These moist and flavorful Carrot Cupcakes are packed with freshly grated carrots and warm spices, making them a timeless favorite. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you’re craving a comforting dessert. The optional addition of walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch, but these cupcakes are just as delicious without!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-24 minutes
Servings: 18
Ingredients

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Ingredients cream cheese frosting:

- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and slightly creamy.

- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.


- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.


- Fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full of the batter.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

- Make the cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and well combined.

- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

- Assembly the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or an offset spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting.

- Optionally, you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the frosting for decoration.

