Classic Carrot Cupcake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) pkg frozen sliced carrots
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook carrots according to pkg directions until tender.  Drain & mash in a large bowl.  Add sugar, oil & eggs, beat well.  Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon & salt.  Beat into carrot mixture.  Stir in chopped nuts.  Pour batter into cupcake pan lined with baking cups.  Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool and frost.
Ingredients for Frosting

• 1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
• 3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest (from 1 orange)

Frosting Directions:
Blend cream cheese & butter in a large mixing bowl on low speed until combined.  Stop the machine & gradually add the sugar, blending with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is well combined.  Then add the orange juice & zest to the mixture.  Increase the mixer speed until the frosting lightens & is fluffy, about 1 minute.  Use at once to frost your cupcakes.
Makes approx. 23 cupcakes.

If you are a carrot lover then you will most likely enjoy this recipe with a passion. Also if you enjoy cheesecakes then this will be a great way to enjoy. And if you dont like frosting then its not necessary to put it but its waaaay better with frosting. In addition its a great cupcake to make during the summer to bring your energy up. Hope you enjoy!!! :)