some more easter treats

so... here are some more easter goodies... i figured what better way to honor the easter bunny than to make some yummy carrot cupcakes... i know, a real mind-blower huh... like nobody has ever made that connection before...

anyways... i went with this pumpkin cake recipe that is ridiculously good, and i added some shredded carrot and added more spice... all together a great cupcake was born... super moist and super delicious! and the vanilla bean creamcheese frosting was so creamy and smooth... i'm sad i only got to eat one... boo hoo, huh...

pumpkin carrot cake recipe:

recipe yields 12 cupcakes

dry ingredients:

1 cup cake flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg

wet ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2 eggs at room temp

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

8 ozs. pumpkin puree

1-2 cup shredded carrots

directions:

1. preheat oven to 350 and prepare cupcake tins

2. melt and brown the butter, set aside to cool

3. in a medium bowl, sift together all dry ingredients

4. beat the eggs lightly and gradually beat in the sugars and cooled

5. gently fold in the dry ingredients, dont overmix

6. whisk in the pumpkin and the carrots

7. bake about 17-20 minutes and cool completely

here are some topped with some toasted coconut... i had to take everyones word for it that these cupcakes tasted awesome, because unfortunately i am allergic to coconut... i know, i know, sucks to be me... don't let me get started on my food allergies... no watermelon, kiwi, cantaloupe, mango... the list goes on... and with summer coming too (insert my whiny face)

and here's some with just some simple multi-colored sprinkles... cause if you suffer from the debilitating illness of a coconut allergy you have to enjoy something else... food allergies and baking just don't mix!

i love the vanilla bean specks in the frosting...



and here's the easter bunny and my little guy... too funny