If you’re searching for a delightful treat that balances wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors, then you simply must try the Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream Recipe. These little bites are a genius twist on traditional carrot cake, offering moist, flavorful morsels packed with fresh grated carrots and crunchy cashews, all held together in a tender, lightly spiced dough. Topped with a luscious honey-sweetened mascarpone cream, they’re easier to make than you think and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just for a quick personal joy break.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, but you’ll be amazed at how simple and accessible these essentials are. Each one plays a special role, from adding moisture and texture to delivering a warmly spiced bite and a creamy, sweet finish.
- Carrots (200 grams or 7 oz): Fresh, grated carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color, forming the heart of the bites.
- Cashew nuts (150 grams or 5.3 oz): Roughly chopped for a delightful crunch and mild nuttiness—walnuts work well too if you prefer.
- Wheat flour (130 grams or ½ cup): The base that holds everything together, providing structure but keeping the bites tender.
- Corn starch (1 tablespoon): Adds lightness and helps create a soft, slightly chewy texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the sweetness of carrots and honey.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift to keep the bites from feeling dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors subtly, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- Egg (1, room temperature): Acts as a binder, helping the batter come together while adding moisture.
- Sugar (70 grams or ⅓ cup): A modest amount that sweetens without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Vanilla extract (2-3 drops): A fragrant accent that elevates the overall taste.
- Butter (70 grams or 2.5 oz, room temperature): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Mascarpone cheese (180 grams or 6.3 oz): The creamy base for the honey cream topping, smooth and indulgent.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Naturally sweet, it pairs perfectly with mascarpone for a light, floral cream.
How to Make Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and grating your carrots finely—this will help them blend seamlessly into the dough. Roughly chop your cashews or walnuts to add that irresistible nutty texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the wheat flour, corn starch, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will ensure the perfect crumb and spice distribution in your bites.
Step 3: Cream Egg, Sugar, and Butter
Using a mixer or food processor, beat the egg and sugar together until smooth, then add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve a light, creamy batter.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Switch your mixer attachment to dough hooks and add the grated carrots and chopped nuts. Keep mixing gently before gradually adding the flour mixture, blending until the dough is fully combined but still tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 200 °C (390 °F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a heaped teaspoon, drop dollops of dough onto the tray, spacing them out so they don’t stick together. Depending on your tray size, you may need to bake in batches.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the bites are lightly golden. Once baked, set them aside to cool completely to room temperature.
Step 6: Prepare the Honey Cream
Mix the mascarpone cheese firmly with honey until smooth and creamy. Chill this luscious cream in the fridge to thicken slightly and enhance flavors.
Step 7: Assemble the Bites
Take one cooled bite and spread a generous amount of honey cream on the flat side, then sandwich it with another bite’s flat side to create perfect little filled treats. Set them in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let everything meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted cashews on top for an elegant touch that adds a bit of texture and visual appeal. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and add a fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside a warm cup of chai tea or fresh brewed coffee for a pleasant balance of spicy and sweet. They also pair wonderfully with a berry compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to up the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few bites on a pretty plate, drizzling extra honey over the assembled treats for a glistening finish. Alternatively, place them on a small wooden board with edible flowers or serve them in mini cupcake liners for a charming party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, keeping the cream soft and the bites moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bites (without the honey cream) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. Freeze for up to a month and thaw in the fridge when ready to assemble and serve.
Reheating
Heat frozen or refrigerated bites gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm, but always add the honey cream fresh before serving to maintain its creamy texture and delicate flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute cashews with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans work wonderfully and give a slightly different but equally delicious nuttiness that complements the carrots and spices well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
While the original recipe includes egg, butter, and mascarpone, you can experiment with plant-based substitutes such as flax eggs, vegan butter, and cashew cream mixed with a bit of maple syrup to mimic the honey cream.
How long do the Cashew Carrot Bites keep fresh?
Properly stored in the fridge, these bites stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor might start to decline.
Can I use pre-grated carrots from the store?
You can, but freshly grated carrots tend to be juicier and add more vibrant flavor and moisture, which contributes to the perfect texture of the bites.
Is the honey cream sauce too sweet?
The honey cream is naturally sweet but balanced by the earthy flavors of the carrot bites. You can adjust the amount of honey if you prefer a milder sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream Recipe that makes it a total winner in my kitchen. It’s the perfect little homemade treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re serving guests or craving a wholesome snack, these bites will not disappoint. Give it a try and watch how quickly they become a regular favorite in your recipe collection.
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Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cashew carrot bites (10 sandwich pairs)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cashew Carrot Bites with Honey Cream are a light and moist dessert, offering a flavorful alternative to traditional carrot cake. Made with grated carrots, cashew nuts, and a blend of warm spices, these bite-sized treats are baked to perfection and paired with a sweet and creamy honey mascarpone topping.
Ingredients
For the Bites:
- 200 grams (7 oz) carrots (about 4 medium-sized)
- 150 grams (5.3 oz) cashew nuts or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 130 grams (½ cup) wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 70 grams (⅓ cup) sugar
- 2–3 drops vanilla extract
- 70 grams (2.5 oz) butter, room temperature
For the Honey Cream:
- 180 grams (6.3 oz) mascarpone cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots and Nuts: Peel the carrots and grate them finely. Roughly chop the cashew nuts or walnuts to the desired size.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine wheat flour, corn starch, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a food processor or mixer to beat the egg and sugar together until well blended. Add the room temperature butter and vanilla extract, then continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Carrots and Nuts: Switch to using dough hooks on your mixer. Add the grated carrots and chopped nuts to the wet mixture and blend well. Slowly add the dry flour mixture and continue mixing until the dough is evenly combined.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray: Heat your oven to 200 °C (390 °F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place heaped teaspoons of dough spaced apart on the tray, allowing room for spreading. Use multiple trays or bake in batches if needed.
- Bake the Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the bites are cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Honey Cream: In a bowl, firmly mix mascarpone cheese with honey until smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the Bites: Once the bites have cooled to room temperature, spread a generous layer of honey cream on the flat side of one bite. Sandwich it with the flat side of another bite. Repeat with remaining bites.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cashew carrot bites for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set the cream and enhance flavors.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled as a delightful, lighter alternative to traditional carrot cake desserts.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute cashews with seeds or omit altogether.
- Using walnuts in place of cashews adds a different flavor profile and texture.
- Ensure the butter is soft and at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Spacing the bites well on the baking tray prevents them from sticking together while baking.
- Chilling the assembled bites helps the cream firm up, making them easier to handle and enhancing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American


