Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Maple Carrot Cupcakes, featuring grated carrots and a hint of cinnamon, all sweetened with pure maple syrup. Topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting and optional chopped walnuts, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup neutral vegetable oil
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cups grated carrots
Frosting
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla flavoring
Topping (Optional)
- Chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the large eggs, vegetable oil, and pure maple syrup together until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined — do not overmix.
- Add Carrots: Fold the grated carrots carefully into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, pure maple syrup, and alcohol-free vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cupcakes. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Refrigerate the cupcakes once they are frosted to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for the best texture in the cupcakes.
- Use alcohol-free vanilla flavoring to keep the cupcakes suitable for all age groups.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the walnuts before sprinkling them on top.