Perfect Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
For the cupcakes:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the carrots and add-ins: Gently fold in the grated carrots, and if desired, add the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins.
Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the cream cheese frosting:
Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake.
Garnish (optional):
You can garnish the cupcakes with extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added touch.
Enjoy your Perfect Carrot Cake Cupcakes! They are wonderfully moist and packed with flavor, making them perfect for dessert or a special treat.