Friday, September 16, 2011

Fall Carrot Cupcake


Today was the first day it has felt like fall; colder weather and a crisp breeze called for a few layers.  So naturally, I decided to bake a cupcake suited to the changing seasons.  Since I had received carrots in my farm share this week, I decided to go with carrot cupcakes.


I used a recipe that called for some cinnamon and nutmeg, but since I didn't have nutmeg I just added a bit extra cinnamon, and it worked perfectly.  These are probably my new favorite fall cupcake, the carrots are wonderfully framed with some walnuts and spices, and the cream cheese icing is just perfect on top.

Happy (almost) Fall!
Margaret


Carrot Cupcakes
Adapted from Gourmet March 1995
Makes 14-16 Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup firmly backed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cup carrots (about 4), peeled and shredded
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped fine, toasted lightly, and cooled

Pretheat oven to 350°.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Set aside.  In another bowl mix oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Stir in walnuts and carrots.  Add flour mixture and stir until just combined.  Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Cream Cheese Icing

6 tablespoons butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese
1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.  Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at  a time until desired sweetness.  Add vanilla and mix well.

9 comments:

  1. I love adding veggies to desserts :) makes it just a little bit guilty!

    http://milk-and-tea.blogspot.com

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  2. Thank Kathy! These had a ton of carrots and tasted absolutely perfect.

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  3. Yum! looks delish :) love your blog!

    Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming

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  4. these are beautiful. simple, understated and absolutely perfect !

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  5. These look excellent and so beautiful! Found you on food gawker and I was gawk/drooling over these carrot cakes!
    Laura @ A Healthy Jalapeño

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  6. Thank you all so much for the lovely comments!

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  7. I love carrot cake and this recipe sounds delicious!

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  8. I made these for my son's birthday and they were loved by all! Thanks for sharing.

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  9. These sound delicious! Can't wait to try them out :)

    I featured you on my blog today, come on over and check it out: http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/09/pinteresting-features-n-shtuff-50.html

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