Lemon Frosted Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Top moist carrot cake cupcakes with bright and citrusy lemon frosting for a delectable spring treat.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 18 mins
• Total Time: 48 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
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
• ½ cup canola oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin pans with 24 Reynolds® StayBrite® Baking Cups.

Step 2

Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 3

Combine the carrots, oil, applesauce, egg, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add carrot mixture to the flour mixture; mix just until combined. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups.

Step 4

Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in muffin pan. Transfer cupcakes to cooling rack; cool completely.

Step 5

Top with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, reserving a small amount. Make "nests" with the coconut. Dip jelly beans or candy eggs slightly into extra frosting and then place in the "nests" to keep them in place.

Step 6

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Combine cream cheese, butter, softened; and lemon curd in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in 2 teaspoons milk. Gradually beat in another 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreading consistency.