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The Best Carrot Cake Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Moist and flavorful carrot cake cupcakes topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Packed with warm spices and grated carrots, these cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using).
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
  9. Once cupcakes are cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with extra nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure carrots are finely grated for best texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
  • Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated.
  • Chill cupcakes for 15 minutes before serving for a firmer frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, moist cupcakes, carrot dessert, spiced cupcakes

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