Wholesome Carrot Cake Muffins with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these delightful Wholesome Carrot Cake Muffins that offer a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Made with a convenient spice cake mix, these muffins are packed with nutritious ingredients like pureed carrots and crushed pineapple, making them a guilt-free treat for any time of day. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and topped with a creamy, lower-calorie frosting, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. Enjoy a delicious and wholesome dessert option that brings joy in every bite, all while keeping the portion in check!
12
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spice cake mix
1 (15 1/4 ounce) box (None)
Cooked carrots, pureed
1 1/2 cups (Cook and puree)
Crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup (Drain before use)
Pineapple juice
1/8 cup (None)
Low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons (Softened for mixing)
Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons (None)
Powdered sugar
1 cup (None)
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a cupcake pan with foil liners and spray them lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pureed carrots, crushed pineapple, and pineapple juice. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3
Divide the batter evenly among the lined cupcake wells, filling each about three-quarters full.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5
While the muffins are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
6
Once the muffins are completely cooled, frost them generously with the pineapple cream cheese frosting. Enjoy immediately, or store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wholesome Carrot Cake Muffins with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting?
They are a healthy twist on classic carrot cake muffins made with spice cake mix, pureed carrots, and topped with a lower-calorie pineapple-infused cream cheese frosting.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 individual muffins.
What is the calorie count for one muffin?
Each muffin contains approximately 150 calories.
What temperature should I bake the carrot cake muffins at?
The muffins should be baked in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do these muffins need to bake?
The baking time is approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What kind of cake mix is required for this recipe?
You will need one 15 1/4 ounce box of spice cake mix.
How should I prepare the carrots for the batter?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of carrots that have been cooked and pureed until smooth.
What type of pineapple is used in the muffin batter?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple that has been drained.
How much pineapple juice is added to the mixture?
The batter requires 1/8 cup of pineapple juice.
What are the ingredients for the pineapple cream cheese frosting?
The frosting is made with low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Is the frosting high in fat?
No, the frosting is a lower-calorie option using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 4.2g of fat.
What is the protein content per muffin?
Each muffin provides 2.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a single muffin?
One muffin contains 22.5g of carbohydrates.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?
It is recommended to use foil liners and spray them lightly with cooking oil before filling them with batter.
How much should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each cupcake well about three-quarters full with the batter.
How long should the muffins cool before being removed from the pan?
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can I frost the muffins while they are warm?
No, you should wait until the muffins are completely cooled before applying the frosting.
What is the role of Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Greek yogurt is used in the frosting to add creaminess and protein while keeping the calorie count lower.
How much powdered sugar is in the frosting recipe?
The frosting recipe uses 1 cup of powdered sugar.
How much vanilla extract is used in the frosting?
The frosting includes 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How should leftovers be stored?
Any leftover muffins should be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese and yogurt in the frosting.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they are considered a wholesome option suitable for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it uses a convenient spice cake mix and has a relatively short baking time of 20 minutes.
What tags define this recipe's category?
Key tags include healthy dessert, carrot cake muffins, low-fat treats, and vegetable muffins.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 total ingredients.
What is the preparation for the low-fat cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before mixing to ensure a smooth frosting consistency.
Can these muffins be considered a nutritious snack?
Yes, they are packed with pureed carrots and pineapple, providing more nutrition than a standard cake muffin.
What consistency should the frosting have?
The frosting should be mixed until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
Does this recipe include any fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify the fiber content.