In the Kitchen: Carrot, Raisin and Pecan Cupcakes

These easy cupcakes featuring Bella Viva Orchards’ Almond Flour, Pecans and Raisins are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit any time of the year. For Easter, try decorating them with our pastel-hued Jordan Almonds and purchased sugared Easter decorations. The frosting can simply be applied with a spatula if desired. Somebunny’s gonna love these!

Yields: 18 cupcakes

Prep Time: 30 minutes for cupcakes, 15 minutes for frosting
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Cupcake Ingredients:

½ cup Bella Viva Orchards Almond Flour
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ + 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
½ + 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup canola oil
¼ cup plain yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped Bella Viva Orchards Pecans
½ cup Bella Viva Orchards Golden Thompson Raisins

Frosting Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar

Garnish (optional):

Bella Viva Orchards Jordan Almonds
Purchased edible Easter decorations

Instructions:

Whisk flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs and oil until well blended and slightly frothy (about 2 minutes). Add yogurt, vanilla, carrots, Pecans and Raisins and mix well. Add dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Place cupcake papers in muffin tin. Using a ladle, fill each cup about halfway. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely – about an hour.

For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter and brown sugar until brown sugar is entirely dissolved. Add vanilla, salt and enough powdered sugar to make a frosting thick enough to pipe. Use a large star tip to frost cupcakes or simply apply frosting with a spatula.

Garnish as desired with Bella Viva Orchards Jordan Almonds and sugared Easter decorations.