Description
Indulgent simply carrot cake cupcakes bring warmth and nostalgia to classic dessert lovers. Moist, spiced batter crowned with silky cream cheese frosting promises a delightful escape that satisfies your sweet cravings with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcake pan by lining with paper liners and heating the oven to 350F (175C).
- Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg – in a mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly.
- In a separate large bowl, blend oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently fold grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Optionally, mix in chopped walnuts at this stage.
- Carefully distribute the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before applying cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Swap flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using applesauce or mashed bananas as natural sweeteners, cutting down calories.
- Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Ensure carrots are finely grated to distribute moisture evenly and create a tender, soft cupcake texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg