If you’re craving a classic dessert that feels both cozy and impressive, these carrot cake cupcakes are exactly what you need. Soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they strike the ideal balance between sweet and comforting. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a birthday, or just because you have carrots in the fridge, this easy carrot cake cupcakes recipe delivers tender, fluffy results every time.
Carrot cake is beloved for its warm spices and moist texture thanks to freshly shredded carrots. These homemade carrot cake cupcakes bring that same bakery-quality flavor into a simple, approachable recipe anyone can make — even beginner bakers.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Cupcakes
These aren’t just any cupcakes. They’re:
- Tender and fluffy
- Packed with warm cinnamon spice
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for Easter and holidays
- Easy enough for beginners
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
If you’ve searched for:
- The best carrot cake cupcakes
- Homemade carrot cake cupcakes
- Easy carrot cupcake recipe
- Moist carrot cake cupcakes
- Carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
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You’re in the right place.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Carrot Cupcakes
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Freshly shredded carrots
- Chopped pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Carrot Cake Cupcakes Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Add Carrots
Fold in freshly shredded carrots. This is what makes the cupcakes moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Slowly add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Divide into cupcake liners (about 2/3 full).
Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Easy Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in freshly shredded carrots and pecans if using.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide batter into cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and salt. Frost cooled cupcakes and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Cream Cheese Frosting for Carrot Cupcakes
This frosting is rich, smooth, and slightly tangy — the perfect match for spiced carrot cake.
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in vanilla and salt.
- Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.
For a bakery look, use a large star tip.
Expert Tips for Tender and Fluffy Cupcakes
- Use freshly shredded carrots (not pre-shredded).
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use room temperature eggs.
- Measure flour correctly (spoon and level).
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Easy Variations and Add-Ins
Want to switch it up?
- Add crushed pineapple for extra moisture.
- Stir in raisins.
- Swap pecans for walnuts.
- Add orange zest for brightness.
- Make mini carrot cupcakes for parties.
- Try maple frosting instead of classic cream cheese.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 3 months.
- Frosting can be made 2 days in advance.
Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Is Carrot Cake Cupcakes Healthy? Calories and Nutrition Facts
Carrot cake cupcakes can absolutely fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Calories in Carrot Cake Cupcakes
A standard cupcake with cream cheese frosting contains moderate calories due to oil and frosting. Portion control helps keep it a reasonable dessert option.
Protein Content
Eggs and cream cheese provide some protein, making these more satisfying than many basic cupcakes.
Are They Weight Loss Friendly?
While not a “low-calorie” dessert, carrot cake cupcakes can fit into a healthy meal plan when balanced with nutrient-dense foods throughout the day.
Carrots add fiber and natural sweetness, but this remains a dessert treat.
For general baking and food safety guidance, refer to the USDA baking recommendations: https://www.fsis.usda.gov
FAQs About Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Why are my carrot cake cupcakes dense?
Overmixing or too much flour can cause dense texture. Measure carefully.
Can I make carrot cake cupcakes without nuts?
Yes! Simply omit pecans or walnuts.
Do carrot cake cupcakes need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake a day ahead and frost before serving.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil creates a more moist carrot cake cupcake. Butter may slightly change texture.
Final Thoughts
These easy carrot cake cupcakes are everything you want in a homemade dessert — moist, tender, warmly spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re searching for the best carrot cake cupcakes, a homemade carrot cake cupcakes recipe, or simply an easy carrot cupcake recipe that turns out perfectly every time, this one delivers.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our other classic cupcake and comfort dessert recipes and subscribe to our newsletter for more family-friendly baking ideas.
Happy baking!