Fancy Carrot Cake Muffins

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

Step 2

Line a muffin tin with baking liners.

Step 3

In a medium sized bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.

Step 4

Set the dry ingredients aside.

Step 5

In a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until frothy. (This step could also be done with a hand mixer or just good old fashioned arm power, but a stand mixer makes it simple and quick!)

Step 6

Add the applesauce, oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and carrot to the bowl of the stand mixer. Combine well.

Step 7

Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and combine until moistened.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the lined muffin tin.

Step 9

Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick (they are done when the toothpick comes out clean).

Step 10

Remove the muffins from the tin and cool on a wire rack.

Step 11

Make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter in the stand mixer.

Step 12

Add the confectioner's sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until thick and creamy.

Step 13

Use milk to thin the cream cheese frosting until the desired consistency.

Step 14

Frost the muffins and garnish as desired!