free counter with statistics Print

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

let’s create a detailed and engaging article about these Carrot Cake Cupcakes, 

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

For the cupcakes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated carrots (from about 2 medium)
  • 3/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped

For the frosting:

  • 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

These quantities are perfect to obtain a good result.

Gather all ingredients before to start.

Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making these Carrot Cake Cupcakes into easy-to-follow steps. I’ll guide you through each stage, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable baking experience.

Make the Cupcakes:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars. In another large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 6: Add Milk, Carrots, and Pecans. Add the milk and mix until combined. Then, fold in the grated carrots and toasted pecans.

Step 7: Bake. Fill the cupcake liners ¾ full with batter. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tins.

Make the Frosting:

Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together with a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer) until no lumps remain.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Salt. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt and beat until combined.

Frost and Decorate:

Step 1: Frost Cupcakes. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply use a knife or spoon) and frost the cooled cupcakes.

Step 2: Add Pecans (Optional). Top the frosted cupcakes with additional toasted pecans, if desired.

These steps are perfect and easy.

Troubleshooting

Let’s address some potential issues that might arise while making these Carrot Cake Cupcakes, and how to solve them:

Problem: My cupcakes are dry. Solution: You may have overbaked them, or you may have used too much flour. Next time, bake for the shorter end of the baking time range, and be careful not to overmeasure the flour.

Problem: My cupcakes are too dense. Solution: Make sure you didn’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser texture.

Problem: My frosting is too runny. Solution: Add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. You can also chill the frosting for a bit to help it firm up.

Problem: My frosting is too thick. Solution: Add a little milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

These solutions are simple and easy to follow.