Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely grated fresh carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Finely grate the carrots for even moisture. Chop nuts and drain pineapple if using.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs with brown and white sugars until smooth. Add vanilla extract and vegetable oil, whisking until the mixture is well combined and slightly pale.
- Bring Wet and Dry Together: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a spatula to keep batter light. Avoid overmixing. Then gently fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if using.
- Fill the Mini Muffin Tin: Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising and even baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely in the tin before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until light and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cakes are completely cool, pipe or spread cream cheese frosting on top. Garnish with chopped nuts, carrot decorations, or pastel sprinkles for festive appeal.
Notes
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even moisture and tender cakes.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cakes caused by gluten activation.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- Start checking doneness at 15 minutes since oven temperatures vary.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
- Use a piping bag for neat frosting application and professional look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: mini carrot cakes, easter carrot cakes, bite-sized carrot cakes, cream cheese frosting, festive Easter dessert, moist carrot cake, spiced carrot cake, kid-friendly treats