Ideas to vamp up a Carrot Ring recipe?

I'm preparing to make our family's traditional carrot ring but, though delicious, I feel that it could be more flavorful and exciting. I also would like to get away from using the dreaded Crisco. Do you think replacing butter would seriously impact the texture and fluffiness of it? Also, any suggestions for spice/flavor additions would be great. Thanks!

Carrot Ring

1 1/2 cups grated carrots
2 eggs
1 cup spry or crisco
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. soda (dissolved in 1 tbsp. cold water)