Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese

Name: Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup grated carrots; 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely adore these Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese frosting! They combine the warmth of freshly grated carrots with the rich, creamy tang of cream cheese. Each bite is a delightful experience that brings together aromatic spices and sweet flavors, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. We've perfected this recipe to ensure that the muffins are moist yet light, striking a balance that keeps you coming back for more. Bake up a batch of these muffins, and share them with friends and family—they’re always a hit!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:18:28.774Z

When I first tried making carrot cake muffins, I was amazed at how well the flavors came together. The combination of fresh carrots, spices, and cream cheese creates a delightful treat that’s moist and flavorful. My secret is to use crushed pineapple along with the carrots, which adds a wonderful sweetness and keeps the muffins incredibly moist. I also like to sprinkle a few walnuts on top for an extra crunch!

The first bite of these muffins will remind you of classic carrot cake but in a perfectly portable form. I love serving them warm from the oven with a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top for that extra special touch. It’s such a treat and the perfect way to celebrate any occasion or simply enjoy a cozy afternoon at home.

Why You'll Love These Muffins
A delightful blend of spices and fresh carrots
Creamy cream cheese frosting that complements each bite
Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day

Understanding Ingredients

The key to achieving a perfectly moist carrot cake muffin lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The combination of granulated and brown sugars plays an important role in flavor and moisture. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds depth and a hint of chewy texture. Complementing this, the crushed pineapple not only enhances the sweetness but keeps the muffins tender. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture that could make your muffins soggy.

Grated carrots are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color. It’s essential to use freshly grated carrots as they retain more moisture than pre-packaged options, ensuring a fluffy texture. For a twist, consider replacing some of the carrots with grated zucchini, which will maintain moisture and add a slightly different flavor profile. Just remember to squeeze out excess water from the zucchini if you choose this substitution.

Technique Tips for Perfect Muffins

When mixing the batter, be cautious not to overmix. Stirring until just combined is key to achieving a tender crumb. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, resulting in dense muffins rather than the light, airy texture we desire. As a rule of thumb, you should see a few streaks of flour remaining when you fold in the carrots and pineapple—this is perfectly fine and will ultimately lead to a better final product.

Monitoring your baking time using a toothpick is essential. The muffins should be golden brown around the edges and spring back lightly when touched. If the toothpick comes out with moist batter rather than crumbs, they need a couple more minutes in the oven. Additionally, if you plan to bake multiple batches, be sure to allow the oven to return to temperature before loading the next tray to avoid uneven baking.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your muffins vibrant and delicious!

For the Muffins

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly baked muffins filled with flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with cooking spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts.

Bake the Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the muffins cool, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Frost the Muffins

Once the muffins are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top.

Enjoy your freshly baked muffins with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of yogurt to the batter. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your preference.

Frosting Variations

While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for carrot cake muffins, consider adding flavor variations for a unique twist. Mixing in a teaspoon of orange zest can brighten the frosting and enhance the fruity notes in the muffins. Alternatively, a dash of cinnamon or a touch of maple syrup can create a more autumnal flavor profile, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.

If you prefer a lighter alternative to traditional frosting, consider using whipped mascarpone cheese or a light cream cheese blend. This option still provides the rich, tangy taste but with a fluffier texture. Additionally, you could top the muffins with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or toasted coconut for extra crunch and flavor contrast.

Storing and Freezing

To keep these muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Allow the muffins to cool completely, then individually wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a comforting treat.

When preparing for a gathering, you can bake these muffins in advance and frost them the day before. Just make sure to store the unfrosted muffins in a cool, dry place. Frost them when you're ready to serve for the best texture and flavor. This flexibility makes them convenient for meal prep or spontaneous get-togethers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze leftover muffins?

Yes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What can I substitute for the crushed pineapple?

You can use applesauce or mashed banana for a different flavor and texture.

→ How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done!