This Mini Carrot Cake is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It's everything you love about a carrot cake but in a single serve dessert. Topped with cream cheese frosting, this mini cake bakes in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: cake, carrot cake, carrot cake for one, cream cheese frosting, mini carrot cake, small carrot cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 10-ounce ramekin by lightly buttering or greasing it. In a small bowl, use an electric hand mixer at medium speed to combine the sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, and vanilla until well mixed, about 45 seconds.
In another small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar and butter mixture. Blend with the hand mixer on medium speed until the ingredients are well combined.
Pour in the milk and mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth batter.
Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans into the batter.
Transfer the batter into the prepared ramekin.
Bake the cake for 20-23 minutes. It's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the cream cheese frosting
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and butter until they're smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and uniform.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Notes
Butter Basics: For optimal results, use melted butter in the cake batter and softened butter for the frosting. Softening butter is a breeze—just let it sit on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before you intend to use it.
Advance Carrot Prep: Feel like getting a head start? Grate those carrots in advance and stash them in the fridge until you’re ready to make magic happen.
Nutty or Fruity Flexibility: Prefer walnuts over pecans? Go for it! A handful of raisins also complements the batter beautifully, adding another layer of texture and sweetness.