Carrot Cake Muffins

Here’s a delicious recipe for Carrot Cake Muffins—moist, spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Carrot Cake Muffins

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Makes: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar (or granulated sugar)

• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups (150g) grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

• ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ¼ cup (30g) raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tsp milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).

5. Bake: Divide batter evenly into muffin cups (about ¾ full). Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Frosting (Optional): Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. If too thick, add a little milk. Frost cooled muffins.

Tips:

• For extra moisture, add ¼ cup crushed pineapple (drained) or applesauce.

• Swap frosting for a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (refrigerate if frosted).

Enjoy your spiced, tender carrot cake muffins! 🥕🧁 Let me know if you’d like any variations.