Delicious 1-Bowl Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot cake cupcakes are a favorite in our house! They are delicious with or without homemade cream cheese frosting.

Although not necessarily considered a healthy food, carrot cake cupcakes do contain more vitamins and minerals than a typical dessert. Plus, simple ingredient choices like the type of flour, oil, and sugar used makes a difference.

How do you make the tastiest homemade carrot cake cupcakes?

To make the most delicious carrot cake cupcakes, use fresh, quality ingredients. Think healthy oils and maple syrup. Plus, you’ll want to grate your own carrots. Avoid using store-bought pre-shredded carrots. These don’t contain the moisture of freshly grated carrots, thus resulting in a much drier cupcake.

And if you want to add frosting, make your own perfectly balanced cream-cheese frosting at home. There’s a reason why carrot cake is synonymous with cream cheese frosting. However, you can certainly enjoy these cupcakes with or without frosted tops. My kids and I can attest, either way is super tasty!

Once you’re done, there’s no denying that these cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and easy to make.

Are Carrot Cake Cupcakes Healthy?

Although not considered a healthy food, carrot cake does contain more nutrients than average desserts. Plus, homemade carrot cake gives you control of the ingredients. Focus on high-quality, local, real, whole-food ingredients.

Simple swaps like using healthy oils such as olive or avocado and maple syrup in place of brown and white sugar make a difference in nutrient content.

Carrot Cake Cupcake Main Ingredients

The ingredients for carrot cake cupcakes are broken into three categories: dry, wet, and fold-ins. However, you can add all of the ingredients into one bowl. No need to separate and then combine. This 1-bowl recipe makes baking and clean-up a breeze.

DRY INGREDIENTS

• All-Purpose Flour: You’ll use 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.

• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add just the right amount of spice.

• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Both help these cupcakes rise.

• Fine Sea Salt: A little salt amplifies the flavors.

WET INGREDIENTS

• Healthy Oil: You can use either olive oil or avocado oil.

• Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup (not high fructose corn syrup).

• Eggs: You’ll need two eggs. You can also use two flax eggs.

• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.

FOLD-INS

• Carrots: Finely grate 3-4 medium carrots. You’ll need one and a half cups.

• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts give these cupcakes texture and cut through the sweetness.

How To Make 1-Bowl Carrot Cake Cupcakes?

I love when I can make an entire recipe in one bowl. It saves on time and makes cleanup a breeze. These carrot cake cupcakes are no exception. Follow these four easy steps to make the best carrot cake cupcakes.

STEP ONE: ADD DRY INGREDIENTS

In a medium mixing bowl, add all of the dry ingredients and use either a fork to combine.

STEP TWO: ADD WET INGREDIENTS

In the same bowl, add all of the wet ingredients. Combine well using a spatula.

STEP THREE: FOLD-IN CARROTS AND WALNUTS

Lastly, you’ll want to gently fold in the carrots and walnuts until evenly combined.

STEP FOUR: BAKE AND ENJOY!

Coat a muffin pan with cooking spray or use cupcake liners. Evenly divide the batter, filling up the cups 2/3-3/4 of the way full. Bake in a 350℉ oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

Carrot Cake And Cream Cheese Frosting

If you want to add frosting, homemade cream cheese frosting is the way to go. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a perfectly balanced sweet topping.

FROSTING INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted Butter: Use 1/4 cup room temperature butter.
• Cream Cheese: You’ll need 2 ounces or 1/4 cup.
• Vanilla Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon for extra flavor.
• Milk: Add 2 teaspoons of almond, oat or cow milk.
• Powdered Sugar: Use 1/2 cup.

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a hand mixer on medium to high speed, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
2. Mix in the vanilla and milk until combined.
3. Finally, add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.

Check Out These Other Dessert Recipes

Looking for more dessert recipes? Try some of these others as well.

• Pumpkin Cookies (Soft & Delicious!)
• Deliciously Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
• Triple Chocolatey Chia Pudding (Healthy Dessert)
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Quinoa Cupcakes (3 Variations)