Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Okay. I have to say it. These are AMAZING. It has been a long time since I’ve had carrot cake. So long in fact, that I really had to think about what these should taste like! After several failed attempts, I believe I finally created something divine: Carrot Cake Cupcakes.

What makes this cupcake a rockstar? The shredded coconut, crushed pineapple and almond flour. The coconut adds texture. The pineapple adds texture and moisture. The almond flour adds moisture and is full of protein, making it a nutritious and delicious flour alternative.

I promise, if you make these cupcakes, people will be clueless that they are gluten & dairy-free. ;)

Carrot Cake Cupcakes
by Laura Friendly
Start to Finish: 50 minutes (not including cooling time)

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flours, sugars, shredded coconut, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, cinnamon and salt. Add in shredded carrots, mix until carrots are completely coated and the mixture has become crumbly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pineapple, eggs and coconut oil. Add mixture into the dry ingredients, and mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the 12 muffin liners, filling only ½ to ¾ full. Bake in the center of a preheated oven, for about 21 minutes, depending on your oven. At the 15 minute mark, rotate the cupcakes 180º. Bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool the pan briefly, then gently pop out the cupcakes and continue cooling on a wire rack.
6. Once completely cooled, frost the cupcakes and cover in an airtight container.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
by Laura Friendly
Start to Finish: 10 minutes

1. Place soy butter and vegan cream cheese, into a large mixing bowl, and beat until fluffy (using a hand or stand mixer).
2. With mixer running slowly, add in powdered sugar, ⅓ cup at a time, and beat until smooth. Scraping down the sides of the mixer as often as necessary.
3. Use immediately.

note: If the frosting seems too thick, add a little more vegan cream cheese (1 tbsp at a time) until it becomes spreadable. If it’s not thick enough, add in more powdered sugar (1 tbsp at a time) until it’s stiff but still spreadable.