Cherry Orange Bliss Carrot Cupcakes
Indulge in these delightful Cherry Orange Bliss Carrot Cupcakes, where every bite is a celebration of moistness and flavor. Dried cherries replace the usual raisins, adding a sweet and tangy twist to these scrumptious treats, while freshly grated carrots contribute to their enriching texture. The crowning glory is a luscious orange-flavored cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the cupcakes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Topped with a sprinkle of candied ginger or a plump dried cherry, these cupcakes are ideal for celebrations or a delicious everyday dessert.
24
Servings
104
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup (liquid)
Applesauce
3/4 cup (unsweetened)
Eggs
4 large (beaten)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (sifted)
Baking Powder
2 teaspoons
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons
Salt
1 teaspoon (table salt)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon
Carrots
3 cups (peeled and grated)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Powdered Sugar
2 cups (sifted)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Orange Zest
1 tablespoon (zested from 1 orange)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.
2
2. In an electric stand mixer, combine the sugar, oil, and applesauce. Beat on medium speed until well blended.
3
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6
6. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and dried cherries gently until evenly mixed.
7
7. Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about 2/3 full.
8
8. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, orange zest, vanilla, and sifted powdered sugar in your stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
10
10. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them using your preferred method. A fun technique is to dip the tops into the frosting for a lovely glaze effect. Optionally, garnish each cupcake with a dried cherry or sliver of crystallized ginger.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
1.04g
Protein
0.42g
Fiber
6.67g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cherry Orange Bliss Carrot Cupcakes?
These are moist carrot cupcakes that use dried cherries instead of raisins and are topped with a luscious orange-flavored cream cheese frosting.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 24 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What is used to make the cupcakes moist instead of just oil?
The recipe uses a combination of oil and unsweetened applesauce to ensure the cupcakes are moist.
What type of fruit is used in the batter?
Dried cherries are folded into the batter, providing a sweet and tangy twist.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The dry ingredients include ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and freshly grated before being added to the batter.
How long should the cupcakes bake?
Bake the cupcakes for approximately 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the cupcakes are finished baking?
They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
What ingredients are in the orange cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, orange zest, vanilla extract, and sifted powdered sugar.
How much orange zest is required for the frosting?
You will need 1 tablespoon of orange zest, which is typically the amount from one orange.
What are the recommended garnishes for these cupcakes?
You can garnish each cupcake with a dried cherry or a sliver of crystallized ginger.
How many calories are in one Cherry Orange Bliss Carrot Cupcake?
Each cupcake contains approximately 104 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 6.25g of fat per cupcake.
What is the carbohydrate content per cupcake?
Each cupcake has 12.5g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in a single cupcake?
Each serving contains 6.67g of sugar.
What size eggs does the recipe call for?
The recipe specifies 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
How much batter should I put in each cupcake liner?
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full, which is approximately 1/2 cup of batter.
How long should the cupcakes cool in the pan?
Allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What state should the cream cheese be in for the frosting?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
What is the protein content of these cupcakes?
Each cupcake provides 1.04g of protein.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of table salt.
Is there fiber in these cupcakes?
Yes, there is approximately 0.42g of fiber per serving.
What speed should the mixer be set to for adding dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients should be added gradually while mixing on low speed.
Can I use vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use either canola oil or vegetable oil.
How is the orange flavor added to the frosting?
The orange flavor comes from adding fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
What is the fun technique mentioned for frosting?
A fun technique is to dip the tops of the cooled cupcakes into the frosting for a glaze effect.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.