These subtly spiced Carrot Cake Scones topped with maple cream cheese glaze are perfect for a Spring or Easter breakfast or brunch spread!

Carrot Cake Scones with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

It always seems that within a week of the weather warming, and April quickly approaching, carrot cake takes over the internet. Seriously? Have you guys been on Pinterest or Facebook recently? It’s carrot cake central.

Well, I’m officially boarding the carrot cake train. And guess what? I’m totally cool with it.

I figured we have more than enough traditional carrot cake recipes to choose from, but scones?  Fluffy carrot cake scones that can served at all times of the day? Yes, please. People will judge you if you serve carrot cake with frosting for breakfast, but carrot cake scones with maple cream cheese glaze? Totally acceptable breakfast fare.

See what I did there? You’re welcome.

Carrot Cake Scones Ingredients

Truthfully though, I am a huge carrot cake fan. I’d take it over traditional chocolate cake any day of the week.

I can’t even really describe why I love it so much, but the combination of the subtle warm spices and sweet carrot win me over every time. It makes me think of tulips, light sweaters, and the first days of spring.

But really though, have you ever noticed how passionate people are about carrot cake? It is a hotly debated subject. People are very particular about it. Should it contain nuts? Pineapple? Flaked coconut? Almost every single version exists, and has its staunch group of supporters.

And let’s not forget the most hotly debated carrot cake addition of all time…raisins! I’m pretty sure raisins have caused more controversy in the the culinary world than foie gras.

Carrot Cake Scones with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

After some experimentation with my favorite scone base, I was able to make a scone that has all of the flavor characteristics of a classic carrot cake! The trick? Freshly grated carrot and just the right balance of spices, including ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg–the hallmark spices of a good carrot cake.

I was this close to adding dried coconut flakes, but decided against it at the last minute. No raisins, no pineapple, no coconut. Just a classic carrot cake inspired scone without all the frills or distractions!

I did add chopped walnuts for a bit of texture, but they are completely optional!

Flour with Cinnamon and Spices

This recipe comes together in very little time, particularly if you use a large food processor, which I have to say, is my favorite method for making scones. It allows you to incorporate the butter quickly, allowing it to stay very cold, which is ideal for producing light, flaky scones.

Since these scones have the addition of freshly grated carrot, which incorporates more moisture into the dough, it’s worth noting that they are slightly more cake-like in texture than a traditional butter and cream based scone; however, they are just as tasty!

Carrot Cake Scones with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze with Coffee

The icing on the scone? Literally?

The ridiculously over-the-top cream cheese glaze sweetened with real deal, Grade B (the best!) maple syrup. It’s thick, slightly tangy, and has a noticeable maple syrup flavor that complements the walnut-studded scones perfectly.

Unlike carrot cake, which can often be too heavy or overpowered by too much frosting, these scones have just the right level of sweetness that makes them suitable for breakfast, brunch, post-lunch snack, or tea time!

Spring has finally sprung!

Carrot Cake Scones with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Carrot Cake Scones with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Carrot Cake Scones with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

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Yield: 6 Servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
These carrot cake scones have all of the flavor characteristics of a classic carrot cake! The trick? Freshly grated carrot and just the right balance of spices, including ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg - the hallmark spices of a good carrot cake. They're drizzled with a decadent maple cream cheese glaze!

Ingredients

Carrot Cake Scones:

  • 2 cups (250 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (55 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup (110 g) packed roughly grated carrot
  • 5 tablespoons (2½ oz; 75 g) very cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup (240 mL) cold heavy cream plus more for brushing
  • turbinado or Demerara sugar for sprinkling

Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: 

  • 2 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) pure maple syrup
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon, plus 1-2 teaspoons heavy cream if needed

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the center position. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Prepare Scones: In a large food processor, fitted with a blade attachment, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse several times until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Add the grated carrot, and pulse 2 to 3 times. Add the cold, unsalted butter and pulse 10 times, or until the butter is no smaller than the size of a pea. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl, and stir in the chopped walnuts.
  • Create a well in the center of the ingredients, and pour in the heavy cream. Using a fork, stir the cream into the dry ingredients until the dough just comes together. Scrape the scone dough onto a clean, lightly floured counter-top. Knead the dough for 5 to 10 seconds until it comes together, and pat the dough into a 8-inch disc, roughly 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into six wedges (note: this will produce extra-large scones, you can also cut them into eight wedges, but reduce baking time slightly to adjust for size).
  • Transfer scone wedges to the lined sheet pan. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with heavy cream, and sprinkle them generously with turbinado or Demerara sugar. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Remove from the oven, and transfer them with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  • Prepare Glaze: Once the scones have cooled, prepare the maple cream cheese glaze. Combine the ingredients in the bowl of mini food processor (or use a hand-held mixer) and pulse until the glaze is smooth and all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated (scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary). The glaze should be relatively thick, but pipeable or able to be drizzled. Transfer the glaze to zip lock bag. Press and compress the frosting into one corner of the bag. Using scissors, make a small snip (about ¼-inch) at the corner of the bag. Carefully pipe the glaze in diagonal lines, back and forth, across the tops of the scones. Alternatively, you can use a spoon and drizzle the glaze over the scones. Serve.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 571kcal, Carbohydrates: 73g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 66mg, Sodium: 507mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 37g
Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate
Course: Pies, Tarts, and Pastries
Cuisine: American