Carrot Cake Cupcake
My mom grew up on a small Kansas farm and her grandma made these carrot cupcakes for special Sunday suppers. I changed her recipe a bit by adding pineapple, but kept its old-fashioned spice that fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. - Michael Gassen
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups canola oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 3/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (about 3 to 4) carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Makes 24 cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray 24 muffin cups with non-stick baking spray or line with papers.
With an electric mixer on low speed mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg. Add the oil and mix thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. By hand mix in the carrots, raisins, walnuts, and pineapple until thoroughly combined.
Using a spring-loaded scoop or a spoon, fill the muffin cups 2/3s full. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until a skewer or toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes and eat warm and plain, or let cool completely and spread with Cream Cheese Frosting. The cupcakes can be stored in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days.