These Carrot Cake Muffins bring all the flavors of classic carrot cake into a tender, moist muffin form.
Made with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert – and they’re incredibly easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
Moist and Flavorful – Thanks to carrots and oil
Warmly Spiced – With cinnamon and nutmeg
No Mixer Needed – Simple one-bowl recipe
Healthier Than Cake – Perfect for any time of day
Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or pineapple
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Grated Carrots – Freshly shredded for the best moisture and texture
All-Purpose Flour – A reliable base for tender muffins
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture
Eggs – Provide structure and richness
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the muffins soft
Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic carrot cake spices
Salt – Help the muffins rise
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and aroma
Pro Tips Before You Start
Grate Carrots Fresh – Avoid pre-shredded ones for best texture
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep muffins light
Use a Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized muffins
Check Early – Start checking doneness at 20 minutes
Cool Before Storing – To avoid soggy bottoms
How to Make Carrot Cake Muffins
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl.
Stir until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Carrots
Gently fold in the freshly grated carrots (and any optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins).
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve It With
A cup of hot coffee or chai
Cream cheese glaze or frosting
A side of Greek yogurt
Fresh berries or fruit salad
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Variations / Substitutions
Add Pineapple – For extra moisture and sweetness
Use Applesauce – Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce
Make it Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Add Raisins or Chopped Nuts – For texture and flavor
Top with Cream Cheese Frosting – For a cupcake twist
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
Fridge: Extend freshness up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temp or microwave gently
FAQs
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes – they store well and freeze beautifully.
Can I add frosting?
Absolutely – cream cheese frosting is a great option.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes – reduce baking time to 12–14 minutes.
How do I know they’re done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes – use flax eggs and a neutral oil or plant-based butter.
Final Thoughts
These Carrot Cake Muffins are everything you love about carrot cake – moist, spiced, and sweet – but in a convenient, everyday form.
They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for spring mornings or cozy fall snacks.
Carrot Cake Muffins
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with liners.
- Whisk eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots.
- Divide batter among muffin cups.
- Bake 22–25 mins. Cool and enjoy.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/carrot-cake-muffins/
Notes
- For extra texture, feel free to fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins.
- Grate the carrots fresh—pre-shredded carrots are too dry.
- These muffins taste even better the next day!
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.