Carrot Cake Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Carrot Cake Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 1 cup grated carrots; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

Delight in these moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Bites, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-01-04T06:06:28.708Z

These Carrot Cake Bites are a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake. With the perfect balance of spices and a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make for a perfect treat any time of year!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and flavorful bites that are easy to pop in your mouth
Creamy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced cake
Great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet snack

      

The Perfect Bite-Sized Treat

Carrot Cake Bites are an irresistible twist on the classic dessert, designed for those who love the delightful flavors of carrot cake but want a more manageable portion. These mini treats are moist and packed with warm spices that evoke comfort and nostalgia. Their small size makes them perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to indulge in a sweet treat without overdoing it.

Each bite is a burst of flavor, with the natural sweetness of grated carrots enhancing the overall taste. The combination of brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates an aromatic experience that is sure to please. These bites are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any dessert table.

Cream Cheese Frosting: The Icing on the Cake

What truly sets these Carrot Cake Bites apart is the rich cream cheese frosting that adorns them. This frosting is creamy, velvety, and perfectly sweet, providing a wonderful contrast to the spiced cake underneath. The combination of cream cheese and butter in the frosting adds a luxurious texture, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Preparing the frosting is a breeze; it requires just a few simple ingredients and a quick mix. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, making it a perfect match for the carrot cake. This frosting not only elevates the overall taste but also adds a beautiful touch to the presentation, making your Carrot Cake Bites truly stand out.

Versatile and Fun for Any Occasion

These Carrot Cake Bites are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply looking for a sweet snack, these bites will impress your guests. They can be served at room temperature, making them easy to prepare in advance and share with friends and family.

Moreover, you can customize these bites by adding nuts, raisins, or even a hint of pineapple for an added twist. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Carrot Cake Bites are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Bites

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 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 mixing bowl, combine grated carrots, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Fill the mini muffin tins with the batter, about 2/3 full, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Frost the Bites

Once the carrot cake bites have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a knife to spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each bite. Serve and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage Tips

To keep your Carrot Cake Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. The cool temperature will help preserve the moistness of the cake and the creaminess of the frosting.

If you prefer to make these bites ahead of time, you can bake the carrot cake bites without frosting and store them in the freezer. Once you're ready to serve, simply thaw them and frost with the cream cheese frosting for a fresh treat.

Perfect Pairings

These Carrot Cake Bites pair wonderfully with various beverages. Consider serving them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee to enhance their warm spice flavors. A glass of milk is also a classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the bites and the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting.

For a more festive touch, try serving these bites at your next gathering with a selection of cocktails or sparkling beverages. Their rich flavors can balance out the acidity of fruity drinks, making for a delightful culinary experience.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different spices in your Carrot Cake Bites. Adding ginger or cardamom can provide an exciting twist while maintaining the traditional flavor profile. You might also consider incorporating shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

For those looking to lighten the recipe, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the oil in the batter. This swap not only reduces the fat content but also adds a pleasant tang that complements the sweetness of the carrots and frosting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the carrot cake bites and frosting a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze the carrot cake bites?

Absolutely! They freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for the cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

→ How do I know when the bites are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready!