So you want cake, but you also want cupcakes, and you also want frosting that makes people close their eyes when they take a bite? Same. That is exactly why Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting exist. These cupcakes are soft, warm, and full of cozy spice. They smell like happiness while they bake. The frosting is rich, nutty, and smooth. It is the kind of frosting that makes you “accidentally” lick the spoon twice.
This recipe is simple. No stress. No fancy tools. Just easy steps and big flavor. I bake these when I need something sweet but don’t want a huge baking project. They look fancy, but they are actually very easy to make. If you love comfort desserts that feel homemade and special, Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting will steal your heart.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
Let’s talk about why these cupcakes are such a big deal.
First, they are soft and moist. No dry crumbs here.
Second, the frosting is next-level. Brown butter changes everything.
Third, they are easy. No complicated steps.
These Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting work for birthdays, holidays, and random Tuesday cravings. They look fancy but take very little effort. Even beginner bakers can make these without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple stuff. Big reward.
-
All-purpose flour – basic and reliable
-
Sugar – white or light brown
-
Eggs – room temperature is best
-
Vegetable oil – keeps cupcakes moist
-
Grated carrots – the star of the show
-
Baking soda – helps them rise
-
Cinnamon – cozy spice
-
Nutmeg – small but powerful
-
Salt – balances sweetness
-
Vanilla extract – always a good idea
-
Butter – for browning
-
Cream cheese – full fat only
-
Powdered sugar – smooth frosting
That’s it. Nothing fancy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Add dry mix into wet mix. Stir gently. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Add Carrots
Fold grated carrots into the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Fill liners ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 7: Brown the Butter
Melt butter in a pan. Cook until golden and nutty. Let it cool.
Step 8: Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese, brown butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Frost
Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not cooling cupcakes before frosting
-
Overmixing batter
-
Burning the brown butter
-
Skipping spices
These mistakes hurt your cupcakes. Don’t let them win.
Alternatives & Substitutions
You can add crushed pineapple for extra moisture.
You can add walnuts if you like crunch.
You can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
IMO, nuts make them feel fancy.
Helpful Tips
-
Use fresh carrots for best texture
-
Let brown butter cool before frosting
-
Do not overfill liners
Small things. Big results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
-
Grate carrots fine for soft cupcakes
-
Use full-fat cream cheese
-
Chill frosting for easy spreading
These help every time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
-
Hot coffee
-
Cold milk
-
Vanilla ice cream
Perfect for any time of day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cupcakes in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Let them sit at room temp before serving.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Muffin pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups grated carrots
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Mix wet ingredients.
- Combine gently.
- Fold in carrots.
- Bake 18–20 minutes.
- Brown butter.
- Mix frosting.
- Frost cupcakes.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Approx)
Calories: 340Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 33g
FAQ on Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They store well.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze without frosting.
Do I have to brown the butter?
You should. It makes the frosting amazing.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Fresh is better.
Are these very sweet?
They are balanced and rich.
Can kids help make these?
Yes. They are easy and fun.
Final Thoughts on Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
These Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are cozy, soft, and full of flavor. They look fancy but are very easy to make. Perfect for parties or quiet nights at home.
Now go bake something wonderful. You earned it.