A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

June 11, 2011 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 15 Comments

One of my most used cookbooks is Nigella Lawson’s “How to be a Domestic Goddess“. It was so lovely to see Nigella as a guest judge this week on Masterchef. I was in the baking mood today and baked up a batch of her Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese icing -they are delicious.

Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Icing

For the cupcakes
100g light muscovado Sugar (I used brown sugar0
175 ml of sunflower oil
2 large eggs
225 g plain flour
3/4 tsp bicarb soda
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
zest of 1/2 lemon
zest of 1/2 orange
2 medium carrots grated
scant 1/2 cup walnuts chopped (I omitted the walnuts – my family don’t like nuts).
12-cup muffin pan lined with 12 cupcake cases

for the icing
125g cream cheese
250g icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar), sieved
1-2 tsp of lime juice
12 walut halves

Preheat the oven to 200 C. Beat sugar and oil together, then add the eggs one at a time. Add flour, baking bicarb soda, cinnamon, salt and zests, then fold in carrots and chopped walnuts. Spoon into the cupcake cases in the muffin tin and bake for 20 mins. Cool on a rack.

Beat the cream cheese until soft, then  beat in the icing sugar, then squeeze in the lime juice. Spread on the icing and place a walnut half in the centre of each cupcake.

I love the sweet cupcake liners I used – I bought them in the 100 Yen store in Tokyo. I boxed up a few of the cupcakes for my Mum and Dad.

Sarah and I have been doing some sewing today – will be back tomorrow to show you what we have been up to!

Filed Under: Cupcakes & Muffins, Recipes Tagged With: carrot, cream cheese

« La Laverie
Weekend Sewing »

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    June 11, 2011 at 2:36 am

    Yummy! I made carrot cake today, never thought of making them into cupcakes I must try these soon, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie says

    June 11, 2011 at 3:52 am

    Very professional. I think you need to open up a super cute bakery.

    Reply
  3. Bela says

    June 11, 2011 at 4:13 am

    Your images always make my eyes smile, dear Lisa!!! Lovely and delicious cupcakes!!
    I can imagine your sewing…oh, something wonderful coming!!!
    Love, Bela

    Reply
  4. suzitee says

    June 11, 2011 at 4:16 am

    Love love love carrot cake with cream cheese frosting…especially when they are packaged up so cutely! I haven’t read the Nigella book…must put it on my to-read list!

    Reply
  5. Roseanne says

    June 11, 2011 at 6:03 am

    The look yummy!!!! Did you made the cupcake liners? they look so nice.

    Reply
  6. noflik nifelje says

    June 11, 2011 at 6:23 am

    they look delicious and beautifull!!
    Have a nice weekend!
    kind regards
    Petra

    Reply
  7. kiki says

    June 11, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Mmmhhh, they look so delicious!
    As we still have a problem with fresh vegetables here in Germany, carrot cakes are a perfect alternative!
    Happy weekend,
    kiki

    Reply
  8. Christy says

    June 11, 2011 at 8:39 am

    It looks divine! The packaging is just splendid!

    Reply
  9. Chocolate Cat says

    June 11, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Nigella is a favorite of mine as well. Her Red Velvet cupcakes are on my list for tomorrow! What a lovely gift for your parents.

    Reply
  10. LissyLou says

    June 11, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    delish – cream cheese icing is the best!

    Reply
  11. Jenny of Elefantz says

    June 11, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    Lisa, I squealed as much as Shannon when Nigella appeared as a Masterchef judge! I use her cookbooks regularly, but especially love to watch her cooking through my Nigella dvd collection. Funnily enough, it is my 18yo son who watches both Jamie Oliver and Nigella dvds with me and not Blossom. He doesn’t cook but he enjoys watching the process.
    Yummy cakes, but it’s the way you present them that always causes me to catch my breath. 🙂
    Hugs
    Jenny

    Reply
  12. Dogwood says

    June 11, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Yummy-yummy.
    Sounds like delicious cupcakes. Thanks for the information.
    Cory

    Reply
  13. Kate says

    June 11, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    Oh Yum! Might be perfect for the walnuts I have left!

    Reply
  14. Talin's Corner says

    June 12, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Those cupcakes look yummy.

    Reply
  15. Katharina says

    June 13, 2011 at 11:59 am

    I love it.

    Have a nice evening.
    Katharina

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • {Back to School} Tissue Cover
  • Raw Edge Applique Tips
  • Sewing Gifts 101: Easy and Affordable Ideas for Your Crafty Friends
  • Fabric Gift Pouch
  • Free Holiday Sewing Tutorials

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar