Vegan Carrot Donuts Recipe

Try Our Soft & Sweet Vegan Carrot Donuts Recipe Today

Whipping up these delightful vegan carrot donuts can transform your afternoon snack into a magical moment of pure joy.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen as you mix ingredients with care.

Carrots bring unexpected moisture and natural sweetness to this delectable treat.

Baked until golden and perfectly tender, these plant-based delights surprise even the most skeptical dessert lovers.

No eggs or dairy mean everyone can enjoy this wholesome indulgence.

Soft, pillowy, and packed with gentle spices, these donuts promise to become your new favorite weekend baking adventure.

Grab an apron and let’s create something deliciously memorable together.

FAQs

  • Are these donuts healthy?

These vegan carrot donuts pack nutritional benefits with whole wheat flour, carrots, and nuts, offering more nutrients compared to traditional donuts while being plant-based and lower in refined ingredients.

  • Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, replace all-purpose and whole wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain recipe integrity.

  • How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease the donut pan with oil or use a non-stick silicone mold. Allow donuts to cool slightly in the pan before carefully removing to maintain shape and prevent breaking.

  • What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds. If you have nut allergies, consider using pumpkin seeds or simply omit nuts entirely without compromising the recipe’s texture.

Vegan Carrot Donuts Plant-Based Sweet Treat Guide

  • Packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, whole wheat flour, and walnuts, these donuts deliver a serious nutritional punch while tasting incredible.
  • Requires minimal baking skills and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to create something special without stress.
  • Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients, adding different nuts or dried fruits, and adjusting sweetness levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Offers a healthier alternative to traditional donuts by using plant-based ingredients, reducing sugar, and incorporating natural sweetness from fruits and vegetables.

Ingredients for Vegan Carrot Donuts

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: These flours provide the base structure and texture for the donuts.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and a cozy flavor to the donuts.
  • Salt: This ingredient enhances the overall taste of the donuts.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds moisture and a rich caramel-like flavor to the donuts.
  • Applesauce: This ingredient provides moisture and helps bind the donuts together.
  • Almond Milk: This plant-based milk adds liquid and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: This flavoring adds a sweet and aromatic note to the donuts.
Mix-Ins and Glaze:
  • Carrots: These add natural sweetness, moisture, and a pop of color to the donuts.
  • Walnuts, Raisins: These optional ingredients provide texture and additional flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: This is used to create a sweet glaze for the donuts.

How to Bake Vegan Carrot Donuts

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350F and grab a donut pan.

Lightly grease the pan or use a silicone mold to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Applesauce
  • Almond milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Gently mix until just combined.

Fold in:
  • Grated carrots
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Raisins (optional)

Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Fill Donut Molds

Carefully spoon batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Aim for even distribution.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Allow donuts to cool in pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Almond milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.

Step 8: Finish With Glaze

Once donuts are completely cooled, dip them into glaze or drizzle glaze over the top.

Let glaze set before serving.

Tips for Moist Vegan Carrot Donuts

  • Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce to keep donuts tender and reduce fat content while maintaining a delightful texture.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious treats.
  • Use the fine side of a box grater to create small carrot shreds that distribute evenly throughout the donut batter, preventing large chunks.
  • Reduce brown sugar by 2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweet donuts, or substitute with maple syrup for a more natural sweetener option.
  • Allow donuts to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their crisp exterior and prevent moisture buildup underneath.

Storing Vegan Carrot Donuts Freshly

  • Store donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Place donuts in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm donuts in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and retain softness.
  • Heat donuts for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough or rubbery.

Toppings and Pairings for Vegan Carrot Donuts

  • Complement Carrot Cake Flavors with Creamy Chai Latte: A warm, spiced chai latte perfectly matches the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in these vegan donuts, enhancing the cozy, comforting taste experience.
  • Pair with Maple Pecan Coffee: Brew a rich coffee with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans to mirror the nutty walnut elements in the donuts, creating a harmonious sweet and earthy combination.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Orange Segments: Bright, tangy orange slices cut through the donuts' sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and complementing the carrot's natural citrusy undertones.
  • Match with Almond Butter Smoothie: Blend a creamy almond butter smoothie with banana and cinnamon to echo the donuts' wholesome ingredients and provide a protein-rich, satisfying accompaniment.

Flavor Variations for Vegan Carrot Donuts

  • Gluten-Free Carrot Donuts: Replace all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without nuts.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to increase nutritional value and create a more filling donut for fitness enthusiasts.
Print
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Vegan Carrot Donuts Recipe

Vegan Carrot Donuts Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mouthwatering vegan carrot donuts bring farm-fresh sweetness to breakfast tables with wholesome ingredients. Baked golden and spiced with cinnamon, these donuts offer delightful comfort that satisfies cravings while nourishing your body.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a donut pan with light grease or a silicone mold.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking whole wheat and all-purpose flour with leavening agents, warming spices, and seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Craft a liquid mixture combining organic brown sugar, fruit-based moisture, plant milk, and aromatic extract until harmoniously blended.
  4. Merge dry and liquid components gently, avoiding overmixing, then delicately incorporate shredded root vegetable, crushed tree nuts, and dried fruity morsels.
  5. Transfer batter into donut cavities, ensuring each mold reaches approximately three-quarters full for optimal rising potential.
  6. Slide pan into preheated oven, allowing 12-15 minutes of transformation until a testing implement emerges pristine when inserted centrally.
  7. Allow pastries momentary rest within the pan before transferring to cooling architecture for complete temperature reduction.
  8. Construct a luminescent coating by whisking powdered sweetener with plant milk and flavor essence until achieving silky consistency.
  9. Embellish cooled pastries through elegant dipping or graceful drizzling techniques, creating a tempting vegan confection.

Notes

  • Choose super ripe, sweet carrots for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in your donuts.
  • Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and smooth texture throughout the batter.
  • Experiment with alternative gluten-free flour blends like almond or oat flour for different nutritional profiles and textures.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting part of brown sugar with mashed banana or date syrup for healthier version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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