Carrot Cake Donuts [gluten free + high protein]

By Healthy Helper
Updated on July 20, 2026
Posted on March 26, 2026
Comments 90 Comments
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Indulge in these healthy Carrot Cake Protein Donuts, topped with a creamy, healthy cream cheese frosting. Packed with protein, fiber, and sweet, spiced flavor!

Carrot Cake Donuts [gluten free + high protein]

If you’re a fan of carrot cake but want something lighter and packed with protein, these Carrot Cake Protein Donuts are for you! Moist, spiced, and satisfying, they’re the perfect snack or breakfast treat that you can feel good about. Plus, they’re easy to make and gluten-free.

Carrot Cake Donuts [gluten free + high protein]

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Protein Donuts

  • Protein-Packed – With vanilla whey protein (HEALTHYHELPER saves on True Nutrition protein!) and Greek yogurt, these donuts are perfect for a post-workout snack or breakfast.
  • Lower in Sugar & Carbs – Using natural sweet carrots and oats keeps them light and wholesome.
  • Warm Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give them that classic carrot cake flavor.
  • Healthy Frosting – A creamy, tangy, high-protein cream cheese frosting takes these donuts to the next level.
  • Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed, just a food processor and donut pan!
Carrot Cake Donuts [gluten free + high protein] Print

Carrot Cake Donuts

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Kaila Proulx
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 6 donuts
  • Category: Sweet Snacks

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp liquid egg whites
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 110g)

For the frosting:

  • 4 oz (113g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp date syrup (HEALTHYHELPER saves $$)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the donuts:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small cup, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to create a “buttermilk” effect.
  • Using a food processor, grind rolled oats into flour. Combine oat flour, protein powder, coconut flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, and baking soda in a mixing bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, egg whites, and the almond milk mixture. Stir until smooth.
  • Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but pourable.
  • Spray a donut pan well. Divide the batter evenly into 6 wells. Bake for about 15 minutes or until tops are lightly golden brown.
  • Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:

  • In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
  • Add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  • Beat with a whisk or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  • Once the donuts are cool, spread or pipe this delicious frosting over them for the perfect carrot cake donut experience!

Tips & Variations

  • Add-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves for more warm spice flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftover frosted donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Carrot Cake Donuts [gluten free + high protein]

Why These Donuts Are a Great Snack

These Carrot Cake Protein Donuts with Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting aren’t just delicious, they’re balanced and nourishing. The protein supports muscle recovery, while oats and carrots add fiber for better digestion. Plus, the light, tangy frosting ties it all together!

Ready to Bake? Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthy, protein-packed twist on classic carrot cake! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you.

Talk soon,

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90 Comments

  7. OH MY GOSH!!!! Totally Sharing, I have been looking for high protein low carb options that I can grab for breakfast!!! This is perfect! Thank YOU!

    Reply

  19. Hi Kaila,
    These carrot cake donuts sound not only tasty but so healthy. What a great alternative for Ash Wednesday than the traditional donuts that are so healthy. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!

    Reply

  24. What a great idea! I just love carrot cake, and actually I really love donuts for, so it seems this is the perfect combo! Thanks for sharing this recipe, found you at Wakeup Wednesday!

    Reply

  25. All these national foodie days keep popping up, and I’m loving it. :) Reason to celebrate all of God’s awesome gifts. :) I can’t wait to make these? Would it be legit to do a cream cheese frosting?

    Reply

  29. What a healthy spin on a donut recipe! I really like what you came up with and can’t wait to try it! Pinning!
    Would love to have you stop by at our Sunday Fitness and Food Link-Up if you want to share this recipe! :):)

    Reply

  31. Um, YUM. Having to eat gluten free is not my ideal situation, but these look yummy!

    Thanks for joining us on the Alder Collective! Pinning, and we hope to see you again soon!

    Reply

  32. I love carrot cake! I may have to make these for my dad for his birthday in a couple weeks since the girls want to bring him donuts. Maybe with a healthy protein cream cheese glaze? You know because it’s his birthday!
    Thank you for linking up, happy Meatless Monday!

    Reply

  33. Love carrot cake, especially with raisins, and I love donuts. Being gluten free I miss the cakey, denseness that gluten adds to baked goods, I am so going to be trying this, they look and sound delish! Yum!!!! Happy Carrot Cake day to me, I mean you! LOL

    Reply

  34. We would love your Carrot Cake Donuts! Thank you so much for sharing with us for our 5th Anniversary of Full Plate Thursday! Hope you have a fantastic week and hope to see you again real soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply

  39. These look delish! I love carrots and carrot cake, so I’m betting these donuts are divine! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at Funtastic Friday.

    Reply

  43. Your Carrot Cake Donuts will be a great hit here. Hope you have a very special Valentine Day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply

  44. Oh, how neat. I just went to the market and saw carrot cake bagels and now I can make something similar at home. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday. Pinned.

    Reply

  46. I made these for breakfast this morning and HOLY COW. They were SO good sister. I glazed mine with another 1/2 scoop vanilla protein mixed with water. I’m definitely going to make these for breakfast again this week!!!

    Reply

  47. Hello! Could you make this recipe without protein powder and ith flax eggs instead of egg whites? Look delicious! :)

    Reply