Description
Moist and flavorful carrot cake cupcakes topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Packed with warm spices and grated carrots, these cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and 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 into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with extra nuts if desired.
Notes
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Chill cupcakes for 15 minutes before serving for a firmer frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg