Instructions

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups grated peeled carrots (2 to 3 medium carrots)

• Pecans or Raisins to add some fun flavors and textures (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces full-fat block cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar), add more as needed

Instructions

Cupakes

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until well blended.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, sugars, and vanilla. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, until combined.

4. Switch to a large rubber spatula. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, gently stirring until they disappear and the batter is smooth. Stir in the carrots. Add nuts and raisins if preferred.

5. Divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups, filling about 3/4 of the way to the top. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean (about 20 to 25 minutes).

6. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with a handheld mixer on medium speed until very creamy, about 2 minutes. If you don’t have a mixer, use a big wooden spoon and stir with as much force as possible!

2. Add the powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time and keep beating until fluffy. For a thicker frosting, add additional powdered sugar.

3. If you want to add a spicy touch to your icing, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg.

4. Frost cooled cupcakes! You can use a spoon to spread them or use a sandwich bag as a piping bag. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a piping bag with some fun nozzles!

5. Sprinkle pecans, raisins or any toppings of your choice and enjoy!