I love making cake from scratch, but occasionally I’m just pressed for time and turn to the ever dependable box of cake mix. These carrot cupcakes are a combination of the two. You can go out and buy a box of carrot cake mix. Simple. Or you can doctor up a spice cake mix with your own fresh ingredients, like I did.
I am an avid baker as you probably already know, but I do keep at least two boxes of cake mix in my pantry at all times. Why? Because you never know when you might need them! Case in point, my daughter is a freshman in college. She didn’t really cling to cooking and baking the way that I did, but she still likes making sweets now and again.
She also loves carrot cake, so her and I made this recipe together. It’s ideal for young adults and college students who are never home, and great for someone who just prefers the convenience of a box mix.
I chose a cream cheese frosting I use for many desserts, but these would be great with buttercream, whipped topping, dusted with powdered sugar, or even topped with a canned frosting. Whatever strikes your fancy!
I used plain applesauce rather than a cinnamon flavor since we are using a spice cake. I also chose golden raisins as I prefer them, and grated up some fresh carrots.
After mixing up the batter and stirring in the ingredients, divide the batter among a paper lined cupcake tin.
Now be patient and let them cool on a wire rack. You can whip up the frosting while you’re waiting!
Enjoy.
More Doctored Cake Mix Recipes
Time Saver Carrot Cupcakes
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Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 box Spice flavored cake mix plus ingredients listed on box
- ¾ cup applesauce
- 2 cups finely shredded carrot
- ½ cup golden raisins
Frosting:
- 1 8- ounce package cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Line 2 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners. Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Mix cake batter according to direction on the back of the box.1 box Spice flavored cake mix
- To beaten cake batter, add the applesauce and beat a few seconds more until incorporated.3/4 cup applesauce
- Using a rubber spatula, stir carrots and raisins into the batter until well distributed.2 cups finely shredded carrot, 1/2 cup golden raisins
- Spoon batter into prepared cupcake tins. Bake according to the time chart on the back of the box.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on cooling racks before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, add vanilla and beat until incorporated. Turn mixer down to low and gradually add powdered sugar. When no dry traces are left, turn mixer up to medium high and beat for a minute or two.1 8- ounce package cream cheese, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Spear frosting on cupcake or pipe through a bag.
Expert Tips & FAQs
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Amanda Davis
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Layla says
Sounds yummy!! I’ve even used pumpkin to doctor up spice cake. It has all the spices needed, so then you have perfect pumpkin bar flavored cake/cupcakes!! Yummy!!
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, pumpkin is a great add in for a box mix!
Sherry Rentschler says
Amanda, your blog is so dangerous. I could drown in drool! Seriously, I love coming here and I lurk so much because it feels as though one could lick the pages. I’ve tried some of your recipes and they are heaven.
Because you inspire me and share so beautifully, I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award. Congratulations! I hope you accept.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks sherry, that’s very nice of you!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
You know, Amanda, baking is not my greatest talent, so I’ve always loved cake mixes. They always, always, always turn out better than my scratch made cakes. And I love being able to doctor them up with added ingredients. Great idea using the spice cake mix as a basis for this recipe. I’m sure the fresh carrots with that mix turned out fabulous!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Lana! Doctoring cake mixes is fun and such a time saver. I love to bake from scratch, but cake mixes bring me back to when I was a kid :)
Katrina says
Yum! Besides, the carrot cake mixes are weird with little bits of dried carrots. Perfect solution.
Thanks for the link love (again). You like pb/chocolate. Go look at those bars. I made them back in 2009, but they are calling my name.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Katrina, I will definitely check out the bars!