Carrot Cupcakes: A Delicious Way to Bake with Local Ingredients

Spring is finally here, and with it comes the perfect time to embrace fresh, locally sourced ingredients in our baking. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is with homemade carrot cupcakes—moist, spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting. But here’s a little secret: the best carrots for baking aren’t the just-harvested, crunchy kind. Instead, over-wintered carrots, which have been left in the ground through the colder months, develop a natural sweetness that makes them ideal for baked goods. If you don’t grow your own, ask your local farmer for some—they’ll be happy to provide these sweet, nutrient-rich gems.

Not only do these cupcakes taste incredible, but they also highlight the beauty of supporting local businesses. Using locally milled flour, such as our general-purpose flour, ensures a fresh, high-quality product while keeping your dollars within the community. Our flour is made in small batches right here on Salt Spring Island, using sustainable milling practices that prioritize quality and local BC agriculture. When you choose locally made products, you’re not just getting superior ingredients—you’re also investing in the farmers, millers, and artisans who make British Columbia a special place.

The Benefits of Baking with Over-Wintered Carrots

Many people don’t realize that carrots left in the ground through winter undergo a transformation. The cold triggers the conversion of starches into sugars, making them naturally sweeter and more flavorful. This makes them perfect for baking, as they add depth and moisture to cakes, muffins, and, of course, these delicious carrot cupcakes. If you’re shopping at a local farmer’s market, be sure to ask about over-wintered carrots—you’ll taste the difference!

The Perfect Carrot Cupcake Recipe

Now that you know why over-wintered carrots are a game-changer, let’s put them to use in this easy and delightful carrot cupcake recipe. This recipe is designed to showcase the best of local ingredients, including our general-purpose flour, which is milled right here in British Columbia.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups locally milled general-purpose flour (made in BC, small-batch milled on Salt Spring Island)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated over-wintered carrots (or locally sourced fresh carrots)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Combine the mixtures: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Frost the cupcakes generously and enjoy!

Why Shop Local for Baking Ingredients?

Shopping local isn’t just a trend—it’s a meaningful way to support the farmers and businesses that sustain our communities. When you choose locally milled flour, like ours, you’re getting a product that is fresher, more flavorful, and made with care. Unlike mass-produced flour that sits on grocery store shelves for months, our small-batch, made-in-BC flour retains its nutrients and natural quality.

More reasons to shop local:

Fresher Ingredients – Locally sourced ingredients are harvested, milled, and sold in a shorter time frame, ensuring better quality.
Supports Local Economy – Your purchase directly benefits local farmers, millers, and small businesses.
Better for the Environment – Less transportation means a lower carbon footprint.
Preserves Local Food Traditions – Buying from small-batch producers helps maintain unique regional flavors and techniques.

Where to Find Local Ingredients on Salt Spring Island

If you’re looking for the best ingredients to make these carrot cupcakes, here are some great places to start:

Salt Spring Island Farmers’ Markets – A great spot to find our locally milled flour (Tuesday Market), fresh carrots, and other high-quality ingredients.
Community Co-ops and Grocery Stores – Many carry locally made products!
Local Farms and CSAs – Consider signing up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box to get fresh, seasonal produce regularly.

Final Thoughts

Baking is more than just a way to create delicious treats—it’s an opportunity to connect with our local food systems, support small businesses, and appreciate the incredible ingredients grown and made right here in British Columbia. These carrot cupcakes are not only a wonderful way to use up over-wintered carrots, but they also highlight the quality and care that comes from using locally sourced, small-batch milled flour.\

So, the next time you’re in the mood to bake, choose ingredients that are made in BC, shop local, and support small-batch producers.

Your taste buds—and your local community—will thank you!