Spiced Carrot Cake Muffins

Featured in: Everyday Treats

These moist muffins combine grated carrots, warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, plus crunchy walnuts and a subtle orange zest. The batter is lightened with buttermilk or yogurt and sweetened with brown and granulated sugars for balanced sweetness. Baking until golden and tender, they make a comforting breakfast or snack option. Optional raisins and frosting add extra texture and flavor, while easy substitutions accommodate dietary needs.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:20:00 GMT
Moist spiced carrot cake muffins topped with walnuts and orange zest, perfect for brunch.  Save to Pinterest
Moist spiced carrot cake muffins topped with walnuts and orange zest, perfect for brunch. | flourhollow.com

Moist, warmly spiced muffins packed with grated carrots, walnuts, and a hint of orange, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

I have always enjoyed making these muffins for my family as a wholesome breakfast or sweet snack that everyone looks forward to.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt, 2/3 cup (135 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, Zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • Add-Ins: 2 cups (200 g) grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots), 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional), 1/2 cup (80 g) raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined do not overmix.
Add Add-Ins:
Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake:
Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Deliciously fluffy spiced carrot cake muffins baked to golden perfection, ideal for an afternoon snack.  Save to Pinterest
Deliciously fluffy spiced carrot cake muffins baked to golden perfection, ideal for an afternoon snack. | flourhollow.com

These muffins have become a staple at family breakfasts, often bringing everyone to the table with their inviting aroma and taste.

Required Tools

Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, grater, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and tree nuts (if using walnuts or pecans). Dairy is present (buttermilk/yogurt); use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free muffins. Double-check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Per muffin: Calories 245, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 31 g, Protein 4 g

Warm, fragrant spiced carrot cake muffins bursting with grated carrots and hints of cinnamon. Save to Pinterest
Warm, fragrant spiced carrot cake muffins bursting with grated carrots and hints of cinnamon. | flourhollow.com

Serve these muffins fresh for the best experience or freeze for convenient treats anytime.

Recipe FAQs

What spices are used in these muffins?

The muffins feature cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, creating a warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Can I substitute nuts for nut allergies?

Yes, you can omit walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

What moistening ingredients keep these muffins tender?

Vegetable oil and buttermilk or plain yogurt provide moisture, resulting in a soft crumb and rich texture.

Is orange zest necessary, and can it be omitted?

Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note but can be omitted if desired without affecting the core flavor significantly.

How should these muffins be stored for freshness?

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze for longer storage.

Spiced Carrot Cake Muffins

Warmly spiced muffins with grated carrots, nuts, and a hint of orange zest, ideal for any time of day.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cook Duration
25 mins
Overall Time
45 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 12 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 3/4 cup vegetable oil
03 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
04 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
05 1/3 cup granulated sugar
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Add-Ins

01 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
02 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
03 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and muffin tin: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Incorporate add-ins: Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using, ensuring even distribution.

Step 06

Portion batter: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are included.
  • Contains dairy when using buttermilk or yogurt; substitute with plant-based alternatives as needed.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 245
  • Fat content: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Protein Amount: 4 g