Description
These festive Reindeer Face Carrot Cupcakes combine moist, spiced carrot cake with creamy cream cheese frosting, decorated adorably with mini pretzels, candy eyes, and red candy noses to create fun reindeer faces. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cupcakes are easy to make and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed, to thin the frosting)
Decoration Ingredients
- 24 mini pretzels (for antlers)
- 24 candy eyes (or mini chocolate chips)
- 24 red M&Ms or candy-coated chocolate (for the noses)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the finely grated carrots and chopped nuts if using. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Divide the batter evenly among 24 cupcake liners. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag for a neat finish.
- Decorate the Reindeer Faces: Place two mini pretzels at the top of each cupcake to resemble antlers. Add two candy eyes or mini chocolate chips near the top front for eyes. Finish by placing a red M&M or candy-coated chocolate at the center front of each cupcake for the reindeer’s nose.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the frosting to set for 10-15 minutes to firm slightly before serving. These adorable reindeer carrot cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties and festive celebrations.
Notes
- You can substitute nuts or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
- If you prefer a sweeter frosting, adjust powdered sugar quantity as needed.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use small candy eyes and mini pretzels that fit nicely on cupcakes for best appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
