Description
Homemade carrot cake cupcakes deliver moist, spiced perfection for dessert lovers. Cream cheese frosting and warm spices create an irresistible treat you cannot resist sampling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated.
- Slowly integrate dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Incorporate grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional nuts or raisins by folding them into the batter carefully.
- Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should come out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Once cupcakes are completely cool, generously spread or pipe frosting on top of each cupcake.
Notes
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and smooth texture throughout the cupcakes.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for better mixing and consistent baking results.
- Replace oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version that maintains moisture and tenderness.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch in the cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 208 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg