Spiced Carrot Cupcakes with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in these delightful Spiced Carrot Cupcakes, a perfect treat for any occasion. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes combine the sweetness of carrots with fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether for a birthday celebration or a cozy afternoon tea, these cupcakes will impress your friends and family. Don't forget to garnish with fresh orange zest for an extra pop of flavor and color! Enjoy making and sharing this scrumptious recipe.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Macadamia nut oil
1/3 cup (Oil)
Orange juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Extract)
Large eggs
2 (Beaten)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Powder)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (Powder)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Spice)
Ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (Spice)
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Spice)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Common salt)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (Sifted)
Carrots, shredded
1 1/2 cups (Freshly shredded)
Cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces (Softened)
Confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup (Powder)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Extract)
Orange zest
To garnish (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, macadamia nut oil, orange juice, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined and smooth.
3
Sift in the baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture until evenly incorporated.
4
Gradually add the flour, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Fold in the shredded carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow for rising.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract.
10
Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
11
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each one with the cream cheese frosting.
12
Finally, garnish with fresh orange zest on top for a burst of citrus flavor and appealing aesthetic.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Carrot Cupcakes?
These are moist, flavorful cupcakes that combine shredded carrots with aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, finished with a rich cream cheese frosting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) before beginning the baking process.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to fill a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of macadamia nut oil for a unique and rich flavor.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While fresh is preferred, you can use 2 tablespoons of bottled orange juice in the batter.
How many eggs do I need?
You will need 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What spices are used in the carrot cupcakes?
The spice blend includes ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt helps ensure an even distribution and a smoother batter.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sifted all-purpose flour.
Should I use an electric mixer for the batter?
You can whisk the wet ingredients by hand and stir in the dry ingredients, but be careful not to overmix once the flour is added.
When do I add the carrots?
Fold in the 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots after the flour has been just combined with the wet ingredients.
How much should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each paper liner about three-quarters full to allow the cupcakes to rise properly without overflowing.
How long do the cupcakes bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I check if the cupcakes are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it is done if the toothpick comes out clean.
How long should they cool in the pan?
Let the cupcakes rest in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What are the ingredients for the frosting?
The frosting is made from 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Does the cream cheese need to be cold?
No, the cream cheese must be at room temperature to ensure the frosting is smooth and creamy.
How do I make the frosting?
Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth.
Can I frost the cupcakes while they are warm?
No, you must wait until the cupcakes are completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
What should I use for garnish?
Freshly grated orange zest is used to garnish the cupcakes for citrus flavor and visual appeal.
How much sugar is in the cupcake batter?
The batter contains 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Is there vanilla in both the batter and the frosting?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in both the cupcake batter and the frosting.
How much carrot do I need to shred?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of freshly shredded carrots.
What is the preparation for the salt?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of common salt.
Are these cupcakes dairy-free?
No, they contain cream cheese in the frosting.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of macadamia oil?
Yes, any neutral-flavored oil can be used as a substitute if macadamia nut oil is not available.
What makes these cupcakes moist?
The combination of macadamia nut oil and freshly shredded carrots provides a high level of moisture.
How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Since they contain cream cheese frosting, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What type of sugar is used for the frosting?
Confectioners' sugar (also known as powdered sugar) is used to keep the frosting smooth.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
While not listed in the main ingredients, you can easily fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.