Let me tell you, these vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts are a game changer! They’re soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, making them a delightful treat for any time of day. I remember the first time I made them; the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafted through my kitchen, and I just knew I had created something special. The best part? They’re so easy to whip up, and you wouldn’t even guess they’re gluten-free and dairy-free! These donuts are perfect for brunch, paired with a cup of coffee, or just as a sweet snack when you need a pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup grated carrots – Freshly grated for the best flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup almond flour – This gives the donuts a lovely nutty taste and keeps them gluten-free.
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s a blend with xanthan gum for the right texture!
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – Pure maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted – This gives a lovely moistness and a hint of coconut flavor.
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk – Any unsweetened variety works well; I love almond or oat milk!
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the donuts rise beautifully.
- 1 tsp baking soda – A crucial ingredient for that perfect fluffiness!
- 1 tsp cinnamon – A warm, comforting spice that really shines in carrot cake.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – Just a pinch adds depth and warmth.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors in your donuts.
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional) – For a little extra sweetness and chewy texture!
How to Prepare Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free
Alright, let’s get those amazing carrot cake donuts baking! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven will give your donuts that fluffy rise we all love. While that’s heating up, grab two bowls and let’s get mixing!
In one bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the grated carrots, almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well so that the flavors blend beautifully. In your second bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and plant-based milk. Once that’s all combined, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in those raisins now for added sweetness!
Next, fill your donut pan with the batter, but don’t overfill; about 2/3 full is perfect. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. And voilà! You’ve got yourself some scrumptious vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix grated carrots, almond flour, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and plant-based milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in raisins if using for extra sweetness.
- Fill your donut pan about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Let cool for a few minutes in the pan before moving to a wire rack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts! Seriously, they’re not just delicious; they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Soft and moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Rich flavor from fresh carrots and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Healthier alternative to traditional donuts, with no dairy or gluten.
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for any skill level!
- Great for meal prep; they stay fresh for days in an airtight container.
- Customizable with add-ins like raisins or nuts for extra texture.
Tips for Success
To ensure your carrot cake donuts turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything blend smoothly. Don’t overmix the batter; just stir until combined, or your donuts might turn out dense. Also, be careful not to overfill the donut pan; leaving room for rising is key. If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients! And finally, let them cool completely before storing—this keeps them moist and delicious for days!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your carrot cake donuts fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container—these little bites of joy can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each of these delightful vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts is approximately 150 calories. They contain about 7 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated. You’ll also find around 20 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, along with 3 grams of protein. Plus, there’s no cholesterol in these treats, making them a guilt-free indulgence! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Always check your labels for the most accurate nutritional information!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you whip up the best batch!
Common Questions
- Can I substitute almond flour? Absolutely! You can use other gluten-free flours like oat flour or a gluten-free baking blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
- How do I know when the donuts are done? Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they’re ready to be taken out of the oven!
- Can I add nuts to the batter? Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor to your donuts.
- How should I store these donuts? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I make these donuts without raisins? Definitely! If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or substitute with chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
These vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts are perfect alongside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch, serve them with fresh fruit or a side of coconut yogurt for dipping. You could even drizzle a little maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness!
For more delicious vegan recipes, check out this vegan upside-down apple cake recipe or this classic carrot cake recipe.
Print
Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Gluten Free: 7 Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious vegan gluten-free carrot cake donuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the grated carrots, almond flour, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and plant-based milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in raisins if using.
- Fill a donut pan with the batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Top with vegan frosting or glaze for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: carrot cake donuts, vegan, gluten free