Carrot Cupcakes

These are definitely not carrot muffins – not with the mound of cream cheese frosting on top.   :)   But they are absolutely a delicious cupcake – the carrot cake is so flavorful – I was worried it would be bland with out the addition of many other flavorings that are typically in carrot cake – such as walnuts or pineapple.  But the carrot flavor really is the star of this cupcake.  They are also super moist and a great addition to any celebration you may have this autumn.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

for the cupcakes:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 lb. (6-7 medium) carrots, peeled
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups canola oil

for the frosting:

• 12 oz. cream cheese
• 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 - 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.  Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt; whisk together and set aside.

3. In a food processor fitted with a shredding disk, shred the carrots (you should have about 3 cups).  Add the carrots to the bowl with the dry ingredients and set aside. 

4. Wipe out the bowl of the food processor and fit with the metal blade.  Process the sugars and eggs until frothy and thoroughly combined, about 20 seconds. 

5. With the machine running, add the oil in a steady stream through the feed tube.  Continue to process until the mixture is light in color and well emulsified, about 20 more seconds. 

6. Pour into the flour/carrot mixture.  Stir to combine until incorporated and no streaks of flour remain.

7. Scoop evenly into the prepared cupcake liners. 

8. Bake for about 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.

9. To make the frosting - in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high 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.

Source: Annie’s Eats

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