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
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Prepare the Cupcakes:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
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Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Add carrots and walnuts: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution.
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Fill muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
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Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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Beat cream cheese and butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
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Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
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Mix in vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
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Assemble the Cupcakes:
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Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake.
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Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
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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