Lemon Frosted Carrot Cake Cupcakes

This lemon frosted carrot cake cupcake recipe features a bright, citrusy lemon frosting, making them a delectable spring treat 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 two 12-cup muffin tins with baking cups.

Step 2

Whisk flour, white sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt together in a large bowl until well combined; set aside.

Step 3

Combine carrots, oil, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well mixed; mix into flour mixture just until combined. Divide batter among the prepared muffin cups.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Beat cream cheese, butter, and lemon curd together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar, beating well. Beat in 2 teaspoons milk. Gradually beat in remaining 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar. Beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreading consistency if needed.

Step 6

Spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes, reserving a small amount of frosting. Place coconut flakes on top frosting to make "nests." Lightly dip jelly beans (or candy eggs) into reserved frosting; place into "nests."