Moist Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Moist Carrot Cake Muffins are packed with warm spices and freshly grated carrots, making them the perfect breakfast or snack. Topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting, these muffins offer a delightful treat with a soft, tender crumb. Enjoy them for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 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 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Carrots and Walnuts: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Frosting: While the muffins are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
10. Frost the Muffins: Once the muffins have cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each muffin.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 18-22 minutes

Total Time:

• 35-40 minutes

Servings:

• 12 muffins

Tips and Variations:

• Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add raisins or coconut to the batter.
• Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Frosting Options: If you’d prefer a lighter frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar, or skip the frosting altogether for a less sweet option.

Conclusion:

These Moist Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect blend of spiced carrot cake and indulgent frosting. The muffins are tender and flavorful, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy sweetness that takes them to the next level. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!

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