Rating: 3.60
(105)

Carrot Cake Muffins

April 16, 2025

Carrot cake muffins are a wonderful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering all the delicious flavors in a portable, easy-to-eat form. These muffins are soft, moist, and spiced to perfection, with just the right amount of sweetness. Packed with grated carrots, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, they make for a satisfying breakfast, snack, or dessert. For an extra indulgent touch, top them with cream cheese frosting or enjoy them as they are for a lighter treat.

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This will help ensure your Carrot cake muffins come out easily and have that perfect muffin shape.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. These spices will give your muffins that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the carrots.

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. The sugars provide moisture and sweetness, while the oil keeps the muffins tender. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to bring a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor. Once combined, fold in the grated carrots. Grating the carrots finely ensures they incorporate well into the batter and keep the muffins moist.

Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. If desired, stir in a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or even some raisins or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This will allow the muffins to rise beautifully while baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as the muffins should stay moist and tender inside.

Once the muffins are done, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re cooling, you can prepare a simple cream cheese frosting to top them. To make the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Once the muffins have cooled, pipe or spread the frosting onto the tops of each muffin for an extra decadent touch.

Carrot cake muffins are perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert. They combine the best of carrot cake in a convenient, bite-sized form, and their moist texture and flavorful spices will leave you craving more.

Carrot cake muffins
Carrot Cake Muffins
3.60 from 105 votes
Deliciously moist and perfectly spiced, these carrot cake cupcakes are a delightful treat topped with a creamy frosting.
Servings 12 people
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar can use brown sugar for deeper flavor
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil can substitute with melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups grated carrots freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners.
  • In a large bowl, beat the sugar and oil together, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts, if using.
  • Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 3165IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baking, carrot cake, desserts
Cooking Method: Baked
Diet: Nut-free
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar scotty.hackett says:

    2 stars
    They didn’t rise much and were pretty flat. I’m not sure what went wrong. 😕

  2. User avatar colton.kilback2005 says:

    4 stars
    Had to substitute the walnuts with pecans. Still turned out great!

  3. User avatar isiah.fay says:

    2 stars
    they came out weird. like too spongy or sth. not the texture I expected. 🙁

  4. User avatar lianne.hayes62 says:

    1 star
    Horrible! They burned on the bottom. Not everyone has a fancy oven, you know!

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get your frustration! Not everyone has the same oven, and it can be tough to bake evenly without one. Did you use the middle rack? That can help!

    2. User avatar Werewolf says:

      3 stars
      Ugh, that sucks! Maybe next time try lowering the temp a bit? I mean, ovens can be tricky sometimes. Hope you try again!

  5. 5 stars
    5 stars! My kids loved these. They can’t even taste the veggies! Sneaky way to get them to eat healthy.

  6. 3 stars
    I don’t see how these can be healthy?? Carrots or not, it’s a muffin!

  7. User avatar jonah.borer says:

    4 stars
    Cool recipe! I added raisins too, yum!

    1. User avatar Maku Tree says:

      4 stars
      Raisins in carrot cake muffins? Sounds interesting! I might try that next time. 🍰

  8. User avatar monte.kulas2002 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are delish! They remind me of my grandma’s cooking. Will make again!

  9. User avatar marcus.bogan60 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I think it needed more sugar. Also, I forgot the salt, oops!

    1. User avatar Marathon Man says:

      2 stars
      More sugar? Nah, that sounds like way too much! It’s a carrot cake muffin, not a candy!

    2. User avatar shelton.hoppe1976 says:

      3 stars
      I don’t think sugar is the problem here! Maybe you just like it sweeter? Don’t forget the salt next time!

  10. User avatar carolin.shields says:

    2 stars
    The instructions were confusing. How do you get the carrots so fine? 🤔

  11. 4 stars
    Good recipe, but I forgot to set a timer and they burnt. Oops! Next time! 😅

  12. User avatar marcos.mcglynn27 says:

    4 stars
    Carrot cake isn’t my fave but these muffins are pretty good. Good recipe

  13. User avatar rosaria.schneider2000 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making these, but my batter was too thick? Did I miss something? Still turned out okay, but not what I expected.

    1. User avatar tequila.moen98 says:

      5 stars
      Thick batter? Hmm, maybe try adding a bit of milk next time! Also, did you sift your flour? That can change things!😊

    2. 4 stars
      If the batter was too thick, maybe you added too much flour? It happens! Just make sure to measure properly next time. Glad they turned out okay!

  14. User avatar lottie.green says:

    1 star
    I used too much oil. A disaster!

    1. User avatar carlie.gibson61 says:

      3 stars
      Too much oil? That’s why my muffins never rise! Is it really a disaster or just a little greasy? 🤔

    2. User avatar ava.goodwin says:

      4 stars
      Oh no! I’ve done that before too. Maybe try a bit less next time? The muffins can still turn out good though!

  15. User avatar savannah.cole22 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are the best! So fluffy and moist, my kids loved them!

  16. User avatar nellie.marquardt74 says:

    4 stars
    Idk why people love carrot cake, but these muffins were surprisingly great!

  17. User avatar adan.koelpin8 says:

    5 stars
    Best carrot muffins! They taste like my grandma’s, thank you!

    1. User avatar adrianna.cormier says:

      5 stars
      So happy to hear you loved them! Nothing beats grandma’s recipes!

  18. User avatar kiersten.kuhic65 says:

    4 stars
    I hate carrots. My kids loved these though! Sneaky veggies!

    1. User avatar clement.ruecker1953 says:

      5 stars
      That’s great that your kids enjoyed them! Carrots can be sneaky for sure. I’ve heard of people hiding all kinds of veggies in sweets. 👏

  19. User avatar nerissa.christiansen says:

    1 star
    Why would you add walnuts? They ruin the texture! Just stick with the muffins as is.

  20. User avatar darren.rau says:

    3 stars
    My friend made these and they were okay but could’ve used more spices.

  21. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    3 stars
    I don’t understand why you put so much sugar, aren’t carrots sweet enough? Next time I’ll cut the sugar.

  22. User avatar noble.feest98 says:

    2 stars
    Why do you need to sift flour? Never sifted flour in my life and it turned out fine! I think that’s just fancy talk.

  23. User avatar damion.wilderman97 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are fantastic! So moist and flavorful. I used brown sugar and they came out perfect!

    1. User avatar marceline.labadie76 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! Brown sugar gives them a special touch. Can’t wait to try it myself!

  24. User avatar belia.cole1964 says:

    2 stars
    Can someone tell me how to make these without eggs? I’m allergic and really want to try this!

  25. User avatar rudolf.beier1975 says:

    3 stars
    Good overall, but missing something… Needed more spice or frosting, I guess. Just average.

  26. 3 stars
    I don’t get the hype. They were okay but kinda bland. Might try adding some vanilla next time.

  27. User avatar Shadout Mapes says:

    4 stars
    Can I use almond flour instead? Trying to eat healthier.

    1. User avatar jaime.boehm80 says:

      2 stars
      Almond flour?? That’s not gonna be the same! Sticking to the recipe is better! You might regret it!

    2. User avatar Myahm Agana says:

      4 stars
      I think almond flour would work, but it might change the texture a bit. Just be careful with the moisture!

  28. User avatar Blitzcrank says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know…I made them and they came out kinda dry. Maybe I did something wrong?

  29. User avatar mitchell.frami24 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! My kids loved them!

  30. 2 stars
    Too much work for a muffin. Just buy from a store.

  31. User avatar easter.graham56 says:

    5 stars
    Really tasty but I forgot the walnuts. Still turned out great!

  32. User avatar deborah.herzog19 says:

    2 stars
    I thought these would be way too sweet. Didn’t enjoy them at all.

    1. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

      4 stars
      I totally disagree! I thought they were just right! Maybe you added too much sugar? 🤔

  33. 2 stars
    Okay recipe, but I won’t make it again. Sorry, not my style.

  34. User avatar buck.dickinson says:

    3 stars
    I thought the recipe was a bit complicated. Left out the nuts because I didn’t have any.

  35. User avatar tiesha.greenfelder says:

    4 stars
    Carrots in a muffin? Sounds weird, but I gave it a try. Not bad at all!

  36. 2 stars
    Not sure why everyone loves this! The flavor was okay but kinda bland.

  37. User avatar renae.ondricka19 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! Added some raisins too and it was a hit with the kids. Will make again!

  38. 3 stars
    Muffin recipe, huh? Sounds like cake but in a muffin shape. Liked it overall.

    1. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

      2 stars
      I dunno… Muffins should be lighter! This seem too dense like cake.

    2. User avatar sung.bernhard says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, muffin shape but could be a cake too. Super yummy! 🧁

  39. User avatar shenika.towne says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and quick recipe! Will make these again for sure. 😍

  40. User avatar morgan.emard74 says:

    5 stars
    YUMMY! Just what I needed for a snack. Made them with my kids and they had a blast.

  41. User avatar Glossu "Beast" Rabban says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe, but it’s too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?

  42. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    2 stars
    Ehh, I don’t get why everyone loves carrot cake. This was ok but too healthy for my taste.

    1. 4 stars
      I get what you’re saying, but I think carrot cake has a unique flavor! Maybe try adding more sugar next time? 🤔

  43. User avatar Arthur Dent says:

    4 stars
    Carrots in muffins? Sounds weird but they are really good. I didn’t add walnuts because I don’t like em, but still tasty!

  44. 4 stars
    Easy recipe, but I think you could make it so much better with some cream cheese frosting on top!

  45. User avatar abe.corkery says:

    4 stars
    Do you think I can use almond flour instead of regular? I saw it online somewhere.

    1. 4 stars
      Yeah, you can use almond flour! Just note that it might change the texture a bit. I’ve done it before and it was yummy!

  46. User avatar elroy.grant says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are AMAZING! So moist and flavorful. I used brown sugar and they turned out perfect!

  47. User avatar rosario.gerhold says:

    5 stars
    Just made these! I used coconut oil instead and they’re divine! Will definitely make again.

  48. User avatar joe_banana says:

    5 stars
    Just a muffin? More like a dessert! Good stuff here.

  49. User avatar alida.goldner51 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Can’t believe how easy these were to make! 😀

  50. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but my kids didn’t like the walnuts. I think I’ll leave them out next time. 🤷‍♂️

  51. 3 stars
    I tried this recipe and it turned out a bit dry. Maybe I overbaked them?

    1. User avatar hisako.towne74 says:

      4 stars
      Overbaked, huh? That can happen easily. Maybe try reducing the baking time a bit next time? It can really make a difference!

  52. User avatar gwyn.emard97 says:

    2 stars
    I tried these muffins but I didn’t like the cinnamon much. Maybe substitute with vanilla instead?

  53. User avatar lionel.huels61 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are amazing! So moist and flavorful. Will definitely make again.

  54. User avatar bryon.moore52 says:

    4 stars
    Is there a way to make them gluten-free? I can’t have regular flour.

  55. User avatar melida.klocko83 says:

    2 stars
    Just not my thing. Too sweet and the carrots seemed weird. Tried to like them but nah.

  56. User avatar christian.monahan91 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are the best! So moist and flavorful. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! These muffins are amazing! I added some raisins too, and it turned out great.

    2. 2 stars
      Best muffins? Really? I’ve tried this recipe and they came out too dry for me. Maybe it was my oven.

  57. User avatar glady.simonis36 says:

    2 stars
    I followed this recipe but they came out too dry. I think I might add more oil next time. Kinda disappointed.

    1. User avatar mathWizard says:

      4 stars
      I totally get your frustration! Humidity can really mess with baked goods. Maybe try reducing the flour a bit next time too. Hope it turns out better!

  58. User avatar mark.kreiger says:

    1 star
    Waste of ingredients. They just didn’t rise at all. Followed the recipe to a T!

    1. User avatar roman.parker44 says:

      4 stars
      That sounds frustrating! Sometimes ovens can be tricky. Did you check the baking soda? It might be old and not working properly.

  59. 4 stars
    I was skeptical at first. Carrots in muffins? But wow, these are delicious! My kids loved them.

  60. User avatar beatrice.walsh says:

    4 stars
    Yum! These are so good! Can you freeze them? How do you think they taste after being frozen?

  61. User avatar steve_maga says:

    3 stars
    Muffins were good, but I think too much sugar. Next time, will use less.

    1. User avatar Glorfindel says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree with you! The sugar can be a bit much. I like the idea of using less next time.

    2. User avatar kelly.bergstrom1989 says:

      2 stars
      You know, sugar is what makes muffins sweet! Maybe you just need to get used to it. 😅

  62. User avatar jewell.leffler76 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have walnuts, so I used pecans. Still turned out great! Thanks for the recipe!

  63. User avatar granville.stracke says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe! I used brown sugar and coconut oil. Definitely adds a punch of flavor.

    1. User avatar dusty.stanton10 says:

      5 stars
      I tried it with brown sugar too! So good! You’re right about the flavor, it’s amazing.

    2. User avatar daphne.rath says:

      2 stars
      Coconut oil? I don’t know, that sounds weird. Can it really taste good?

  64. User avatar kara.crona12 says:

    5 stars
    Super easy to make! I love carrot cake and now I can eat it for breakfast. Thanks for sharing!

  65. User avatar basementDweller says:

    4 stars
    I don’t bake much, but this seemed easy to follow. Might try it for Sunday brunch!

  66. User avatar boyce.cremin says:

    5 stars
    Yummm! I added some raisins too! Super delish! Will make again.

  67. 5 stars
    So yummy! Perfect for breakfast! I added raisins too!

  68. User avatar young.schroeder2010 says:

    5 stars
    I don’t like walnuts, so I left them out, still turned out great! But I added some chocolate chips. 😋

  69. User avatar tony.walker7 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are AMAZING! I used brown sugar and added some raisins too. So moist!

  70. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    Just made these muffins and I feel they are more healthy than regular bread, right? Very yum!

    1. User avatar wally.gutkowski65 says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! Carrots make everything healthier! Enjoy those muffins!

  71. 5 stars
    YUM!

  72. User avatar joaquin.kunde41 says:

    1 star
    Meh… not my thing. The carrots make it weird. Maybe just stick to chocolate muffins.

  73. User avatar zackary.rau39 says:

    5 stars
    These muffins are absolutely delicious! I used brown sugar and they turned out amazing! My kids love them too!

  74. 4 stars
    First time making muffins and I did it! Thanks for the easy recipe!

    1. User avatar Ms. Sheba Labadie says:

      3 stars
      Nice job! But isn’t carrot cake too sweet for muffins? Just wondering…

    2. User avatar kristofer.wolff32 says:

      5 stars
      Congrats on your first muffins! They’re actually easier than they look. Enjoy!

3.60 from 105 votes
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