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Cozy Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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Moist and lightly spiced carrot cake cupcakes topped with a tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy occasions and quick treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (can swap for almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots, peeled)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (80g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  4. Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and crushed pineapple (optional).
  6. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ⅔ full.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt; mix until creamy and spreadable.
  10. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using a knife or piping bag. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender. Use finely grated carrots for best texture. Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened before making frosting to avoid lumps. Cupcakes freeze well unfrosted for up to 3 months. Frost just before serving for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, easy cupcakes, cozy dessert, spiced cupcakes, quick baking, moist carrot cake

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/cozy-carrot-cake-cupcakes-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/