
• Strawberry Fluff Salad Easter Dessert Recipe
• Spring Blossom Cookies Recipe
• Easter Egg Cheesecake No Bake Recipe
• Coconut Custard Cake Recipe
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Donuts bring all the charm of classic carrot cake into a simple baked treat. Because they come together quickly and bake in minutes, they fit beautifully into busy spring days. So whether you serve them at Easter brunch or share them with friends, these Carrot Cake Donuts deliver cozy spice, creamy frosting, and pure homemade comfort in every bite.

Before you head to the kitchen, you can also connect with me on Pinterest and join our community on Facebook for more Easter desserts recipes and seasonal baking ideas.

Print