Moist and Aromatic Carrot Cupcakes
Easy Carrot Cupcake Recipe for Beginners
Create perfectly moist carrot cupcakes that are ideal for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee. These delightful treats feature a wonderful balance of subtle cinnamon spice, crunchy walnuts, and a smooth cream cheese frosting. Elevate your homemade desserts to cafe quality!
Cupcake Batter
- 85g grated carrots
- 25g chopped walnuts
- 1 room temperature egg
- 75g melted unsalted butter
- 60g granulated sugar
- 85g all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1-2 drops vanilla extract or oil
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by lightly whisking 1 egg in a bowl. Gradually add the 60g of granulated sugar in three additions, whisking continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thick and pale yellow. This step is crucial for creating a fluffy texture.
Step 2
Pour in the 75g of melted butter and 1-2 drops of vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and has an ivory color. Ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, sift together the 85g of all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp baking powder, and 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smooth batter with no lumps.
Step 4
Add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg and butter mixture. Gently fold them together using a spatula, using a ‘figure 8’ motion. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes.
Step 5
Once the batter is just combined, fold in the 85g of grated carrots and 25g of chopped walnuts. Mix just until evenly distributed. The walnuts add a pleasant crunch, and the carrots contribute moisture.
Step 6
Spoon the batter into prepared muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise during baking.
Step 7
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 20 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 8
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the 80g of room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Sift in the 70g of powdered sugar and mix until well combined and creamy. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch.
Step 9
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting decoratively on top. Garnish with whole walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
