Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a recipe that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent, you’ve come to the right place.
These Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Drizzle are the stuff of breakfast dreams (or dessert dreams—no judgment here!).
They’re moist, spiced just right, and topped with a creamy drizzle that’ll make you weak in the knees.
Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, even on a busy morning.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
1. Prep Your Ingredients Start by preheating your oven and lining your muffin tin. Grate your carrots (don’t skip this step—it’s what makes these muffins so moist and delicious!) and gather your dry and wet ingredients.
2. Mix the Batter In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients, then fold them into the dry mixture. Gently stir in the grated carrots until everything is just combined. Overmixing is the enemy of fluffy muffins, so take it easy!
3. Bake to Perfection Scoop the batter into your muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ of the way. Pop them in the oven and let the magic happen. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and your kitchen smells like a cozy fall day.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle While the muffins cool, whip up the drizzle. It’s as simple as mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the muffins once they’ve cooled slightly.
5. Serve and Enjoy! Grab a muffin, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and savor every bite. These are best enjoyed fresh, but trust me, they won’t last long!
Pro Tips
Grate your carrots finely for the best texture. No one wants a chunky muffin!
Don’t overmix the batter—lumpy is totally okay. Overmixing leads to dense muffins.
Let the muffins cool before adding the drizzle, or it’ll melt right off. Patience is key!
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the drizzle for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the drizzle before serving.
These Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Drizzle are the perfect combination of cozy spices, sweet carrots, and a creamy topping. They’re easy to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
2cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2tsp baking powder
1/2tsp baking soda
1tsp ground cinnamon
1/2tsp ground nutmeg
1/2tsp salt
1/2cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4cup brown sugar
2large eggs
1tsp vanilla extract
1/2cup buttermilk
2cups finely grated carrots
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
4oz cream cheese, softened
1cup powdered sugar
3tbsp milk
1/2tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3
In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots.
5
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
6
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
For the drizzle, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled muffins.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories220kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat9g14%
Total Carbohydrate32g11%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars19g
Protein3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Note Section
No buttermilk? Use ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
Make it gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add-ins: Feel free to toss in raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.