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A cupcake with a chocolate bird's nest and candy eggs on top and two Peeps Bunnies behind the cupcake.

Bird's Nest Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Sweet carrot cupcakes are made with raisins and nuts then topped off with vanilla buttercream frosting, chocolate shavings, and candy coated chocolate eggs.
4.75 from 4 votes
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

  • 12 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 c. carrots grated
  • 1 c. raisins
  • ½ c. walnuts or pecans

For the frosting:

  • 1 c. 2 sticks butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 c. powdered sugar
  • 1-2 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the decorations:

  • 1 large milk chocolate candy bar
  • 1 c. candy coated chocolate eggs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place cupcake liners in all 12 cups of a muffin tin.
  • In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar.   Add in the vanilla and eggs and mix well. 
  • In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. 
  • Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. 
  • Stir in the carrots, raisins, and walnuts and mix until just combined.
  • Fill the muffin cups with batter ¾ of the way full. 
  • Bake for 30 minute or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • To make the frosting place the butter in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer on medium high speed until fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar a half cup at a time and mix until smooth.
  • Add the milk, vanilla, and salt and beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
  • Pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cooled cupcake.
  • Using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife make long, thin sticks of chocolate from the chocolate bar. Pile the shavings or sticks on top of each cupcake leaving a hole in the center.
  • Place 3 candy coated chocolate eggs inside each "nest".
  • Enjoy!

Notes

A Hezzi-D Original recipe