Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist homemade carrot cake cupcakes, sweetened with a touch of applesauce and topped off with silky cream cheese frosting. A classic springtime dessert, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1/4 C vegetable oil
- 1/4 C granulated sugar
- 1/4 C light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 C carrots, finely shredded
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 C all purpose flour
- 1/4 C applesauce
Frosting:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 C unsalted butter, softened
- 3 C powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a standard cupcake pan with 9 liners.
- Finely shred carrots, using a hand grater or small food processor.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together vegetable oil with sugars. Mix in egg and vanilla, followed by salt, spices, baking powder and baking soda. Scrape bowl as needed. Add in carrots, mixing until just combined. Mix in flour, followed by applesauce. Mix until fully combined and no streaks remain.
- Divide batter equally between prepared liners using a large cookie scoop. Liners should be roughly 2/3 full.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for several minutes or until easy to handle. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When cupcakes have cooled completely, prepare frosting. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla, followed by 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time. Beat until fully combined and desired consistency is reached. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fit with a piping tip. Frost and decorate as desired.
- Enjoy immediately. If making ahead, cupcakes can be stored at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for up to several days.
Notes
A jumbo round piping tip was used for this recipe.
An original recipe from Baked by Rachel
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most accurate data, use your preferred nutrition calculator with the actual ingredients you used to make this recipe.
Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Snap a picture and tag @bakedbyrachel on Instagram!