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Banana Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Desserts, Cupcakes
  • Method: Baking and Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Banana Carrot Cake Cupcakes are a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, featuring the added sweetness of bananas. Topped with a creamy coconut cream cheese frosting, toasted coconut flakes, and Cadbury Mini Eggs, they’re perfect for Easter or any spring celebration.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cupcakes:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, measured solid, then melted and cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

Frosting:

  • 1 1/2 (8-ounce) blocks cold cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • Toasted unsweetened flaked coconut, for decorating
  • Cadbury Mini Eggs, for decorating

Instructions

Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a cupcake tin with liners.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs. Whisk in coconut oil, then mashed bananas, grated carrots, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a large spoon until incorporated. Add buttermilk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Stir until batter is mostly smooth with minimal lumps.
  5. Fill and Bake: Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cupcakes are set in the centers.
  6. Cool: Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

  1. Cream Cream Cheese: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat cold cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then increase speed once all sugar is added.
  3. Add Extracts: Add vanilla and coconut extracts, then beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If frosting is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add powdered sugar gradually.
  5. Frost and Decorate: Frost cooled cupcakes. Roll edges in toasted coconut and top with Cadbury Mini Eggs, if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure coconut oil is cooled to room temperature after melting to prevent curdling.
  • Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • Grate carrots finely for even distribution in the cupcakes.
  • Allow cream cheese to soften slightly before beating for a smoother frosting.
  • Toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
  • Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg