Easy Nanas Carrot Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Family Tradition

Sweet, moist, and utterly irresistible, these nanas carrot cupcakes recipe deliver a nostalgic burst of comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Packed with warm spices and tender carrots, each bite tells a delicious story of home-style baking.

The blend of classic ingredients creates a magical dessert that turns ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that perfectly complements the rich, spiced cake base.

Grated carrots ensure incredible moisture and natural sweetness throughout every cupcake.

These cupcakes are more than just a treat – they’re a celebration of simple, heartwarming flavors that everyone adores.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Nana’s Carrot Cupcakes Are Always a Hit

• Craft Nutritious Snacks: Protein balls pack a powerful punch of nutrition, combining almonds, dates, and protein powder for a wholesome treat that fuels your body with essential nutrients.
• Customize with Ease: Unleash your creativity by experimenting with different toppings like coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or chocolate coating, making each batch unique and exciting.
• Quick No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven and prepare these delightful protein balls in minutes, perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast and satisfying snack solution.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for post-workout energy, kids' lunchboxes, or a guilt-free dessert that appeals to health-conscious friends and family members of all ages.

Ingredients for Making Nana’s Carrot Cupcakes

• Nanas Apple Cake Mix: A pre-mixed cake blend that provides the foundation for the cupcakes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cupcake batter.
• Grated Carrots: Add natural sweetness, moisture, and a vibrant orange color to the cupcakes.
• Crushed Pineapple: Provides additional moisture and a subtle tropical sweetness to the cupcake texture.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Creates a smooth, tangy topping that complements the sweet cupcake base.

• Orange Writing Gel, Green Writing Gel: Allows for creative decoration to make the cupcakes look like cute little carrots.

How to Bake Nana’s Carrot Cupcakes at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your muffin pan and line it with cute paper cupcake liners.

Step 2: Create the Magical Batter

• Nanas Apple Cake Mix
• Freshly grated carrots
• Tangy crushed pineapple
• Farm-fresh eggs

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Fill and Bake the Cupcakes

Carefully spoon the batter into each cupcake liner, making sure they’re evenly filled.

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check if they’re done by poking a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool Down the Cupcakes

Let the cupcakes chill completely on a wire rack. Patience is key here!

Step 5: Decorate with Flair

Spread a generous layer of creamy cream cheese frosting on each cupcake. Then get artistic!

Use orange writing gel to draw adorable carrot shapes by making zigzag triangles. Top them off with green writing gel for cute little carrot tops.

Enjoy your adorable and delicious Nanas Carrot Cupcakes!

Notes Before Making Nana’s Carrot Cupcakes

• Grate carrots finely and drain excess moisture to prevent soggy cupcakes and ensure a perfect texture.
• Use high-quality cupcake liners or generously grease the pan to easily remove cupcakes without breaking.
• Check cupcakes at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking, as ovens vary in temperature and performance.
• Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent cream cheese icing from melting and sliding off.
• Apply writing gels when cupcakes are chilled for cleaner, sharper carrot decorations that hold their shape.

Mix-Ins to Try With Carrot Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Nanas Apple Cake Mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting, and select a plant-based cake mix to create a completely vegan-friendly version.
• Nut-Infused Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the cupcakes' texture and providing additional nutritional value.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace some sugar with unsweetened applesauce, and create a lighter cream cheese frosting using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly option.

Icing and Sides for Nana’s Carrot Cupcakes

• Pair Sweet Cream Coffee: Brew a vanilla-infused light roast coffee that complements the carrot cupcake's warm spices and enhances its creamy frosting. The coffee's subtle sweetness balances the dessert's rich texture.
• Serve Chilled Caramel Chai: Prepare a cold caramel chai tea that offers a refreshing contrast to the cupcake's dense structure. Its spicy undertones and cool temperature create a delightful sensory experience.
• Match Vanilla Almond Milk: Select a smooth, slightly sweet vanilla almond milk that provides a nutty backdrop to the cupcake's fruity pineapple and carrot notes. The drink's light creaminess softens the dessert's robust flavors.

Storing Nana’s Carrot Cupcakes Freshly

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frosting from sticking.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• What type of cake mix is used in this recipe?

The recipe uses Nanas Apple Cake Mix as the base for these carrot cupcakes.

• Can I add nuts to the cupcake batter?

While the original recipe doesn’t mention nuts, you can easily add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

• How do I ensure the cupcakes are moist?

The combination of grated carrots and crushed pineapple helps keep the cupcakes moist and tender throughout baking.

• What makes the carrot decoration unique?

The cupcakes are decorated with orange and green writing gel to create a playful carrot design on top of the cream cheese frosting, making them visually appealing and fun.

Nanas Carrot Cupcakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet, moist nanas carrot cupcakes deliver pure comfort with classic spices and cream cheese frosting. Homemade goodness fills each bite, promising delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure you won’t forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can crushed pineapple in natural juices, well drained
• 1 package Nanas Apple Cake Mix

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) container cream cheese frosting

Decoration Ingredients:

• 12 paper cupcake liners
• Orange writing gel
• Green writing gel

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and position the rack in the center.
2. Arrange paper cupcake liners inside a 12-count muffin pan, ensuring even spacing.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend Nanas Apple Cake Mix with grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and eggs until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Carefully distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rising.
5. Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean and dry.
6. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents soggy bottoms and ensures proper texture.
7. Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting over each cupcake using a spatula or piping bag for an even coverage.
8. Create decorative carrot designs by using orange writing gel: make a zig-zag motion to form triangular shapes mimicking carrots.
9. Add finishing touches with green writing gel to craft delicate carrot tops, enhancing the cupcakes’ visual appeal.

Notes

• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and moisture throughout the cupcakes.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the batter too wet.
• Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean decorative details.
• Substitute gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version of these adorable carrot cupcakes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg