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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots) - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) I love using fresh ingredients. They make the donuts taste great. Grated carrots add natural sweetness. Plus, they keep the donuts moist. Applesauce is a great substitute for oil. It helps reduce fat while keeping the texture perfect. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, create warmth in every bite. They blend well with the sweetness of the brown sugar. That’s what makes these donuts so special. If you like crunch, try adding walnuts. They give a nice texture contrast. - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 tablespoon milk The glaze makes these donuts truly shine. I use maple syrup for a rich flavor. It pairs so well with the carrot cake base. The powdered sugar creates that sweet, creamy finish. Adjust the milk for your preferred glaze thickness. A thicker glaze will coat better, while a thinner one will drizzle nicely. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. You’ll love how easy it is to make these treats! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 3. In another bowl, blend the wet ingredients. Mix grated carrots, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. 1. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. 2. If you want extra crunch, fold in chopped walnuts. 1. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full. 2. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check if done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. 1. While the donuts cool, whisk the glaze ingredients. Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or sugar. 2. Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze. Let any extra glaze drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set. Now you have delicious maple glazed carrot cake donuts. Enjoy this treat with family or friends! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Don’t overmix the batter. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. - Allow proper cooling time after baking. This helps them set and makes glazing easier. - To achieve a smooth glaze finish, dip only the tops of the donuts. This prevents excess from running down the sides. - Adding toppings like chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon gives extra flavor and crunch. - Present the donuts on a decorative platter. This makes them look more appealing. - Pair these donuts with coffee or tea for a warm treat. A glass of cold milk also works great! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor by swapping carrots with other veggies or fruits. For instance, try using zucchini or sweet potatoes. They add moisture and taste great. You can also add mashed bananas for a unique twist. Seasonal spices can enhance the flavor, too. Try nutmeg in the fall or a hint of ginger in winter. If you need gluten-free donuts, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These options work well and taste great. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use plant-based milk. These swaps keep the flavor intact while catering to your dietary needs. Glazes can be more than just maple. Add citrus zest for a bright touch. Lemon or orange pairs well with the flavors of the donut. You can also use warm spices like ginger or cardamom in the glaze for a twist. If you're a chocolate lover, dip the donuts in melted dark chocolate instead of maple. This gives a rich flavor that contrasts nicely with the cake-like donut. To keep your maple glazed carrot cake donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can also use a resealable plastic bag if you do not have a container. Make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing the bag. To freeze your donuts, first, ensure they are completely cool. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. After they are firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This method keeps them from sticking together. For the glaze, freeze it separately in a small container. When ready to eat, thaw the donuts at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. You can store these donuts at room temperature for 2-3 days. Make sure they are in a cool, dry place. If you notice any mold or a strange smell, throw them away. This is a sign they have gone bad. Always trust your senses when checking for freshness. What’s the difference between baked and fried donuts? Baked donuts are lighter and fluffier since they use less oil. They have a cake-like texture. Fried donuts are denser and richer, as they absorb oil during cooking. Both types are tasty, but baked donuts are easier to make at home. Can I make the batter in advance? Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before using. This helps save time on busy mornings. How do I know when the donuts are done baking? To check if the donuts are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. The tops should also look golden brown and spring back when touched lightly. Is it necessary to glaze the donuts immediately? It’s not necessary, but glazing while still warm helps the glaze stick better. If you let the donuts cool completely, the glaze may not adhere as well. Just ensure they are not too hot, or the glaze will melt. What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Can I replace brown sugar with white sugar? You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar. However, brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor. If you use white sugar, the donuts may be less moist. Calorie count for one donut Each maple glazed carrot cake donut contains around 150 calories. This can vary based on portion size and ingredients used. Nutritional benefits of carrots in the recipe Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which helps with vision and skin health. They also provide fiber, which aids digestion. Including carrots in these donuts makes them a bit healthier! This blog post covers how to make delicious baked maple glazed carrot cake donuts. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and variations. Remember, using fresh ingredients helps create the best flavor. Don’t rush—let your donuts cool and enjoy the glaze. Experiment with flavors and toppings for your own twist. Perfecting this recipe can lead to a treat everyone loves. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking! Enjoy the joy these donuts bring to your kitchen.

Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Donuts

Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Donuts! These scrumptious treats are made with simple ingredients like grated carrots and warm spices, creating a moist and flavorful donut that's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to whip up this easy recipe, top it off with a luscious maple glaze, and impress your friends and family. Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking your new favorite dessert today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with cooking spray.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), and salt until combined.

      In another bowl, combine the grated carrots, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.

        Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you’re using walnuts, fold them in at this point.

          Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

              While the donuts cool, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.

                Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the maple glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.

                  Optional: Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top of the glaze for extra flavor and visual appeal.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 12 donuts

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a decorative platter, and for a festive touch, add a sprig of mint to each serving.