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Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese

Moist carrot cake cupcakes topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.

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These spiced carrot cake cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They capture all the cozy magic of a classic layer cake in a perfectly portioned, no-fuss package, making them ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3-4 medium)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in grated carrots, drained pineapple (if using), and nuts (if using).
  6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  9. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low until incorporated, then on medium-high until light and fluffy.
  10. Frost completely cooled cupcakes. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free frosting, use plant-based butter and cream cheese. Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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