CARROT CAKE EASTER CUPCAKES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom and sides of one 13x9-inch pan or two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans with shortening; lightly flour. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed about 30 seconds or until blended. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the salt; beat on low speed 1 minute. Stir in carrots and nuts. Pour into pan(s).
• Bake 13x9-inch pan 40 to 45 minutes, round pans 30 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool rectangle in pan on cooling rack. Cool rounds 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Frost 13x9-inch cake or fill and frost round layers with frosting. Sprinkle nutmeg on frosted cake, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

Steps:

• Make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350° and line two muffin tins with liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 
• In another large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add milk and mix until combined, then fold in carrots and pecans. Fill liners ¾ full with batter and bake until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean, 20 minutes. Let cool. 
• Meanwhile, make frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until no lumps remain. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth, then add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. 
• Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and frost cupcakes. Top with toasted pecans.