• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Portfolio
  • Services
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions

Encore & More logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Portfolio
  • Services
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Connect

    • Instagram
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Portfolio
    • Services
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Connect

    • Instagram
  • ×
    Home » Sweet Treats

    Published: Jun 30, 2021 · Modified: Apr 21, 2022 by Yvonne

    Healthier Carrot Cake Cupcakes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These healthier carrot cake cupcakes are a nutritious twist on the classic dessert. The best part? They are super easy to make and ready in 30 minutes.

    healthier carrot cake cupcakes with liner peeled off on with more cupcakes on a cakestand in the background.

    Searching for a healthier twist on a classic dessert? Look no further than my delicious carrot cake cupcakes! They are made with wholesome ingredients like spelt flour, carrots, and maple syrup while still being indulgent.

    For more deliciously healthy baking recipes, consider these grain-free orange chocolate chip muffins and healthy banana nut muffins. They are easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and deliver all the flavor.

    Jump to recipe
    • Why you’ll love this recipe
    • What makes these carrot cupcakes healthier?
    • Ingredient notes
    • Tips & substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Expert tip
    • What to serve with carrot cake cupcakes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More carrot recipes
    • ???? Recipe

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    • Deliciously healthy – These cupcakes are made with spelt flour, which is higher in fiber and vitamins. In addition, they are refined-sugar sugar-free, making them an indulgent but healthier dessert.
    • Easy to make – Made in a few easy steps, makes them a stress-free recipe.
    • Ready in 30 minutes – I'm all for quick recipes so these cupcakes only take half an hour to prepare.
    • Small batch – Need a smaller amount than the usual 12 cupcakes? This recipe yields six cupcakes, making it perfect for smaller gatherings.

    Whether you are looking for a guilt-free dessert or a tasty snack, these cupcakes will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

    inside of a carrot cupcake with more cupcakes surrounding it.

    What makes these carrot cupcakes healthier?

    My healthier carrot cake cupcakes contain nutrient-dense ingredients, which makes them a more balanced option:

    • Whole grains: These healthier cupcakes are made with spelt flour, which is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined white flour.
    • Nuts: Hazelnuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber and add a delicious nutty flavor.
    • Natural sweetener: This recipe uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of refined white sugar. It is less processed and has a lower glycemic index.
    • Nutrient-dense ingredients: Carrots are the star ingredient in these cupcakes and are high in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. Moreover, the spices used, such as cinnamon and vanilla, also have health benefits.

    Ingredient notes

    For the dough:

    ingredients for healthier carrot cake cupcakes recipe.
    • Spelt flour – You can use whole wheat flour instead of spelt flour.
    • Hazelnut meal – The hazelnut flavor goes so well with the sweetness of the carrots. You can also substitute for walnut or almond meal if you prefer
    • Carrots – Use freshly grated carrots as it makes the texture and taste of the cupcakes so much better.
    • Eggs – Use medium eggs in this recipe for a perfectly fluffy and moist dough.
    • Vegetable oil – Use a light-tasting vegetable oil like rapeseed or sunflower. Alternatively, you can also use coconut oil.
    • Baking powder – It helps the batter rise and become light and fluffy.
    • Cinnamon – The potent ingredient adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
    • Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

    For the frosting:

    ingredients for healthier carrot cake cupcakes cream cheese frosting recipe.
    • Cream cheese: I use full-fat cream cheese in this recipe, but I think it would also work with reduced-fat cream cheese.
    • Vanilla extract: The vanilla extract add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the frosting.
    • Maple syrup: I used maple syrup as s a natural sweetener. You can also use agave syrup or honey as an alternative.
    • Cinnamon: It adds a sweet, floral flavor that complements the tanginess of the cream cheese. Additionally, you can also add nutmeg to enhance the spicy flavor.

    Tips & substitutions

    Here are some tips and substitutions for getting the best result when making these carrot cake cupcakes:

    • Use other nutritious flours – Next to spelt flour, whole wheat flour is also a healthier alternative to refined white flour. It is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which makes your cupcakes more nutritious.
    • Substitute the natural sweetener – Instead of maple syrup, you can also use honey or agave syrup.
    • User other types of nuts – Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all great additions to these carrot cake cupcakes. They add protein and healthy fats to the recipe, making it more filling and nutritious.
    • Don't overmix the batter – Overmixing the batter can result in tough, dense cupcakes. Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes.
    • Easy portioning – Use a cookie scoop to portion the batter. It helps ensure that each cupcake is the same size, resulting in even baking.

    Instructions

    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°C) and line a muffin tin with six paper liners.

    spelt flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, and cinnamon mixed in a metal bowl.

    Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the spelt flour, hazelnut meal, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt.

    wet ingredients for carrot cake muffins in a glass bowl.

    Step 3: Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and add the grated carrots, vegetable oil, and maple syrup.

    mixed wet ingredients for healthier carrot cake cupcakes.

    Step 4: Whisk the wet ingredients until well combined.

    mixed carrot cake cupcakes dough in a metal bowl.

    Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined.

    carrot cake cupcakes dough divided into muffin tin with muffin liners.

    Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the six muffin cups.

    baked carrot cake muffins in black muffin tin.

    Step 7: Bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out mostly clean.

    mixed cream cheese frosting in a glass bowl.

    Step 8: To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

    overhead shot of cream cheese -frosted carrot cake cupcake.

    Step 9: Once the cupcakes are cool, spread the frosting on top of each one. Sprinkle them with more cinnamon powder if you like, and enjoy.

    Expert tip

    Use freshly grated carrots instead of the pre-packaged shredded option. Freshly grated carrots will have a better texture and are more nutritious. Pre-packaged shredded carrots are often treated with preservatives and may have lost some nutrients during processing and packaging.

    What to serve with carrot cake cupcakes

    These healthier carrot cake cupcakes can be enjoyed on their own or paired with different foods and drinks. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with them:

    • Hot or iced coffee or chocolate: A cup of coffee or this vegan protein hot chocolate pairs well with carrot cake cupcakes.
    • Hot or iced tea: Tea, such as black tea, green tea, or this peachy jasmine iced tea, can also be a great drink to enjoy with carrot cake cupcakes.
    • Fruit salad: Sliced fresh fruit like in this stone fruit salad can be a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of carrot cake cupcakes.
    • Vanilla ice cream: For a decadent treat, serve your carrot cake cupcakes with a scoop of this peanut butter nice cream or almond dark chocolate nice cream.
    carrot cake cupcake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting on white background.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is the best way to grate the carrots for the cupcakes?

    To grate the carrots, use a box grater or food processor with a grater attachment. Also, grate the carrots right before adding them to the batter for the best results.

    How do I prevent my cupcakes from sticking to the pan?

    Use paper or silicone cupcake liners. These will prevent the cupcakes from sticking and make for easy cleanup.

    How should I store the carrot cake cupcakes?

    Place any leftovers of these carrot cake cupcakes in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

    More carrot recipes

    • roasted carrots on a light beige serving platter with herbs and spices.
      Air Fryer Crispy Roasted Carrots
    • Good Morning Vitamin Juice
      Good Morning Vitamin Juice
    • carrot soup with curry and coconut milk in blue bowls with props.
      Curried Carrot Ginger Soup (With Coconut Milk)
    • graphic with four healthy and flavourful easter recipes.
      Easter recipes

    Did you try one or more of these recipes?
    Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @encore_more on Instagram & Facebook!

    ???? Recipe

    healthier carrot cake cupcakes with liner peeled off on with more cupcakes on a cakestand in the background.

    Healthier Carrot Cake Cupcakes

    Yvonne
    These healthier carrot cake cupcakes are a nutritious twist on the classic dessert. The best part? They are super easy to make and ready in 30 minutes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 cupcakes
    Calories 414 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 100 g spelt flour (¾ cup)
    • 50 g ground hazelnuts (½ cup)
    • 50 g grated carrots (½ cup)
    • 2 medium eggs
    • 60 ml vegetable oil (¼ cup)
    • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
    • pinch of salt

    For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • 250 g cream cheese (7 oz)
    • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°C). Line a muffin tin with six paper liners.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, hazelnut meal, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt.
    • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the grated carrots, vegetable oil, and maple syrup. Stir until well combined.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
    • Divide the batter evenly among the six muffin cups. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
    • To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
    • Once the cupcakes are cool, spread the frosting on top of each one. Sprinkle with more cinnamon powder if you like, and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Don't overmix the batter – Overmixing the batter can result in tough, dense cupcakes. Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes.
    • Easy portioning – Use a cookie scoop to portion the batter. It helps ensure that each cupcake is the same size, resulting in even baking.
    • Storing – Place any leftovers of these carrot cake cupcakes in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 27.5gProtein: 8.2gFat: 30.8gSaturated Fat: 11.7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 202mgPotassium: 264mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 10gCalcium: 74mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @encore_more or tag #encoremore on Instagram!

    Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided by verywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.

    More Dessert Recipes

    • plum compote in grey bowl with vintage spoon on dusty rose plate
      Easy Spiced Plum Compote
    • homemade granola in serving shovel with granola and milk bowl in the background.
      Honey Vanilla Almond Granola
    • peanut butter nice cream in stacked grey bowls.
      Peanut Butter Banana Nice Cream
    • pouring vegan caramel over vanilla ice cream in glass on grey background.
      Thick Vegan Caramel Sauce

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Contact

    Get in touch

    About Me

    Portfolio

    Services

    Imprint

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    Cookie Policy (EU)

    Accessibility

    Copyright © 2025 Encore & More. All rights reserved.

    Manage Cookie Consent
    We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.