Are you a fan of moist, flavorful carrot cakes that are perfect for any occasion? Look no further! We’ve gathered 18 delicious carrot cake mix recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. From classic carrot cakes with cream cheese frosting to creative twists like carrot cake pancakes and donuts, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just need a sweet treat for the week, these recipes are sure to please. And the best part? They all start with a simple carrot cake mix, making them easy to make and customize. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the delicious world of carrot cakes!
Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and flavorful carrot cake is a timeless favorite, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add grated carrots, chopped walnuts (if using), and softened butter; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes per cake
Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnut Topping
Start your day with a deliciously moist carrot cake muffin topped with a crunchy walnut mixture, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
For the muffins:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for topping only)
For the walnut topping:
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, yogurt, and grated carrots to the dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Top each muffin with 1-2 tablespoons of walnut topping (see below).
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Walnut Topping:
1. Mix chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl.
2. Spoon the topping evenly over each muffin before baking.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Carrot Cake Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy carrot cake pancakes, drizzled with warm maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, sugar, egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface.
7. Flip pancakes and cook an additional 1 minute.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on number of pancakes)
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling
Treat your taste buds to a delightful twist on traditional cookies, featuring the warm spices and sweet carrots of carrot cake, paired with a tangy cream cheese filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Cream cheese filling (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Add butter, eggs, vanilla extract, carrots, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Mix all ingredients until smooth and spread on cooled cookies.
Carrot Cake Cheesecake Swirl Bars
Elevate your snack game with these unique and delicious bars that combine the classic flavors of carrot cake with a creamy cheesecake swirl.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the carrot cake mixture:
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press mixture into prepared dish.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
4. Prepare cheesecake by beating cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
5. Prepare carrot cake mixture by whisking together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well combined.
6. Pour carrot cake mixture over cooled crust. Top with cheesecake mixture and swirl gently to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies with Spiced Filling
These moist and flavorful carrot cake whoopie pies are filled with a warm spiced filling, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cakes:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the spiced filling:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and spices. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
3. Stir in eggs, grated carrots, and chopped walnuts (if using).
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter onto prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before filling with spiced mixture.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Carrot Cake Donuts with Vanilla Glaze
Start your day with a sweet treat that combines the flavors of carrot cake and donuts, topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. These soft and fluffy donuts are packed with warm spices and chopped walnuts for added texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Vanilla glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, eggs, carrots, and walnuts; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe dough into donuts using a piping bag or a spoon.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whisk ingredients together until smooth; drizzle over cooled donuts.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Carrot Cake Bread with Cinnamon Streusel
This recipe combines the warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of carrots, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this bread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cinnamon streusel topping (see below)
Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add grated carrots, sugar, and butter; mix until well combined.
4. Beat in egg; stir in chopped walnuts (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Top with cinnamon streusel topping (see below).
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Moist carrot cake cupcakes filled with the warmth of spices and topped with a creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, carrots, and walnuts (if using).
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with buttercream.
Buttercream Frosting:
1. Beat 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix well.
Carrot Cake French Toast with Caramel Drizzle
Elevate your breakfast game with this sweet and satisfying treat. Moist carrot cake-infused bread, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, paired with a rich caramel drizzle – it’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of challah or brioche bread
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup grated carrot cake mix (homemade or store-bought)
– Caramel sauce for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
2. Add the grated carrot cake mix and stir until combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with caramel drizzle spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Carrot Cake Parfait with Whipped Cream Layers
Elevate your dessert game with this moist carrot cake layered with whipped cream and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 9×13-inch carrot cake, crumbled
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add the granulated sugar and salt; continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Cut the crumbled carrot cake into small cubes.
4. Begin assembling the parfait by placing a layer of cake in a glass or parfait dish.
5. Top with a layer of whipped cream, followed by a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 two more times, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None (assembled and refrigerated)
Carrot Cake Trifle with Pineapple and Coconut
Elevate your dessert game with this unique trifle, combining the warmth of carrot cake with the sweetness of pineapple and coconut.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup carrot cake crumbles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 20-25 ladyfingers, split
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine carrot cake crumbles and powdered sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in pineapple juice and whipped cream.
3. Begin assembling the trifle by spreading a layer of cream mixture on the bottom of a serving dish. Top with ladyfingers, then carrot cake crumbs, and finally pineapple chunks.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the pineapple layer.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required; assembly is the main effort.
Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
This moist and flavorful carrot cake roll is filled with a tangy cream cheese filling, perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant orange color and sweet aroma, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream cheese filling (see below)
Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in carrots and butter until well combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cake is golden brown.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before filling with cream cheese mixture.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Carrot Cake Ice Cream with Spiced Caramel Swirl
Transform your dessert game with this unique and delicious combination of carrot cake ice cream and a spiced caramel swirl.
Ingredients:
For the ice cream:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup grated carrots
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the spiced caramel swirl:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Combine cream, milk, sugar, and carrots in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 170°F.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Churn the ice cream mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. For the spiced caramel swirl, combine corn syrup, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Swirl into the ice cream once it has finished churning.
Cooking Time: None needed for this recipe!
Carrot Cake Energy Bites with Dates and Nuts
These bite-sized energy balls combine the natural sweetness of dates, the crunch of nuts, and the warmth of carrot cake spices to create a deliciously healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine oats, chopped dates, and grated carrot. Process until well combined.
2. Add chopped walnuts, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Process until a dough forms.
3. Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! These energy bites are no-bake.
Carrot Cake Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
This refreshing smoothie combines the warm spices of carrot cake with the creamy texture of Greek yogurt, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. With its vibrant orange color and subtle sweetness, this treat is sure to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the banana, carrots, Greek yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level to your liking.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in just 2-3 minutes.
Carrot Cake Granola with Dried Fruit and Seeds
A sweet and crunchy twist on traditional granola, this recipe combines the warmth of carrot cake spices with the natural sweetness of dried fruit and nutritious seeds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and shredded coconut.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
5. Remove from oven and stir in dried cranberries and raisins.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Carrot Cake Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle
Start your day off right with these moist and flavorful carrot cake waffles, topped with a tangy cream cheese drizzle. This sweet and satisfying breakfast treat is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese drizzle: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, carrots, and walnuts (if using). Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter onto preheated waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. For cream cheese drizzle, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
6. Drizzle warm waffles with cream cheese mixture and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get creative with carrot cake mix! This article features 18 delicious recipes to suit every occasion. From classic treats like carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and carrot cake muffins with walnut topping, to sweet surprises like carrot cake pancakes with maple syrup and carrot cake cookies with cream cheese filling. You’ll also find unique twists on breakfast favorites, such as carrot cake French toast with caramel drizzle, and even healthy options like carrot cake energy bites with dates and nuts. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party or just need a sweet treat, these recipes are sure to please!
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