Carrot Cake Protein Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting! (low carb, low calorie, gluten free, vegetarian, & high protein)

Since Easter is right around the corner it seems like I’m seeing bunnies & carrots everywhere which is probably why I started really craving carrot cake lol! So I tweaked my protein donut recipe to create a delicious, easy, carrot cake donut with cream cheese frosting. You can purchase a donut pan for baking at Walmart, Target, Kmart, & large grocery stores for less than $15 FYI. These are a great, better for you snack or dessert for those looking to watch their waistline but still enjoy flavorful foods 😉

Ingredients:

Donuts:
*1 cup or 3 scoops vanilla casein protein (must use casein or else won’t work properly!)
*1.5 teaspoons baking powder
*1-2 teaspoons sugar substitute of choice suitable for baking
*1-2 tablespoons cinnamon
*4 (2.5 ounce) containers of carrot baby food (I know this seems weird but it’s replacing the liquid & fat plus adding a great carrot taste )
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*2 egg whites or 1/3 cup liquid egg whites

Frosting:
*4oz reduced fat cream cheese (softened)
*1/2 scoop vanilla casein protein powder
*1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, almond, or hemp milk
*1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
*zero calorie sweetener to taste

Preheat oven 350.

Spray a donut pan well with non stick spray.

Combine dry ingredients (first 4) with whisk then add in wet and mix well.  This is a thick batter!  It should not be liquidy or thin.

Evenly pat mixture down into donut pan.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. These will rise a lot while baking and poof up over the center.  You can usually smell them when they are done.  Basically when you start smelling that yummy donut taste start checking for doneness 😉

While donuts are baking use a beater to mix all frosting ingredients until smooth & creamy. You can taste & add extra zero calorie sweetener if desired. Place frosting in fridge while donuts finish baking.

Donuts may seem too crispy but they will soften as they cool.  Flip donuts onto wax paper or foil to cool. Allow 20-30 minutes cooling time before adding cream cheese frosting. They should have formed a little well or hole which you can fill with the frosting. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. You can also add some grated carrots on top too which would look cute.

Each donut is 134 calories & 16 grams of protein. Nutritional information will vary slightly based on exact ingredients you use. Store in refrigerator. They taste great straight from the fridge 😉