Carrot Cake Cruffins

Carrot Cake Cruffins combine the best parts of two beloved treats: the soft, spiced flavor of carrot cake and the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant, shaped like a muffin. These irresistible pastries are perfect for brunch, a special breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Carrot Cake Cruffins are tender, flaky, and packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and a hint of sweetness. They look bakery-worthy but are surprisingly fun to make at home. Each bite delivers a delicious mix of textures and flavors — plus, you can customize them with your favorite nuts or a swirl of cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large eggs
• Shredded carrots
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Brown sugar
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

this recipe

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it stand for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Add the yeast mixture and eggs, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
5. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded carrots and brown sugar (add nuts if using).
6. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log lengthwise into strips, then roll each strip into a spiral shape. Place each spiral into a greased muffin tin.
7. Cover and let the cruffins rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Let the cruffins cool slightly. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cruffins. Total time, including proofing and baking, is approximately 3–4 hours.

Variations

• Add raisins or chopped pineapple for extra carrot cake vibes.
• Sprinkle a little shredded coconut inside for added texture.
• Top with a generous swirl of classic cream cheese frosting.
• Use chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–10 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

What is a cruffin?

A cruffin is a hybrid pastry that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator.

Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?

No, they’re delicious on their own, but a drizzle of cream cheese frosting really adds to the carrot cake flavor.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Traditional cruffins are made with a yeast-based dough, but you can use puff pastry for a shortcut. The texture will be slightly different.

How do I get flaky layers?

Rolling, spreading butter, and slicing/spiraling the dough help create those beautiful flaky layers.

Can I freeze baked cruffins?

Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Why didn’t my cruffins rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and your dough has enough time to proof in a warm environment.

What’s the best way to shred carrots?

Use the fine side of a box grater so the carrots blend into the dough nicely.

Can I add spices to the frosting?

Yes! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese frosting is delicious.

What’s the best way to serve cruffins?

Serve them slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Cruffins are the ultimate mash-up pastry — light, flaky, spiced, and sweet with just the right hint of carrot cake flavor. They’re sure to impress at any brunch or gathering and make baking at home feel extra special. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bakery-style treat fresh from your own oven!

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