Carrot Cake Donuts Vegan Recipe No Oil – Easy & Delicious

Carrot cake lovers, rejoice! If you’ve been searching for a delightful, vegan-friendly treat that doesn’t rely on oil, these carrot cake donuts are exactly what you need.

Moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, these donuts capture all the essence of a classic carrot cake but in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free breakfast option, a snack to impress your friends, or a tasty dessert, this recipe fits the bill.

Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nourishing choice without sacrificing taste.

What makes this recipe truly special is the absence of oil, replaced by natural moisture from ingredients like unsweetened applesauce and plant-based yogurt. This keeps the donuts tender and soft, while still maintaining that rich carrot cake flavor.

Ready to whip up a batch of these vegan carrot cake donuts? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baked goods but wants to keep things healthy and plant-based. The donuts are vegan, oil-free, and naturally sweetened, making them a wholesome indulgence.

They’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring simple pantry staples and fresh carrots. Unlike traditional carrot cake, these donuts are portion-controlled, so you can enjoy the rich, spiced flavors without overindulging.

Another great aspect is the versatility—these donuts freeze well and reheat beautifully, so you can have a quick snack ready anytime. If you’re a fan of baking, you’ll appreciate how quickly they come together, and the texture is moist yet light thanks to the clever use of applesauce and non-dairy yogurt.

Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser for both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier option)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt)
• ½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Grater or food processor for shredding carrots
• Whisk and spatula
• Donut pan (6-8 cavity)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for flax egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with a non-stick spray or line with parchment paper if necessary.
2. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, creating a gel-like consistency.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, plant-based yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and flax egg until smooth.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts and raisins into the wet mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding carefully to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep your donuts tender.
7. Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full for a perfect rise.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when lightly pressed.
9. Remove from oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: Once cooled, you can dust the donuts with powdered sugar, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant milk, or enjoy them plain.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or allspice to the batter. You can also substitute the plant-based yogurt with mashed banana for a different natural sweetness and texture.”

• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking.
• Nut-free option: Omit the nuts and substitute raisins or vegan chocolate chips for added texture.
• Spice it up: Add a splash of orange zest or a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Glaze ideas: Try a simple lemon glaze or a vegan cream cheese frosting for a classic carrot cake feel.

Nutrition Facts

*DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Serving Suggestions

These carrot cake donuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or a robust coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.

They also pair beautifully with a dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

For a festive option, top them with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. They’re great as a grab-and-go snack, and you can pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet, wholesome surprise.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes to complement your carrot cake donuts, like our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe for entertaining guests.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a sweet, spiced, and moist treat without any animal products or added oil, these vegan carrot cake donuts are a must-try. They combine wholesome ingredients with simple preparation for a deliciously satisfying snack or dessert.

The use of applesauce and plant-based yogurt ensures that these donuts stay tender and flavorful, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried or oil-laden donuts.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these donuts offer a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. Plus, they’re a fantastic gateway into vegan baking if you’re new to it.

For more inspiring recipes that focus on wholesome, plant-based ingredients, don’t miss our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the savory Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe if you’re looking to mix things up.

Happy baking and enjoy every bite of your homemade carrot cake donuts!

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