Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
-
Moist and Flavorful: The cupcakes are tender and packed with warm spices, making each bite a comforting experience.
-
Perfectly Balanced Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spiced cake beautifully.
-
Versatile: Ideal for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
-
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these cupcakes are beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
-
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup vegetable oil
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
-
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Cupcakes
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
-
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
-
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
-
Add carrots and walnuts: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution.
-
Fill muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
-
Beat cream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
-
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
-
Mix in vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble the Cupcakes
-
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake.
-
Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Tips
-
Grate the carrots finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter, providing moisture without large chunks.
-
Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting to achieve a smooth consistency.
-
Optional additions: Incorporate raisins or shredded coconut into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Storage
-
Refrigeration: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
-
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.
Conclusion
These Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful combination of spiced cake and creamy frosting in a convenient cupcake form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Print
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic carrot cake. Moist, flavorful, and packed with warm spices, these cupcakes are topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for any occasion, they’re easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cupcakes:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
-
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
-
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
-
Add carrots and walnuts: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution.
-
Fill muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
-
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool: Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
-
Beat cream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
-
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
-
Mix in vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
-
-
Assemble the Cupcakes:
-
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake.
-
Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
-
Notes
Grate the carrots finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter, providing moisture without large chunks.
Room temperature ingredients for the frosting will help achieve a smooth consistency.
Optional additions: Incorporate raisins or shredded coconut into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American