Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese

Name: Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups grated carrots; 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes

I absolutely adore these Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese. The combination of warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting creates an irresistible treat! Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these muffins have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures that I can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for gatherings or just as a delightful everyday indulgence.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:42:29.781Z

When I first made these Carrot Cake Muffins, I was amazed by how the aroma of warm cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen. I experimented with adding crushed pineapple for moisture and a hint of sweetness, and I found it made a significant difference. Not only does it add flavor, but it also keeps the muffins perfectly tender.

The cream cheese frosting is incredibly simple yet elevates these muffins to an entirely new level. I learned that chilling the cream cheese before mixing helps achieve that perfect spreadable consistency. It's a small tip that makes a big impact!

        Why You Will Love These Muffins
        Incredible moistness from freshly grated carrots and pineapple
An aromatic blend of spices that warms the soul
Rich and creamy cream cheese frosting that can't be resisted

      

Perfecting the Muffin Texture

Achieving the desired moistness in your Carrot Cake Muffins is essential for the perfect bite. The combination of freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple not only adds natural sweetness but also contributes moisture. The key is using freshly grated carrots; pre-packaged shredded carrots may lead to a drier texture. When mixing, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to tougher muffins. Stir until just combined for that soft and fluffy texture.

Baking times can vary based on your particular oven, so keep an eye on your muffins. You want to pull them out when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which typically takes between 18 to 20 minutes. Look for a light golden color on top and a slight spring back when touched. If they are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil halfway through the baking time.

Cream Cheese Frosting Tips

The cream cheese frosting is what truly elevates these muffins. Ensure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are at room temperature for easy blending. This should be about 30 minutes out of the refrigerator; this will help create a smoother, more luxurious frosting. Mix them together until they’re fluffy and well incorporated before gradually adding the powdered sugar. This approach will avoid a clumpy texture and allow for a glossy, spreadable consistency.

For added flavor, consider incorporating a hint of lemon or orange zest into the frosting. This citrus addition not only complements the spices in the muffins but also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. If you find the frosting too thick, a little splash of milk can help achieve your desired spreadability without compromising flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

These muffins freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Once they have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave until warm.

If you're looking for a quick breakfast or snack, these muffins can also be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for about a week. Just remember to frost them shortly before serving to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and delicious.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Muffins

Muffin Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to grate the carrots finely for the best texture!

Instructions

Instructions for Carrot Cake Muffins

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add Carrots and Pineapple

Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture.

Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix!

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, mix the cream cheese frosting ingredients and spread over each muffin.

Enjoy these muffins fresh or store them in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with applesauce or honey to reduce the overall sugar content while still maintaining moisture. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients without sacrificing taste.

For those who have dietary restrictions, vegan alternatives can be explored. You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Be sure to use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to keep it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

These Carrot Cake Muffins are perfect on their own but can also be served with a side of fresh fruit or a yogurt dip for a balanced breakfast or snack. They are ideal for brunch events and can be paired with coffee, tea, or even a refreshing fruit juice, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Consider garnishing the frosted muffins with chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch. This not only adds texture but also enhances the muffin's visual appeal. A light dusting of cinnamon can also serve as a beautiful finishing touch, adding an aromatic layer that invites guests to indulge.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the oil for applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ How can I make these muffins healthier?

You can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, and add more fruits or nuts to boost the nutrient content.