Classic Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe

It's hard to go wrong with carrot cake, as it's pretty much guaranteed to please anyone who likes moist cake and sweet frosting. Recipe developer Annabelle Randles transforms this classic cake into delicious cupcakes, simply flavored with cinnamon and vanilla and topped with a generous swirl of luscious cream cheese frosting. Full of complementary textures, these cupcakes are packed with grated carrots, chewy raisins, and crunchy walnuts. Both the carrots and raisins add a natural sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the tanginess of the frosting.

Individually portioned, these classic carrot cake cupcakes can be enjoyed for any occasion, whether as a dessert after dinner, a sweet afternoon snack, or even — if you leave off the frosting — as a grab-and-go breakfast treat. If you prefer your carrot cake sans nuts, these cupcakes will still be delicious. In fact, when making a batch for her kids' lunches or birthday parties, Randles always omits the walnuts to make these cupcakes nut-allergy friendly.

To make the batter for these classic carrot cake cupcakes, you will need some self-rising flour, light brown sugar, eggs, carrots, raisins, walnuts, ground cinnamon, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and salt. The frosting is made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. As for special equipment, be sure to have a 12-cup muffin tin and cupcake liners on hand.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Fill a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until no sugar lumps remain.

In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix to combine.

Mix in the carrots, walnuts, and raisins until well combined.

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan.

Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

Beat in 3 cups powdered sugar until thick and well combined. (If you want a thicker frosting, beat in up to ⅓ cup more powdered sugar.)

Place the frosting in the fridge to firm up until ready to use.

When the cupcakes are done, leave them to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes.

Remove the cupcakes from the muffin tin and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spoon on the frosting.

Top with extra walnuts, if desired, and serve.

These classic carrot cake cupcakes can be customized in many different ways. For example, you can swap the walnuts for pecans or simply leave out the nuts if you need an allergy-friendly option. The raisins can be replaced with cranberries, finely chopped dates, or dried apricots. You can also experiment with folding in crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for a tropical twist. And aside from cinnamon, feel free to add a flavor twist with a pinch of another spice, such as ground nutmeg, ginger, cloves, or allspice.

For a change from cream cheese frosting, consider using vanilla buttercream or a citrus-flavored frosting. Keep in mind that consistency is key, especially if you want to pipe the frosting on top of the cupcakes; if the frosting is not firm enough, try adding more powdered sugar and refrigerating it before use.

These cupcakes can also be adapted for dietary needs. To make them vegan, swap the eggs for 2 chia eggs, and use plant-based cream cheese and butter. The all-purpose flour can also be substituted with gluten-free flour to cater to those with gluten sensitivities. Finally, for a bite-size treat better suited to parties or gatherings, you also have the option to make mini carrot cake cupcakes using a mini muffin tin lined with small cupcake liners. Make sure to adjust the baking time, as these will cook much faster.

Yes, you can bake these cupcakes ahead of time. Once baked and cooled (up to Step 13), simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out and to keep excess moisture and outside odors at bay.

For optimal freshness, it is best to frost the cupcakes a short time before you intend to serve them. However, the frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. In fact, chilling the frosting will help it firm up, making it easier to work with.

If you want to store the cupcakes for a longer period, you can freeze them, unfrosted, for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. To improve their texture, remember to let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for at least half an hour before serving.