Description
These Healthy Carrot Cake Cupcakes are a moist, flavorful treat made with shredded carrots, applesauce, and warm spices. They are easy to prepare, using wholesome ingredients, and baked to perfection for a guilt-free dessert or snack that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour (spelt, white, or Bob’s all purpose gluten free flour)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar (or coconut sugar or xylitol)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded carrot (200g)
- 1/2 cup applesauce (or yogurt)
- 1/3 cup oil (or additional applesauce)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp white or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with a dozen cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, sugar, and raisins if using, mixing well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large measuring cup or separate bowl, blend together the shredded carrots, applesauce (or yogurt), oil (or extra applesauce), vanilla extract, and vinegar until uniformly mixed.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until all components are moistened and the batter is evenly combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Immediately spoon the batter evenly into the lined muffin tin, filling each cup nearly full for well-shaped cupcakes.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin before removing. The cupcake liners peel off easily after a day’s rest.
- Optional Frosting: Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with your favorite healthy cream cheese frosting or any preferred frosting.
Notes
- You can use spelt, white, or gluten-free flour depending on dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Applesauce can substitute oil to reduce fat content and add natural sweetness.
- Substitute sugar with coconut sugar or xylitol for a lower glycemic option.
- Raisins are optional but add a nice chewy texture and natural sweetness.
- For a low carb version, consider using a keto-friendly flour blend.
- If frosting, consider a healthy cream cheese frosting recipe for best pairing.
