Carrot cake muffins

Carrot cake muffins is a easy Korean recipe that serves 12. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Maangchi on YouTube.

Prep: 29 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 66 min

Cost: $5.26 total, $0.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Carrots (peeled and finely chopped or grated)
  • 0.5 cup Walnuts (washed until water runs clear, then chopped)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup Canola Oil (neutral cooking oil)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (dark, aromatic)
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 12 halves Pine Nuts (for garnish, optional toast)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 375°F and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  2. Prepare Carrots

    Peel 8 oz carrots and cut them into very small pieces using a food processor (about 12 seconds) or grate them finely.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Wash and Chop Walnuts

    Measure ½ cup walnuts, rinse under running water until the water runs clear, drain, then roughly chop.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Toast Walnuts (Optional)

    Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts and stir‑fry for about 3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In the mixing bowl combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup canola oil, 2 large eggs, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp ground cinnamon. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Sift together 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp baking powder. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet batter using a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add Carrots and Walnuts

    Fold the grated carrots and toasted walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Portion Batter

    Line a 12‑cup muffin pan with purple liners. Scoop batter into each liner, filling about three‑quarters full. Garnish each muffin with a few pine‑nut halves.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Bake Muffins

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: 375°F

  10. Cool and Serve

    Remove the pan from the oven, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Tree nuts, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Carrot cake muffins

Recipe by Maangchi

Soft, moist carrot cake muffins with walnuts and a crunchy pine‑nut topping. Inspired by Maangchi's Korean‑style carrot cake, these easy‑to‑make muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy treat.

EasyKoreanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
31m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 6m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.26
Total cost
$0.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat the oven to the correct temperature.
  • Mix wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
  • Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid over‑mixing.
  • Check doneness with a wooden skewer.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and hot skillet with oven mitts.
  • Be careful when stir‑frying walnuts; oil can splatter.
  • Use a wooden skewer away from the hot oven interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of carrot cake muffins in Korean cuisine?

A

Carrot cake muffins are a Korean‑inspired twist on the Western carrot cake, popularized by home cooks like Maangchi who adapted the dessert for everyday Korean households, often serving them as a snack or breakfast treat.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of carrot cake muffins in Korean cooking?

A

While the classic version uses walnuts and pine nuts, some Korean families add sweet red bean paste or use rice flour for a gluten‑free version, reflecting regional preferences for texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

How is carrot cake muffin traditionally served in Korea?

A

In Korea, these muffins are often enjoyed with a cup of green tea or milky barley tea, and they may be served warm with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are carrot cake muffins associated with in Korean culture?

A

Carrot cake muffins are a popular treat for school lunches, family picnics, and holiday gatherings such as Chuseok, where their bright color and sweet flavor add a festive touch.

cultural
Q

How does carrot cake muffin fit into the broader Korean baking tradition?

A

Korean baking often blends Western pastries with local ingredients; carrot cake muffins exemplify this fusion by using familiar Korean nuts like walnuts and pine nuts while keeping the Western cake texture.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for carrot cake muffins versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include peeled carrots, walnuts, pine nuts, brown sugar, and canola oil. Acceptable substitutes are grated zucchini for carrots, pecans for walnuts, and melted butter instead of oil.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with carrot cake muffins?

A

Serve these muffins alongside Korean tea drinks such as sujeonggwa or with a side of fresh fruit like Korean pears for a balanced snack.

cultural
Q

What makes carrot cake muffins special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The combination of a moist, spiced cake base with crunchy walnuts and pine‑nut garnish creates a texture contrast that is prized in Korean desserts, while the use of simple pantry staples keeps it accessible.

cultural
Q

How has carrot cake muffin evolved over time in Korean home cooking?

A

Originally a Western cake, Korean home cooks adapted it by using muffin pans for portion control, adding local nuts, and simplifying the recipe for quick weekday preparation, making it a staple snack today.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot cake muffins?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense texture, under‑baking, which leaves a wet center, and using too large carrot pieces that make the crumb uneven.

technical
Q

Why does this carrot cake muffin recipe use both baking soda and baking powder?

A

Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the carrots and brown sugar for lift, while baking powder provides additional leavening to ensure a light, airy crumb without a metallic aftertaste.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Maangchi specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Maangchi specializes in Korean home cooking, offering detailed tutorials on traditional dishes, modern adaptations, and baking recipes that blend Korean flavors with global techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Maangchi's approach to Korean baking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Maangchi focuses on clear, step‑by‑step visuals, often using everyday kitchen tools and providing cultural context, whereas many other channels may emphasize restaurant‑style plating or advanced techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Pecan Walnut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
11

Pecan Walnut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

A moist, flavorful carrot cake packed with pecans and walnuts, baked in a loaf tin and topped with a tangy cream cheese icing. This easy, one-bowl recipe is perfect for home bakers and improves in flavor and texture if left overnight.

1 hr 40 minServes 10$9
British/American
Savory cake with reblochon, carrots and zucchini
14

Savory cake with reblochon, carrots and zucchini

A flavorful cake made with farm reblochon, carrots and zucchini, scented with cumin, thyme, mint and parsley. Ideal for a country lunch or a gourmet appetizer in Haute‑Savoie.

1 hr 30 minServes 6$8
French
Carrot Pecan Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
53

Carrot Pecan Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced carrot cake layered with toasted pecans and finished with a rich brown‑butter cream cheese frosting. Inspired by Claire Saffitz’s Dessert Person cookbook, this celebration cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

3 hrs 17 minServes 12$9
American
Moist Orange Carrot Cake
13

Moist Orange Carrot Cake

A light, ultra‑moist French‑style cake that blends the natural sweetness of carrots with bright orange flavor. Made with almond flour, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon, this cake stays tender and can be finished with a warm orange marmalade glaze and crunchy praline topping.

1 hr 26 minServes 8$6
French
Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
304

Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced carrot cake loaded with shredded carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and toasted walnut crumbs. Perfect for celebrations or a comforting dessert any day.

1 hr 45 minServes 12$17
American
Moist Carrot Cake with Pineapple, Orange Syrup and Cream Cheese Frosting
116

Moist Carrot Cake with Pineapple, Orange Syrup and Cream Cheese Frosting

A super‑moist carrot cake packed with grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and a secret ingredient—finely chopped pineapple. The layers are brushed with a bright orange syrup and sandwiched with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. Finished with a drizzle of orange zest and optional walnut topping, this cake stays tender for days and is perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert.

2 hrs 15 minServes 12$12
American