Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Donuts

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup finely grated carrots (approximately 2 medium-sized carrots) - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt The main ingredients in these donuts create a moist and flavorful treat. The all-purpose flour gives structure to the donuts. The finely grated carrots bring sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar adds richness, while granulated sugar balances the flavors. Buttermilk makes them tender and fluffy. Unsalted butter enhances the taste with a rich, buttery flavor. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added crunch) - Maple syrup for the glaze Adding chopped walnuts gives your donuts a nice crunch. They also offer a nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices. If you want a sweet glaze, maple syrup is perfect. It makes the donuts even more delicious and adds a lovely shine. You can customize your donuts with these optional ingredients to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the donuts bake evenly. Next, lightly grease each cavity of your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This step is key to ensure your donuts come out easily. 2. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until well blended. 3. In a separate large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Beat these together until smooth and combined. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough. Next, fold in 1 cup finely grated carrots and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if you want extra crunch. 5. Carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan with batter. Fill them about two-thirds full. This leaves room for rising during baking. 6. Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. 7. While the donuts cool, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency. 8. Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops into the maple glaze. Let any extra glaze drip back into the bowl. This gives a nice clean finish. 9. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack. Allow them to set for a few minutes before serving. This helps the glaze firm up for a perfect bite. To make the best donuts, focus on a few key steps. - Avoiding overmixing: When you mix your batter, do it gently. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the donuts tough. You want them light and fluffy. The texture is key to a perfect bite. - Checking for doneness: To know if your donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. The glaze is what makes these donuts shine. - Achieving the ideal glaze consistency: Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. You want a smooth and thick but pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar. - Storing extra glaze: If you have leftover glaze, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, give it a good stir. You can also add a splash of milk to loosen it up if needed. These tips will help you craft donuts that are soft, moist, and covered in a delicious glaze. Enjoy the process! Pro Tips Use Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-packaged shredded carrots. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to ensure your donuts remain light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Cool Completely: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired drizzling consistency. {{image_4}} You can enhance the flavor of your donuts in fun ways. Consider adding spices like ginger or allspice. These spices bring warmth and depth. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Another way to play with flavors is by switching nuts. Instead of walnuts, try using pecans or almonds. Each nut adds its own unique crunch and taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! If you need gluten-free options, it’s easy to adapt this recipe. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Check the blend for xanthan gum, which helps with texture. For those who want vegan adaptations, swap the eggs for flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk and choose a vegan butter substitute. These changes keep the flavor and texture delightful! To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the moisture in. If you leave them out at room temperature, they stay good for about two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. However, refrigeration may change their texture, making them a bit drier. Freezing donuts is simple and effective. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. When you want to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm them briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste. Enjoy your donuts any time! Yes, you can use other types of flour. All-purpose flour works best in this recipe. It gives the donuts a light texture. Whole wheat flour can be used too. It adds fiber and a nutty taste, but the donuts may be denser. If you choose whole wheat, use a little less than the recipe calls for. This will help the donuts rise better. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can make your own. Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a bit of water. These options work well in most recipes. To know when your donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. You can also check the edges. They should be golden brown and pull away slightly from the pan. If they look too soft in the center, bake a few more minutes. Maple glazed carrot cake donuts are a delightful treat made with simple ingredients. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Each part is crucial for tasty donuts. You can also try fun variations and learn how to store them well. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy these donuts with your friends or family. They will love them!$

Maple Glazed Carrot Cake Donuts

Delicious donuts made with grated carrots and topped with a sweet maple glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup finely grated carrots
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup buttermilk
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease each cavity of a standard donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
In another large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until everything is well combined and smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, if using, until evenly distributed.
Carefully fill each donut cavity in the pan with the batter, ensuring that each is filled about two-thirds of the way full to allow room for rising.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut 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.
While the donuts cool, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, gradually add more milk until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops into the maple glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip back into the bowl for a clean finish.
Place the glazed donuts back onto the wire rack and allow them to set for a few minutes before serving to let the glaze firm up.

Notes

For an appealing display, arrange the glazed donuts on a decorative plate. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts or a delicate drizzle of extra maple syrup to enhance their allure. Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!

Keyword carrot cake, donuts, maple glaze