Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Add-ins
- 1 cup freshly grated carrots
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins
Frosting
- Cream cheese frosting (classic), or dairy-free alternative for vegan option
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat together eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cakes tender.
- Add Carrots and Extras: Fold in the freshly grated carrots and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the mini cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting generously with cream cheese frosting or your preferred topping.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Stir batter gently to avoid tough, dry cakes and maintain a soft texture.
- Bring eggs and oil to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Start checking doneness at 15 minutes to prevent overbaking, as mini cakes bake quickly.
- Customize frosting with lemon zest or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Easter, Mini Carrot Cake, Bite-sized dessert, Festive cakes, Gluten-free carrot cake, Holiday baking