You guys rock my socks off. Seriously.
Thank you so much for helping me make Momma Spoons’ birthday that much more special. She read all of your guys’ comments and told me that she had never gotten so many birthday wishes before – she was seriously gushing.
And to make things even better, the cupcakes I made for her were a huge hit as well…
Or should I be calling them muffins… ?
The reason I ask is because, while sweet and frosting-topped, naked they feel rather muffin-y…
And it doesn’t help that they’re made with ingredients like this…
To be honest, I’ve never really known what the difference between a muffin and a cupcake is. I’ve always thought of cupcakes as a frosting-covered dessert, with muffins being slightly healthier, frosting-less versions that you could eat for breakfast. I know there are probably more concrete differences that have to do with ingredients and preparation, but I think I’ll stick to my frosting vs. no frosting classification for now.
Cupcake on the left, muffin on the right.
Either way, whatever you choose to call them doesn’t change the fact that these little things are delicious. They’re healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast [as muffins], but throw some frosting on them and you have yourself a delightful [cupcake] dessert that’s worthy of a birthday celebration. Actually, I very much recommend throwing some frosting on them even if you want them for breakfast – you don’t want to miss out on a flavor combination like this…
That being said, I think it’s time I shared the recipe, no?
. – . – . – .
. carrot cake banana cupcakes .
Ingredients (makes 12)
For the Cupcakes
- 1½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup shredded carrots
For the Frosting
- 1 8 oz. block of cream cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cupcakes
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly oil a muffin tray, or line it with 12 paper/silicone liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until fully combined. Add the coconut oil, mashed banana, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients slowly by adding the flour mixture in 2 or 3 increments, stirring gently each time until just incorporated. Finally, stir in carrots. Do not overmix.
5. Use a spoon to divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake muffins for 20 minutes. When finished, remove them from the muffin tray and allow to cool on a wire rack.
For the Frosting
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and honey on medium-high speed until smooth.
2. Add orange zest and almond (or vanilla) extract.
I have to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of carrot cake, and it’s not even because it doesn’t taste good (although I don’t necessarily see anything special about it), but because the idea of putting vegetables into sweet baked goods is something that just doesn’t sit well with my mind. But… Mom requested it, and since it was her birthday I couldn’t exactly say no. I did cheat a little by adding the banana though, which was actually a great idea because not only did it add a wonderful flavor and sweetness, but it helped make these cupcakes (muffins?) even more moist. The best part was definitely the frosting, though…
The combination of honey and orange zest is to die for, and when paired with the tang of cream cheese? Well… let’s just say that all forms of self-restraint went out the window while frosting these bad boys. Although I have to admit that the cake part isn’t half bad either… even if it does have a veggie in it.
Happy Sunday, friends!
. – . – . – .
Do you like veggies in your baked goods?
What’s the difference between muffins and cupcakes?
Do you prefer the cake or frosting?
Spoon cupcakes? yum! love carrot cake and love cupcakes SO making these 🙂 hope you had a great celebration with your momma!!
Carrot cake is my favorite! These look so good. I love the orange zest in the frosting too! I’m all for making dessert healthier but I once tried adding zucchini to brownies and was disappointed with the outcome.
I actually really love carrot cake, because I am usually not a fan of frosting but the type of frosting used for carrot cake actually tastes way better than normal frosting. I had an amazing vegan version of it at one of my favorite restaurants a few months back and it made me want to try to make my own version of it, with some kind of delicious cashew cream based frosting!
I feel like I’m a total weirdo for not loving frosting. It seems like most people prefer it over the cake part and some cupcake places even sell just frosting shots, but I will always be a bigger fan of cake since it’s got more flavor depth rather than the sugariness of most frostings.
While I love frosting, I have to agree that cake is better. I can only handle so much frosting before I feel like I’m going to be sick, but my stomach doesn’t seem to have a problem finding never ending room for the doughiness of a good cake.
These cupcakes look so good! Cream cheese frosting is the best, with honey? Mmm even better! Totally qualifies for breakfast I think too.
So awesome that you mom had a nice bday! These muffins look delicious!
Wishing today was my birthday so somebody would bake these for me, haha. Carrot cake has grown on me, and I love sneaking veggies into baked goods. Makes me feel better when I inevitably eat too many.
Happy belated birthday to Momma Spoons!
These look fabulous! I have been trying to find more ways to use honey. I love that you used it in the icing 🙂
Swoon swoon swoon…
Welp!! I missed Mama Spoons’ birthday!! Please give her another big birthday hug from me when you see her next? It’s more fun to extend the celebration anyway, right? 😉
These cupcake/muffins look absolutely amazing. I was never a big fan of carrot cake growing up for the same reasons you aren’t–vegetables in sweet treats just doesn’t seem right! However, a few months ago I made my grandma’s carrot cake for a friend, and I must say, I was blown away by how well it turned out. I’m not usually a fan of frosting, but I make a HUGE exception for cream cheese frosting because it tastes like cheesecake, which is my favorite dessert. 🙂
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Amanda! <3
I thought I missed YOUR birthday (when you posted on IG) but turns out it was Momma’s…who is JUST AS SPECIAL!! Looks like these were an amazing birthday treat. I love anything carrot in terms of baked goods so once again, you know the way to my heart.
There really is no difference between muffins and cupcakes except for the frosting part. I think people just like to call muffins “muffins” because it sounds healthier haha. Just eat your dang cupcake and BE HAPPY, people! I eat both. And I call them both awesome. Cake and frosting are both equally delicious. I can’t choose between the two.
Happy your mom had a lovely birthday! 🙂
Aside from frosting, I think I found another important difference. Muffins can have oats in them, while cupcakes can’t. And yes, the beauty of cake and frosting is in the glorious combination of the two <3
LOVE me some carrot cake! and with the addition of banana, these actually remind me more of hummingbird spice cake, which has banana and pineapple and almond extract. I agree though…not sure what the difference between a cupcake and a muffin is?!? although cake is generally lighter/fluffier/spongier (but carrot cake isn’t)….yeah, frosting vs. no frosting seems legit to me. And YES the frosting is totally the best part!! So glad your mom had a lovely birthday too 😀
I am laughing reading this – I had a craving just yesterday for a MUFFIN with CHOCOLATE FROSTING… I was passing my favorite bakery and it smelled so good and my first thought – I am totally in the mood for a cupcake, no wait, I am in the mood for a denser cake like a muffin with the rich chocolate fudge frosting…so, in my opinion, a muffin to me is denser cake than a cupcake which tends to me moist and spongier. I am still craving the muffin fudge frosting combo by the way…I need to go make one!
These sound amazing! I love carrot cake and these seem much healthier than other typical carrot cakes and cupcakes.
Your mama is so sweet I’m glad she felt the love 🙂 I’m such a fan of carrot cake and any fruit cake especially Panettone- I’m all for cake over icing but honey cream cheese will have to be an exception that sounds wonderful and probably great to spread on panettone too xo
Yum 😀 That looks like a great recipe. I don’t think I’ve really had veggies in my baked goods…although zucchini bread isn’t that bad! I think muffins tend to have a thicker consistency and are more dense than cupcakes, but really, I don’t know. I know it’s a shame to say, but I think I prefer the cake part over the frosting part… frosting is just way too sugary for me! Unless it’s homemade…then that is a different story.
To be honest, I have to agree with you about the cake bit – I can only handle so much frosting before I start feeling sick, but my stomach seems to have a never-ending amount of room for cake 😀
AWE that is so awesome about your mom. I love when my parents read my blog and comments and glad she had a great birthday. I’ve actually wondered the difference between muffins and cupcakes myself but have come to about the same conclusions as well.
My friend asked me the same thing about the difference between cupcakes and muffins the other day and I explained it exactly the same way. 😀
I’ve been wanting to try baking with greek yogurt for a while now! And btw, I just remembered how to say happy birthday in polish
STOLAT 😉
Mmm i lovee carrot cake!! That’s the only cake that I ever want veggies in. I wonder who even invented putting carrots into a cake because now that I think about it, thats not very cake-like at all. But I love it because I love cream cheese frosting and carrot cake goes with cream cheese frosting like almond butter goes with jelly. So yum 🙂 And I love that you added the orange zest + honey into the frosting. Sounds fabulous.
I’m also so happy to hear your mom had such a wonderful birthday!!
I’d have to say that the honey orange frosting is my favorite part. I’d actually love to try it on a blueberry muffin – that combo sounds kind of incredible.
I’ve never understood the difference between cupcakes and muffins either! I mean, I guess it depends on what kind they are and the ingredients used to make them but still…
Whether we call them muffins or cupcakes, these look DELICIOUS! Carrot cake is my all-time favorite dessert and I’ve made my go-to carrot cake recipe in muffin tins multiple times. Although yours look much healthier! I can’t wait to try them!
Yummm these look so good! Thanks for sharing!
I am all about cake frosting! I swear, I could live of it.
I don’t mind if there is a vegetable in a cake as long as I don’t taste it 🙂 It just has to be sweet and moist and all is good. Yours look absolutely delicious, yumm! So glad your Mom had a Happy Birthday!!!
This sounds like an incredible combination!! I love that you made your mom’s birthday so special 🙂
Carrot Cake-Banana Cupcakes??!?!? THESE SOUND AMAZING! Can you make them for me for my birthday?? 😉 I have actually never made carrot cake before but you make it sound so easy. I’m going to have to try it out sometime!
Carrot cake is actually really easy to make, especially if you have a food processor that can grate your carrots for you and don’t nearly grate off your knuckles doing it by hand. Not that I would know… 😯
LOVE THESE!!! Great treat for your mom’s birthday. I always associate muffins with more grains, fruits, nuts, etc., and cupcakes with chocolate, candy, etc.
I think I need to make that frosting & put it on ALL THE THINGS I eat 🙂 I am a lover of carrot cake with cream cheese icing & take it upon myself to taste test anyone I come across. The cupcakes sound divine. Glad your Mom had a fab birthday!
I loveeee veggies in my desserts, even more so when I can sneak them in!! I have made plenty of cupcakes that are more muffin life. Muffins to me are more dense and not as fluffy and well..cakey as a cupcake!! Not as airy and maybe more filling!! These look delicious, and would make any mama have a wonderful birthday!
yum, I love cupcakes, and muffins, and carrot cake is my favorite. These look delicious!
Aw, I’m happy to hear your mum had a fantastic birthday – and she deserved all the birthday wishes on here :).
Admittedly, I’m not the right person to ask about muffins and cupcakes. That’s because the latter only started making appearances under that name during the past few years around here. While muffins were a huge hit in my family during my childhood we simply referred to them as that however fancy they might have been. The first “real” (and vegan) cupcakes I had was at a cupcake shop owned by an American in Berlin.
Regarding veggies in my baked goods I’m feeling so-so about them. It’s a good idea in general but I’ve tried recipes from blogs that could definitely have used more sweetener and tasted just too healthy for me.
Frosting beats cake for me all the way. In fact, your cupcake recipe sounds fantastic and if I should get around making it for a hopefully soon-to-happen girls’ night with my friends I’d make extra frosting ;).
Definitely make extra! The frosting tastes -amazing-, and I may or may not have even had it on toast 😯
Haha I’m looking forward to learning the concrete differences between a cupcake and muffin. My view mirrors yours- frosting (or lack of) make all the difference. Cupcakes are just pretentious muffins, right! Oh and muffins are also more socially acceptable as a breakfast item ;)! Nothing new about your baked goods looking delicious but these take the cake (pun intended), Amanda. My favorite cake is a toss-up between carrot cake and banana cake so these are just the best of both worlds. I believe the appropriate term to describe these bad boys is “synergistic”….and downright delicious!
So I know I already told you, but I heart you for Googling it 😆 Also, muffins can be made with oatmeal, while I’m pretty sure that tends to be avoided in most cupcake recipes.
Oooo I’m gonna make these! I have had a wicked sweet tooth lately…(I’m pregnant, go figure!) But, the fact that these have carrot and banana in them will make me feel better about eating them 😉 Love to you and your momma! <3
The only veggies I allow into the cupcake party are carrots and zucchini. Cupcakes are just muffins with hats. I love both cake and frosting- the combo of the two is perfection. You are too sweet for making these for your Mama! She’s a lucky one!
I’m glad your Mama had a wonderful birthday! And I completely agree with you on the muffin vs. cupcakes. Most muffins are definitely just non frosted cupcakes. Well to me anyways. Unless they’re made with oatmeal or something, then they’re muffins;)
I’ve never had actual carrot cake before, but these look delightful!!
In my mind “real” cupcakes are those which follow typical cake protocol like creaming butter and sugar. But then again there are plenty of dump-and-stir cakes out there. Alternatively, if it doesnt seem incomplete without a topping of some sort, or if I’m debating if its a muffin or not, I figure its a muffin. (Although then there’s streusel-topped muffins…) Okay it’s a sliding scale, ha.
If its a mediocre cake I’ll go for the frosting, but I prefer to have a gorgeous cake where the frosting is just an added bonus 🙂
I think I read somewhere that it had something to do with creaming butter and sugar, and while that’s all fine and good if you’re the one making them, it’s a little harder to guess if they’ve been given to you. But I’m with you on the cake/frosting debate – I’d much prefer to have an amazing cake.
Aww, I’m glad we all made your mom feel special on her birthday 😀
I agree with you on the muffin vs. cupcakes thing…I think most muffins are basically unfrosted cupcakes. I mean, those chocolate chip muffins from Timmies? Throw some frosting on top and you have a ginormous cupcake.
These look really good! I’m not the biggest carrot cake fan either, but I adore cream cheese frosting. And adding orange zest and honey to it sounds awesome…remind me to find a way to be in Edmonton for my birthday so you can bake for me 😉
I’m the same way with desserts. I’m a little leary of fruits and veggies into my desserts. But these look good!! My favorite part about desserts is always the frosting, yum 🙂 happy Sunday!
Oh my goodness…what a great recipe! Definitely bookmarking this for the next special event I need to bake for. Would be great for Mother’s Day!
Oo! Mother’s Day sounds perfect! But I don’t think I can pull a repeat with my mom, so I’m going to have to think up something new 😕
Whether they are technically a “muffin” or a “cupcake” does not matter to me, because they look and sound amazing!! I love carrot cake and I love banana muffins, so combining the two sounds absolutely perfect. Maybe they are carrot cake banana muffins since they are both cake and muffin inspired? 😉
Mmmm carrot cake. I have some overripe bananas to use up so I should probably get on making these today!
I like the synergy of the frosting & cake together – on their own I’m not a fan. However, if I had to choose between a muffin or a cupcake….. CUPCAKE. Aside from ice cream, it’s the best dessert. One of my all time fav local treats is a ‘green fairy’ cupcake (confetti cake + mint green frosting + rainbow sprinkles). I love it so much that last year on my birthday, my husband surprised me with a cake sized version of the cupcake. I’m so glad your mom had a lovely bday! 🙂
I’m definitely with you on the synergy of the two. I know people are always raving about frosting, but there’s only so much I can handle before I start feeling like I’m going to be sick. And your cake-sized cupcake reminds me that I’ve been meaning to try a cake-sized cookie for a while now. Going to have to look into that…
i love carrot cake but have yet to find a tasty gluten free one since being diagnosed, it used to be my favorite. Glad she had such a wonderful day