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Moist Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Topping

Moist Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Topping


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  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Topping are the kind of easy recipe that makes breakfast, brunch, or dessert feel extra special. These soft, warmly spiced muffins are packed with shredded carrots and topped with a smooth cream cheese finish, making them perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, sweet brunch treat, and cozy baking day food ideas.


Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups finely shredded carrots

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional

1/2 cup raisins optional

8 ounces cream cheese softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Stir in the shredded carrots, and if using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.

10. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, then beat until creamy and spreadable.

11. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese topping onto the completely cooled muffins.

12. Serve right away or chill briefly before serving.

Notes

Let the muffins cool fully before adding the topping so it stays thick and creamy.

Use finely shredded fresh carrots for the softest texture and best moisture.

Do not overmix the batter or the muffins can turn dense instead of tender.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 58mg