Carrot Cake Donut Holes with Cream Cheese Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup drained crushed pineapple
• 1 egg
• 0.25 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup grated carrots, packed
• 0.5 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• vegetable oil for cooking
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Steps

1. Whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt together in a large bowl.
2. Combine milk, crushed pineapple, and egg in a small bowl. Stir into the flour mixture. Add melted butter; mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in carrots and coconut.
3. Heat at least 2 inches of oil in a large pot to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a wire rack or baking sheet with paper towels.
4. Scoop a few tablespoons of dough into the hot oil using a small ice cream scoop. Fry donut holes until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer donut holes to the paper towels using a slotted spoon; let drain and cool slightly. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Whisk white sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll donut holes in sugar mixture.
6. Beat cream cheese and 1 tablespoon butter together in a bowl until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar until dip is well-blended and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and 1 pinch salt. Serve donut holes with cream cheese dip.