Enjoy these delightful Inside-Out Carrot Cake Muffins, featuring a hidden cream cheese filling that adds a surprise burst of creamy sweetness to every bite. Perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.
Author:Alex Rwanda
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:12 muffins
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup muffin tin, or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Beat in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the muffin batter into each muffin cup.
Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each batter-filled cup.
Top the cream cheese filling with another tablespoon of muffin batter, ensuring the filling is completely covered.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated carrots.
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
You can add raisins or shredded coconut to the muffin batter for extra flavor and texture.
These muffins are delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled.