Moist Carrot Cake Cupcakes (Printable)
Tender spiced carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting - 12 moist treats ready in about 42 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
14 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
15 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract together until mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined to maintain tenderness.
05 - Gently fold in the grated carrots and, if using, chopped walnuts or pecans.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
08 - Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
10 - Once cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one with the prepared cream cheese frosting.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cupcakes stay incredibly moist without feeling heavy—a secret I wish Id known years ago.
- Spices and effortless cream cheese frosting make them unforgettable for gatherings and quiet nights alike.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter leads to dense cupcakes—stop just as the flour vanishes.
- Not waiting for cupcakes to cool before frosting will melt your beautiful swirl into a puddle.
03 -
- Grate carrots on the fine, not coarse, side of the grater for perfect tenderness.
- Always sift your powdered sugar for cloud-like frosting every time.