CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Place fluted paper liners in 18 muffin cups.
• In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
• In bowl of your electric mixer, with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs until frothy.
• Gradually add the sugar and beat until the batter is thick and light colored.
• Add the oil in a steady stream and then beat in the vanilla extract.
• Add the flour mixture and beat just until incorporated.
• With a large rubber spatula fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts.
• Evenly divide the batter between the 18 muffin cups and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
• Beat the butter and cream cheese until very smooth with no lumps.
• Gradually beat in the icing until fully incorporated and smooth.
• Beat in the vanilla extract.
• With a knife or small metal spatula spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake.
• Place the sweetened coconut in a plastic bag along with a few drops of green food coloring.
• Shake the bag until all the coconut has been colored with the dye.
• Garnish with the green colored coconut and a foil covered chocolate egg.
• For the basket handles, place the ends of colored pipe cleaners into the sides of the cupcakes.
• Cover and refrigerate the cupcakes until serving time.