# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
12 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Vegetables and Add-ins
14 - 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
19 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Add vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract; whisk until mixture is smooth.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense cupcakes.
05 - Fold in the grated carrots, and if desired, incorporate walnuts, pecans, and raisins.
06 - Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full.
07 - Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
08 - Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently move them to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
09 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; beat until light and airy.
10 - Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost generously with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with additional nuts or grated carrot if desired.
