Carrot Cake Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

Delightful mini treats that combine the classic flavors of carrot cake with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Ethan

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-01-04T04:06:29.338Z

These Carrot Cake Bites are perfect for any occasion, combining the sweetness of carrots with the tangy flavor of cream cheese frosting. They are bite-sized, making them a great snack or dessert option!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and flavorful carrot cake packed with spices
  • Smooth and creamy frosting that complements perfectly
  • Easy to make and great for sharing at parties

The Perfect Party Treat

These Carrot Cake Bites are the ultimate party treat that everyone will love. Their mini size makes them perfect for sharing, allowing guests to indulge without feeling guilty. The combination of spices and sweetness gives a nod to traditional carrot cake, while the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful richness. Whether it's a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together, these bites are sure to impress your friends and family.

Serving these carrot cake bites is simple and elegant. Display them on a tiered platter or in colorful cupcake liners for a festive touch. Guests can enjoy them as a finger food, making them a convenient option for any occasion. Plus, their bite-sized nature means you can sample a few without spoiling your appetite for the rest of the meal!

A Healthier Indulgence

Unlike traditional desserts that can be heavy and overly sweet, these carrot cake bites are a lighter alternative. Made with fresh grated carrots, they offer a boost of vitamins and nutrients. The natural sweetness of the carrots means you can use less sugar, making these treats a little healthier without sacrificing flavor. It's a delightful way to incorporate some veggies into your dessert!

Moreover, the spices used in these bites, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, not only enhance the flavor but also provide health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. So, you can enjoy these bites with the knowledge that they are a smart choice for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Tips for Customization

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the carrot cake bites to suit your personal taste. Add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch, or stir in raisins or crushed pineapple for a twist on the classic flavor. You can also experiment with different spices to find your perfect blend.

If you're looking to make these bites even healthier, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. For a dairy-free version, you can use vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dessert that fits your dietary preferences while still being delicious!

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bites

  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Carrot Cake Bites

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large bowl, mix together the grated carrots, sugars, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Bites

Once the carrot cake bites are cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each bite.

Enjoy your delicious Carrot Cake Bites!

Storing Your Carrot Cake Bites

Proper storage is key to keeping your Carrot Cake Bites fresh and flavorful. Once they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to one week, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks. Just remember to frost them right before serving to maintain the creaminess of the frosting.

If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the unfrosted carrot cake bites. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw and add the frosting for a quick and delightful dessert!

Serving Suggestions

These Carrot Cake Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. Their rich flavors complement a warm beverage beautifully, making for a cozy treat during chilly days. You can also serve them at brunch alongside other pastries and fruit for a well-rounded spread.

For a festive touch, consider garnishing the top of the cream cheese frosting with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor profile. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch that will have guests coming back for more.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bites a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these carrot cake bites?

Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted bites for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

→ What can I substitute for the cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar flavor.

Carrot Cake Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delightful mini treats that combine the classic flavors of carrot cake with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Ethan

Recipe Type: Pastry & Sweets Corner

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 bites

What You'll Need

For the Carrot Cake Bites

  1. 2 cups grated carrots
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  5. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  10. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  11. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  12. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large bowl, mix together the grated carrots, sugars, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the batter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Step 03

Once the carrot cake bites are cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each bite.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g