Description
Moist and flavorful carrot cake cupcakes topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in nuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and serve.
Notes
- You can omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding to the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg