Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Show: Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger Episode: Old Favorites

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (145)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(145)

Cook Time:
20 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
10 cupcakes

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: 30 min
Cook: 20 min
Total:: 1 hr 10 min

Recipe Tools:

Select a Card Size

Add To My Recipe Box

Success

This recipe was added to your Folder_Name folder.

Do not show this message again

Add To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to add this recipe to your Recipe Box.

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup natural applesauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
4 ounces 1/3 fat cream cheese (recommended: Neufchatel)
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

Sift together the first 6 ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the oil, brown sugar and eggs until well combined. Whisk in the applesauce, vanilla and carrots. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in 1/4 cup of the chopped walnuts.

Divide the batter between the muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

With an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Frost the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts. The cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator.

Next Recipe

More recipes? Try these recommendations:

Similar Recipe

Carrot Cake

Picture of Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Photo: Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Similar Recipes

Recipes Like This

All About…

Recipe Collections

Showing 1-10 of 14

View all 14 Cake Collections

Comments & Reviews

recipe Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Jeannine Nutley, NJ 09-15-2009
Flag

Great First Birthday Alternative
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made these as cupcakes this weekend for my son's first birthday as an alternative to a traditional birthday cake since... we're trying to do as much organic and healthy stuff with him as we can and they were great! We actually had them without the frosting so parents would have a low sugar option and people on WW like me could save some points, and everyone loved them. Will definately be a 'go to' recipe from now on when looking for a healthy fun snack for my son and to bring to family parties. Read more
recipe Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Em Los Angeles, CA 09-11-2009
Flag

Interesting
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I decided to make these, because it was the easiest recipe for a carrot cake. I read all the previous reviews and noticed... that a lot of people complained about them being savory (so I added about half a cup of sugar) and liquid (so I added about a fourth of a cup of flour). I also had to keep them in the oven for twenty extra minutes. They came out a little dry toward the edges, but the frosting, which is pretty delicious, fixed that right up. Will definitely make these again and I will add the sugar and the flour, because they would've been pretty savory otherwise, I think.Read more
recipe Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Olesya newburyport, MA 09-07-2009
Flag

What's the green stuff in my cupcakes?
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I've made these cupcakes numerous times and I agree they are delicious. ...BUT each time i make them, that same day I notice... that carrots or something turns green making the cupcakes appear as if they are moldy! =( Is anyone else seeing this?? Thanks!Read more
recipe Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Kimberly Jenison, MI 09-06-2009
Flag

So good I ALWAYS double the recipe!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Hey, I'm buying an 8 oz block of light cream cheese anyway! If I'm getting out the food processor to shred carrots for 12... cupcakes (this recipe always makes 12 for me) then I'm going to shred 3 cups instead and have 2 dozen! Take 12-18 to the potluck or family event and leave a few at home!! These have become a staple for Father's Day in our family, as well as birthdays! According to my calculations, they are 5 WW points each. Read more
recipe Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Nikki Albemarle, NC 08-24-2009
Flag

Delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I was so pleased with this recipe! I made quite a mess in the kitchen while preparing it, but the results were totally worth... it! I was able to make 12 cupcakes out of the recipe and they came out to all be regular sized cupcakes. Really, the consistency of the cupcake is rather muffin-like, but there's no use in arguing over semantics when the finished product is so good. The topping's lemon zest adds a fantastic kick that really brings a lovely dimension to the cupcake.Read more
recipe Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Linda Lilburn, GA 08-10-2009
Flag

"the best cupcakes ever"
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

The only alteration I made was lowfat cream cheese..but I followed the other ingredients exactly..... My husband who is... addicted to sweets found these cupcakes to be very good....to be exact "these are the best cupcakes ever" Easy to make and the lemon zest makes your mouth water.. Keep the recipes coming..!!!! I am a huge fan of Ellie now because my husband doesn't give compliments often... and you can't eat just one!!!! I sure am glad healthy ingredients are in them.... Read more