Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe – Moist, Flavorful & Irresistibly Sweet!
If you love classic carrot cake, you’re going to adore these carrot cake cupcakes! Perfectly spiced, tender, and topped with creamy frosting, they’re the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion—from spring brunches to fall gatherings.
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together both sugars, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple if using.
Step 5: Spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Step 6: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Makes 12 cupcakes
Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)
- Calories: 260
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
Pairings/Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai.
- Top with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra texture and flavor.
Seasonal Relevance
These cupcakes are especially perfect in spring (for Easter) or during fall when warm spices shine.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe
12
servings15
minutes20
minutes260
kcalMoist, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, these carrot cake cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and full of cozy flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together both sugars, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple if using.
- Spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Carrot cake cupcakes bring the classic flavor of carrot cake into a fun, single-serving dessert. Packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a delightful treat for parties, holidays, or everyday baking. They’re moist, flavorful, and easy to customize with nuts or raisins.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Q2: Can I leave out the pineapple?
Absolutely. It adds moisture and flavor, but the cupcakes will still be delicious without it.
Q3: How do I keep them moist?
Don’t overbake, and use applesauce or crushed pineapple for added moisture.
Conclusion
These carrot cake cupcakes are a bite-sized version of your favorite classic dessert—moist, spiced, and frosted to perfection. Whether for a party or a weekday indulgence, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth every time!
