Description
Delight in these Carrot Cake Cruffins, a delicious hybrid of croissants and muffins that captures all the flavors of classic carrot cake. Flaky puff pastry envelops a spiced carrot filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, baked to a golden perfection and topped with optional cream cheese frosting for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet (about 8 oz) puff pastry or croissant dough, thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Filling
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting or mixing with cream cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Spices and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This mixture will imbue the filling with classic carrot cake warmth.
- Roll Out Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle if it isn’t already in that shape. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface to help the sugar and spices adhere and to add richness.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the buttered surface, then distribute the grated carrots and nuts (if using) evenly on top.
- Form the Log: Carefully roll the pastry tightly along the long side into a log, ensuring an even roll to maintain layers of filling.
- Slice and Twist: Cut the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the inner layers. Take each strip, twist it gently to show the spiral effect, then coil each into a spiral bun shape and place each into a muffin cup with the cut side facing up.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cruffins are golden brown and puffed up.
- Optional Frosting: Once cooled, mix cream cheese with powdered sugar to create a smooth frosting. Spoon or pipe this onto the top of the cruffins to finish with a luscious carrot cake-style icing.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded for better texture and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts.
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed to prevent cracking when rolling.
- These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Leftover cream cheese frosting can be refrigerated and used for other baked goods.
