Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

The Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Light and fluffy, these cupcakes boast incredible moisture and are topped with a rich and creamy brown butter cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want to bring joy to your day, these cupcakes will impress everyone with their flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh carrots creates a warm, inviting flavor that everyone will adore.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the addition of yogurt and freshly grated carrots, these cupcakes stay moist and tender.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cupcakes is a breeze!
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting, they look as good as they taste.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because—they’re sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best carrot cake cupcakes, having the right tools will streamline your baking process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• cupcake pan
• paper liners
• mixing bowls
• whisk
• wooden spoon or rubber spatula
• cheese grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake Pan: Provides the perfect shape for your cupcakes, ensuring even baking.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately for better results.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients together.

Ingredients

The very best carrot cake cupcakes I’ve ever had! Perfectly light and fluffy, incredibly moist and topped with a dreamy swirl of luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (I use canola)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup full fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), room temperature

Key Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) freshly grated carrots, at room temperature (from about 4 medium carrots)
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, browned, strained, and chilled until firm for 45-60 minutes

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• pinch of salt

How to Make Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Brown Butter

Brown the butter first and place it in the fridge to chill while you make the cupcakes. It will be ready when it’s time to whip up the frosting.

Step 3: Grate the Carrots

Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a cheese grater. For best results, use freshly grated carrots rather than store-bought ones. They tend to lack moisture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil and sugars until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until everything is incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, carefully fold in the dry ingredients alternating with Greek yogurt. Begin and end with flour—be cautious not to overmix.

Step 7: Add Carrots

When only a few streaks of flour remain visible in your batter, gently fold in the grated carrots until just combined.

Step 8: Fill Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full using either a cookie scoop or spoon. Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 16-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be slightly domed.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely before adding your delicious brown butter cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake cupcakes with brown butter cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cupcakes shine on any table.

For a Festive Occasion

• Decorate with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Add Edible Flowers: Garnish with colorful edible flowers to elevate the visual appeal and add a touch of elegance.

As a Dessert Platter

• Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside seasonal fruits like strawberries or pineapple for a refreshing contrast.
• Include Coffee or Tea: Offer a selection of coffee or herbal teas to complement the sweetness of the cupcakes.

For Birthdays or Celebrations

• Top with Candles: Add candles for birthdays or special celebrations, making them the centerpiece of your dessert table.
• Create Mini Dessert Boxes: Package individual cupcakes in small boxes for guests to take home as party favors.

At Potlucks and Gatherings

• Serve on Decorative Platters: Present them on beautiful platters to draw attention and share joy with friends.
• Offer Different Frosting Options: Provide additional frosting flavors, such as vanilla or chocolate, for variety.

How to Perfect Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting carrot cake cupcakes is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cupcakes come out soft, moist, and delicious every time.

• Use Freshly Grated Carrots: Freshly grated carrots retain moisture better than pre-packaged ones, resulting in fluffier cupcakes.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding in ingredients helps maintain the light texture. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool fully before adding frosting, preventing it from melting and sliding off.
• Chill Brown Butter Before Use: Chilling brown butter ensures it’s easy to whip into a creamy consistency without becoming too runny.
• Experiment with Flavor Add-ins: Consider adding raisins or crushed pineapple for an extra flavor boost that complements the spices.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving carrot cake cupcakes, side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that pair well with your sweet treats.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw offer a nice contrast to the moistness of the cupcakes.
3. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches provide a satisfying bite-sized option that complements sweet desserts well.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an appealing contrast; soft cheeses work especially well.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These offer an indulgent touch without overpowering the flavors of carrot cake.
6. Spiced Nuts Mix: A bowl of seasoned nuts provides crunch and savory elements that balance out your dessert table.
7. Coffee Cake Bites: Small bites of coffee cake make for an excellent pairing, perfect for those who enjoy contrasting textures and flavors.
8. Savory Scones: Flavored scones (like cheese or herb) add variety while still keeping it light alongside sweet cupcakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot cake cupcakes with brown butter cream cheese frosting can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using old ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and spices. Old ingredients can lead to flat or flavorless cupcakes.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cupcakes dense. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy results.
• Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can ruin the texture and taste.
• Skipping the chilling step: Browned butter should be chilled before use in frosting. This helps achieve a perfect consistency.
• Frosting warm cupcakes: Ensure your cupcakes are completely cooled before adding frosting. Warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carrot cake cupcakes with brown butter cream cheese frosting in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap cupcakes in foil and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a cupcake in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes carrot cake cupcakes so moist?

The use of freshly grated carrots, along with oil and Greek yogurt, adds moisture that keeps these cupcakes soft and delicious.

Can I substitute other frostings for the brown butter cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can use traditional cream cheese frosting or even whipped cream if you prefer a lighter topping.

How do I make my carrot cake cupcakes healthier?

You can substitute some of the oil with applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrients.

Why is my brown butter cream cheese frosting too runny?

If your browned butter is too warm when mixed with cream cheese, it may cause the frosting to become runny. Make sure it’s chilled before mixing!

Final Thoughts

These carrot cake cupcakes with brown butter cream cheese frosting are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or raisins for extra texture. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!