Lemon Frosted Carrot Cake Cupcakes

These moist carrot cake cupcakes are topped with a bright, citrusy lemon frosting, making them a delectable spring treat perfect for brunch or dessert.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 262 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk, or more as needed
• Reynolds® StayBrite® Baking Cups
• 1 cup mini jelly beans or chocolate egg candies
• 2 tablespoons lemon curd
• 3 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 0.125 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 cup canola oil
• 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line muffin pans with 24 Reynolds StayBrite Baking Cups.

Step 2

Stir together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3

Mix together carrots, oil, applesauce, beaten egg, and vanilla in a medium bowl until well mixed; add to flour mixture and mix just until combined. Divide batter among the prepared muffin cups.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 16 to 18 minutes. Cool cupcakes in the muffin pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5

Make frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and lemon curd in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in 2 teaspoons milk. Gradually beat in remaining 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreading consistency if needed.

Step 6

Frost cooled cupcakes with frosting, reserving a small amount. Make "nests" with coconut flakes. Dip jelly beans or candy eggs slightly into extra frosting and place in the "nests".