CARROT CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting image

I love to serve lighter desserts that will satisfy those with a sweet tooth. I make these every Christmas Eve, but they're marvelous any time of the year. -Sara Pleso, Sparta Tennessee.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1-1/2 cups shredded carrots (about 3 medium)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
FROSTING:
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 12 muffin cups with paper or foil liners., In a large bowl, beat the first five ingredients until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; gradually beat into brown sugar mixture. Stir in carrots and walnuts., Fill prepared cups two-thirds full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely., In a small bowl, beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 220mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges