How to Make Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Before we had any of our stuff, before we had a permanent place to sleep, and right around the time I was starting to get really stressed about our recent move, my husband and I went for a relaxing, well-deserved lunch out. We picked one of Austin's most popular greasy spoons, Magnolia CafĂ©, and had the most unbelievably tasty sandwich and salad. All the while, though, I was staring up at the chalkboard advertising the desserts… warm cinnamon-apple cake, pecan pie, carrot cake. Oh, carrot cake. Be still my heart!
Knowing full well that Southerners know how to do it right (meaning, with LOTS of butter), I ordered a slice to go and dipped my fork into the plastic container while we waited for our check. Good god. It was the most velvety, rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert I had ever, ever had. Would one more "ever" make you believe me? Okay, then. EVER.
Though I don't think another carrot cake will ever come close to that experience (go to Magnolia and try a slice for yourself), I was pretty darn excited to try. With this recipe, it was a near-perfect success. The cake was buttery soft and mouthwateringly moist, and sorry scale, but I couldn't stop at one!
If you're a carrot cake lover like me, try these for yourself sometime and I think you'll agree that this easy, scrumptious recipe produces one incredible carrot cupcake with rich, heavenly cream cheese frosting. If want to impress, or if you like a little crunch, sprinkle on some chopped pecans for a sweet Southern touch. If you're like the rest of us, just gorge yourself on cupcakes and forget the garnish. Yum!
Servings 2 dozen cupcakes
For the cupcakes:
- 2½ cups 12.5 oz. all-purpose flour
- 1¼ tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. grated nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 lb. 6-7 medium carrots, peeled
- 1½ cups 10.5 oz granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups canola safflower or vegetable oil
For the frosting:
- 12 oz. cream cheese
- 7½ tbsp. unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 3¾ cups confectioners' sugar sifted
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Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt; whisk together and set aside. Shred the carrots (you should have about 3 cups) into the bowl with the dry ingredients and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk the sugars and eggs until frothy and thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Add the oil. Stir in the carrots and dry ingredients until incorporated and no streaks of flour remain.
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Scoop evenly into the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until totally incorporated, increase the speed and then beat until smooth. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired. (I used a Wilton 1M tip for my pastry bag)
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Enjoy!
How to Make Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Source: https://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2011/07/moist-carrot-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting.html