Top moist carrot cake cupcakes with bright and citrusy lemon frosting for a delectable spring treat.
Original recipe makes 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
1 cup mini jelly beans or chocolate egg candies
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons lemon curd
3 cups powdered sugar, divided
2 teaspoons milk, or more as needed
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PREP
30 mins
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COOK
18 mins
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READY IN
53 mins
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin pans with 24 Reynolds® StayBrite® Baking Cups.
- Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine the carrots, oil, applesauce, egg, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add carrot mixture to the flour mixture; mix just until combined. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in muffin pan. Transfer cupcakes to cooling rack; cool completely.
- Top with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, reserving a small amount. Make "nests" with the coconut. Dip jelly beans or candy eggs slightly into extra frosting and then place in the "nests" to keep them in place.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Combine cream cheese, butter, softened; and lemon curd in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in 2 teaspoons milk. Gradually beat in another 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreading consistency.
Nutrition
Calories: 262 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45.3 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg
Fat: 8.6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1.8 g
Sodium: 130 mg