Best 5 Carrot Cupcakes Or Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes

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Carrot cake, a classic dessert with a moist and flavorful crumb, is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as either cupcakes or a layer cake. This versatile recipe provides instructions for both variations, allowing you to choose your preferred presentation. The cupcakes are perfect for individual servings or festive occasions, while the cake is an elegant centerpiece for larger gatherings. Both options are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that complements the carrot cake's sweet and earthy flavors. Additionally, this recipe includes a glaze made with orange juice and powdered sugar, adding an extra layer of citrusy goodness to the carrot cake.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CARROT CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting image

I love to serve lighter desserts that will satisfy those with a sweet tooth. I make these every Christmas Eve, but they're marvelous any time of the year. -Sara Pleso, Sparta Tennessee.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1-1/2 cups shredded carrots (about 3 medium)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
FROSTING:
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line 12 muffin cups with paper or foil liners., In a large bowl, beat the first five ingredients until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; gradually beat into brown sugar mixture. Stir in carrots and walnuts., Fill prepared cups two-thirds full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely., In a small bowl, beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 220mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges

CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting image

A much-loved American layer cake is scaled down to cupcake form. Even unfrosted, these cupcakes make delicious snacks-but the cream cheese frosting is simply delicious. Give them an Easter upgrade by borrowing a tool from German baking: a springerle mold. With a quick press, you can imprint a bunny design in circles of fondant. Get our step-by-step guide.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cupcake Recipes

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 pound medium carrots, peeled and finely grated
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, pod reserved for another use (or 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and finely chopped (optional)
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Cream Cheese Frosting for Classic Cupcakes
Sweetened shredded coconut, toasted, for decorating
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread nuts evenly on a rimmed baking sheet; toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning). Transfer sheet to a wire rack; let nuts cool completely.

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 standard muffin tins with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together carrots, eggs, sugar, oil, buttermilk, vanilla seeds, and raisins and nuts if desired. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir flour mixture into carrot mixture until well combined.
  • Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until testers inserted into centers come out clean, 23 to 28 minutes. Let cool in tins on wire racks, 10 minutes. Turn out cupcakes onto wire racks, and let cool completely. Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
  • Frost cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature, and sprinkle with toasted coconut (press gently to adhere) before serving.

CARROT CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     dessert

Time 1h10m

Yield 10 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 17

3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch ground nutmeg
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots, peeled)
1/2 cup natural applesauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
4 ounces low-fat cream cheese, such as
Neufchatel, at room temperature
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 12 standard muffin cups with paper cupcake liners.
  • Sift together the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a large stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the brown sugar, oil and eggs until well combined. Add the carrots, applesauce and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in 1/4 cup of the chopped walnuts.
  • Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • With an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Frost the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

SIMPLE CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Simple Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting image

Super moist carrot cake starts with freshly grated carrots! These carrot cake cupcakes are tender, lightly spiced, and full of flavor. Paired with a sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will take any spring celebration from good to great! Customize your mix-ins and decorate as desired.

Provided by eatcakebemerry

Categories     Cupcakes

Time 1h15m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup white sugar
4 ounces unsweetened applesauce
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup shredded sweetened coconut
¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained
¼ cup chopped pecans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
mini marshmallows, colored sanding sugar, pearl sprinkles, and/or mini chocolate candies as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners.
  • Whisk together sugar, applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla for cupcakes in a large bowl. Sift in flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; mix until well combined. Add grated carrots, raisins, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, and pecans; mix until fully incorporated. Scoop batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling halfway.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and butter for frosting with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in vanilla.
  • Frost cupcakes when they are completely cool; if they are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt. Decorate as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.2 calories, Carbohydrate 46.4 g, Cholesterol 47.9 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 162.8 mg

CARROT CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories     dessert

Time 2h10m

Yield 36 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
3 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups toasted walnuts
3/4 cup pineapple
2 cups freshly grated carrots (about 4 medium)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
One 8-ounce package plain cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Grated nutmeg, for garnish

Steps:

  • For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare three 12-cup standard muffin tins with cupcake liners.
  • Add the oil and eggs to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until lighter in color. With the mixer running, add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and vanilla, until well combined. Add the flour to the bowl and mix just until incorporated. Fold in the coconut, walnuts, pineapple and carrots with a rubber spatula. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter into each cupcake liner and bake two of the tins, switching and rotating the position of the tins halfway through, until deep golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool completely in the muffin tins on a rack. Bake and cool the remaining tin in the same manner.
  • For the frosting: Meanwhile, cream the butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large bowl with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and salt, then add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Top each cupcake with about 2 tablespoons frosting and swirl with the back of the spoon. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.

Tips:

  • To achieve moist and fluffy cupcakes: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. Additionally, do not overmix the batter, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
  • For a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating it with the butter. This will help to prevent lumps in the frosting. Additionally, gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition.
  • To decorate the cupcakes: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create swirls of cream cheese frosting on top of the cupcakes. You can also top the cupcakes with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or grated carrots for added decoration.
  • To store the cupcakes: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store the cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze the cupcakes, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

These carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their moist and fluffy texture, sweet and tangy frosting, and festive decoration, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give this recipe a try!

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