Go Back
–+ servings
Carrot Cupcake High Protein

High-Protein Carrot Cake Cupcakes (Healthy Low Sugar)

No ratings yet
Fluffy, spiced, and moist carrot cake cupcakes made with a sneaky high-protein base of blended cottage cheese and banana. No oil or butter required!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 7.6 oz Carrot Cake Mix (approx. 1/2 box)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
  • 1 medium Ripe Banana approx 1/2 cup mashed
  • 3/4 cup Crushed Pineapple do not drain juice
  • 30 g Vanilla Whey/Casein Protein Powder Whey/casein blend recommended
  • 12 Pecan Halves for topping

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and banana. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and liquified.
  3. In a large bowl, add the carrot cake mix, protein powder, blended wet mixture, and crushed pineapple (with its juice).
  4. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups. Place one pecan half on top of each.
  6. Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Nutrition

Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 3g

Notes

High-Protein Carrot Cake Cupcakes Tips & Expert Strategy

TEXTURE/MOUTHFEEL: Expect a very moist, dense, and tender crumb. Because fruit and cottage cheese provide moisture instead of oil, these feel more like a decadent bakery cake than a light sponge.
WHEY VS CASEIN WARNING: Using 100% whey protein can result in a rubbery texture that toughens as it cools. A whey/casein blend helps maintain a soft, flour-like crumb.
THE MELLOWING EFFECT: These cupcakes taste better 2–3 hours after baking or even the next day, giving the spices and pineapple juice time to permeate the protein structure.
PROFESSIONAL FINISH: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. For frosting, a simple mix of Greek yogurt and protein powder works as a high-protein cream cheese alternative.

Tried this recipe?

Mention or tag @bakedlean!