OLIVE OIL CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES

Celebrate Easter with delicious Carrot Cake Cupcakes made using Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). These cupcakes are perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday gatherings!

Makes: 12 Cupcakes | Preparation Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup La Panza Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and slightly fluffy. Add the EVOO and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
11. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
12. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosted cupcakes for added texture and flavor.
13. Serve and enjoy your delicious Carrot Cake Cupcakes made with EVOO!

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!