Go Back Email Link
+ servings

Spring Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing

These Spring Carrot Cake Cupcakes are ultra tender, moist and filled with the perfect amount of spice. Topped with an insanely delicious Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing- these cupcakes are the perfect addition to your Spring baking this season.
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Course: cupcakes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, cupcakes, easter, spring
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 cupcakes
Author: Kaylen Nicole

Ingredients

Carrot Cake Cupcakes:

  • 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots
  • ¼ cup sweetened coconut flakes
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon all-spice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ¾ cups canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 1 stick salted butter
  • 6 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
  • 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • a dash or salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-count muffin pan with foil or paper liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and all-spice. Using a wooden spoon, stir in canola oil, eggs, vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until the eggs are fully incorporated. Fold in the carrots, coconut flakes and nuts (if using). Gently stir just until combined, being careful to not over mix the batter.
  • Evenly divide batter into the cupcake liners, filling each cupcake ⅔-¾ of the way full. *Don't overfill the cupcake liners!* Transfer the muffins to the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Set the cupcakes aside on a cooling rack to cool for at least 30 minutes. Start on the browned butter icing.

Browned Butter Icing:

  •  In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. As the butter melts and bubbles, it will eventually start to foam and have a nutty aroma. As the foam begins to subside and the butter has a deep amber color, take off the heat. Carefully pour the browned butter into a heat resistant bowl. Place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until cool.
  • When the browned butter has cooled, add the room temperature cream cheese and butter to the bowl or an electric stand mixer. Beat on medium high speed for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Carefully add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Add the maple, vanilla, cream, cinnamon and a dash of salt to taste. Beat until the icing comes together, about 5 minutes.
  • When the cupcakes have fully cooled, using either an icing bag with a decorating tip or by hand, ice each cupcake with about 1-2 tablespoons of icing. Enjoy!

Notes

*Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator for optimal freshness*