Carrot Cake Cupcakes

This recipe uses a cake mix for a quick and easy way to enjoy Carrot Cake Cupcakes. I used a gingerbread cake mix leftover from the holidays, but you can also you a spice cake mix to make these carrot cake cupcakes, which is found year-round in the grocery store. With the easy addition of grated carrots, nuts, applesauce and raisins, you will have a full-of-flavor cupcake packed with healthy veggies, nuts and fruits! You can choose to eat un-iced, but if you would like to add a delicious and easy-to-make cream cheese frosting, find my easy to make recipe HERE.

Let’s begin:

How to make carrot cake cupcakes with a box spice cake mix:

Ingredients:

• One spice cake mix, or gingerbread cake mix (and ingredients listed on box to make)
• 4 medium carrots, grated (approximately 1 cup)
• 2 small (individual size) boxes raisins (roughly 1/2 cup)
• One 4oz cup of cinnamon applesauce (or regular is fine)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

Go ahead and grate the carrots. Then preheat your oven to 350℉ / 175℃ and line your cupcake pan (or spray with cooking spray.)

Mix together your cake mix, the ingredients listed on box and the applesauce until well combined, about 2 minutes.

Fold in the grated carrots, nuts and raisins until evenly distributed.

Scoop out 1/3 cup of batter into cupcake liners. I found that exactly 1/3 cup creates the perfect height and fullness as this recipe doesn’t rise as much as a regular cupcake. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean.

The cupcakes are packed with nutrition and flavor and you can definitely eat them as is, no icing……but, if you must, try my cream cheese recipe found HERE, that is simple to make, just using cream cheese, honey and orange juice. (You can easily use non-dairy cream cheese for a dairy-free option) or find my buttercream frosting recipe HERE.

If you want to add a dessert dirt and marzipan carrot for fun, crush up some Oreos and sprinkle on top middle and see my instructions HERE for making the marzipan carrots.

If you prefer to decorate your Easter cupcakes with buttercream frosting, find my easy recipe by clicking HERE.Use various Wilton piping tips to achieve different fun themes, like this carrot, grass and flowers as shown.

Enjoy!

💜Julie