Perfect Ina Garten Carrot Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet & Fluffy Treats

Carrot cupcakes bring warmth and comfort to any gathering, transforming ordinary moments into delightful celebrations.

These sweet, spiced treasures pack incredible flavor into every delicate bite.

Moist and tender, they capture the essence of home-style baking with remarkable simplicity.

Warm ground cinnamon weaves through the batter, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finishing touch that elevates these treats from good to extraordinary.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable dessert with confidence and joy.

The magic lies in combining simple ingredients with love and care: come make something special!

Tips for Moist Texture and Perfect Frosting

• Prep Like a Pro: Grate carrots using the smallest holes on your box grater for ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth cupcake texture.
• Raisin Revival: Warm water bath transforms dry raisins into plump, juicy gems that distribute evenly throughout the batter.
• Nutty Roasting Secret: Lightly toasting walnuts in a dry skillet unleashes their rich, deep flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Cooling Wisdom: Patience is key – let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack to prevent frosting from sliding off.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Hack: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free spreading that looks bakery-perfect.

Keeping Them Fresh (If They Last That Long)

• Airtight Container Method: Wrap individual cupcakes in plastic wrap before placing them in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Protect frosted cupcakes by creating a gentle dome with plastic wrap that doesn't touch the cream cheese topping.
• Freezing Method: Layer cupcakes between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking when freezing. Remove cream cheese frosting before freezing for best texture preservation. Thaw frozen cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 hours, allowing them to gradually return to their original soft and moist condition.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a cool, dry spot for up to 2 days. Use a cake dome or loosely tented aluminum foil to protect them from dust and maintain their delicate crumb structure.

Flavor Spins You’ll Want to Repeat

• Tropical Paradise Carrot Cupcakes: Enhance the recipe by adding crushed pineapple and shredded coconut to the batter. Replace walnuts with macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Carrot Cupcakes: Fold in mini chocolate chips alongside the grated carrots for a decadent chocolate twist. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese frosting for added crunch.
• Spiced Autumn Carrot Cupcakes: Incorporate ground nutmeg and ginger into the dry ingredients. Top the cupcakes with a maple cream cheese frosting and garnish with candied pecans for a warm, seasonal feel.
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cupcakes: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar to create a healthier version that maintains the original recipe's moist texture.

Cupcake Bliss, One Bite at a Time

Ina Garten’s carrot cupcakes showcase classic American baking mastery, blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Warm spices dance through moist cake layers, creating sensory memories of comfort and indulgence.

Walnuts and raisins provide delightful texture contrasts within each delicate bite.

Cream cheese frosting crowns these miniature delicacies with luxurious smoothness and tangy elegance.

Bakers seeking culinary joy will discover pure delight in these cupcake dishs.

Share this recipe, spark conversations, inspire kitchen adventures, and spread deliciousness with passionate baker friends across social networks.

Why These Carrot Cupcakes Taste Like Pure Joy

• Savor Wholesome Sweetness: These carrot cupcakes deliver a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence, packing grated carrots into every delightful bite while feeling like a treat.
• Enjoy Effortless Baking: The recipe follows a simple mixing method that makes creating delicious cupcakes accessible for bakers of all skill levels, requiring just basic mixing techniques and standard kitchen equipment.
• Experience Textural Delight: Loaded with crunchy walnuts and chewy raisins, these cupcakes offer a wonderfully complex texture that keeps every mouthful interesting and satisfying, complemented by smooth cream cheese frosting.
• Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert moments, these cupcakes bring a classic comfort food appeal that appeals to both kids and adults with their familiar, warm spices and creamy topping.

Ingredients for Spiced, Sweet Goodness

Main Ingredients:

• Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances overall sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cupcakes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cupcakes.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice characteristic of carrot cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Carrots: Fresh and finely grated, provide moisture and natural sweetness.
• Walnuts: Add crunch and nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
• Raisins: Contribute chewy texture and additional natural sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.

Bake Up Carrot Cupcakes That Wow

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.

Step 2: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Gradually add eggs, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Salt
• All-purpose flour

Slowly incorporate half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed.

Step 4: Fold in Mix-ins

• Chopped walnuts
• Raisins
• Freshly grated carrots

Gently fold the mix-ins into the batter, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Prepare Muffin Pans

Line muffin tins with paper cupcake liners. Carefully scoop batter into 22 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

First, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once cupcakes are completely cool, generously spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake. Serve and enjoy the delicious treat!

Ina Garten Carrot Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s carrot cupcakes deliver pure comfort with their moist crumb and luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with warm spices and chopped walnuts, these cupcakes offer a delightful balance of sweetness that will make you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups grated carrots (less than 1 pound / 1.36 kilograms)
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (480 milliliters)
• 1 cup raisins (240 milliliters)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (240 milliliters)

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar (480 milliliters)
• 1 ⅓ cups vegetable oil (320 milliliters)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• ¾ pound cream cheese, at room temperature (340 grams)
• ½ pound unsalted butter, at room temperature (227 grams)
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar (454 grams)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and prepare muffin pans with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment to blend granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until smoothly combined.
3. Gradually incorporate eggs into the sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until the batter becomes uniform and slightly fluffy.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour to create the dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using low-speed mixing, ensuring no flour pockets remain.
6. Gently fold grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins into the batter, stirring until evenly distributed.
7. Carefully fill each muffin cup approximately 3/4 full with the prepared batter.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) after initial 10-minute baking, then continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes.
9. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should emerge clean and dry.
10. Allow muffins to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before frosting.
11. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
12. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the frosting mixture, mixing until well combined and silky.
13. Once muffins are completely cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting over the top of each cupcake.

Notes

• Elevate texture by grating carrots super fine, ensuring a silky-smooth cupcake bite.
• Transform raisins from dry to juicy by soaking them in warm water, adding bursts of sweetness.
• Unlock deeper nutty flavors by gently toasting walnuts before chopping and folding into batter.
• Patience pays off when letting cupcakes cool completely, creating the perfect frosting canvas.
• Chill frosted cupcakes briefly to set the cream cheese topping and intensify flavor melding.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 548 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg