Oster Hasen Karotten Cupcakes

Easter brings with it the promise of spring, blooming flowers, and the joy of gathering around tables filled with festive treats. These Easter Bunny Carrot Cake Cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate the season—combining the wholesome goodness of spiced carrot cake with whimsical bunny decorations that will delight both children and adults alike. Each cupcake is a tender, moist masterpiece infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, crowned with a cloud of tangy cream cheese frosting, and transformed into an adorable bunny with marshmallow ears, candy eyes, and a pink nose. Whether you're hosting an Easter brunch, planning a spring party, or simply want to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, these charming cupcakes are sure to become a cherished tradition.

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What sets these cupcakes apart is the perfect marriage of flavor and presentation. The carrot cake base is enriched with applesauce for extra moisture, while freshly grated carrots add natural sweetness and a beautiful texture. The warm spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—evoke the comforting flavors of classic carrot cake, while optional walnuts or pecans provide a delightful crunch. But the real magic happens when you transform these simple cupcakes into playful Easter bunnies. With just a few creative touches using marshmallows, candy, and pink sanding sugar, each cupcake becomes a tiny edible work of art that's almost too cute to eat. Almost.

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) finely grated carrots, 1/3 cup (40 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
• For Decoration: 24 large marshmallows (for ears), Pink sanding sugar or edible pink glitter, 12 mini marshmallows (for bunny tails), 24 candy eyes, 12 pink candy-coated chocolates (for noses)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add carrots and nuts

Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using).

Step 6: Fill the cupcake liners

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the frosting

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy and smooth.

Step 9: Frost the cupcakes

Frost each cooled cupcake generously.

Step 10: Create bunny ears

For bunny ears, cut each large marshmallow diagonally. Dip the sticky side into pink sanding sugar for the inner ear.

Step 11: Decorate as bunnies

Press two marshmallow ears onto each cupcake. Add candy eyes, a pink candy nose, and a mini marshmallow tail to complete the bunny face.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly moist and flavorful, make sure your carrots are finely grated—this helps them incorporate seamlessly into the batter and ensures even baking. Don't overmix the batter once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a more tender crumb. When making the cream cheese frosting, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are truly softened to room temperature—this prevents lumps and creates a silky-smooth frosting. If you're preparing these cupcakes ahead of time, you can bake them a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Add the frosting and decorations on the day of serving for the freshest presentation. For the bunny decorations, work with one cupcake at a time so the frosting stays fresh and the candies adhere properly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These Easter Bunny Carrot Cake Cupcakes are wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans—the cupcakes will still be deliciously moist. If you want to add extra texture, try folding in shredded coconut or golden raisins along with the carrots. For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil. If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or try a whipped cream cheese frosting instead. The bunny decorations can also be customized—use different colored sanding sugar for variety, or swap the candy eyes for edible marker-drawn faces for a more personalized touch. For chocolate lovers, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for chocolate chip carrot cake cupcakes.

Serviervorschläge

These charming Easter Bunny Carrot Cake Cupcakes are perfect for any spring celebration or Easter gathering. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a stunning centerpiece at your Easter brunch or dessert table. For an extra-special presentation, place each cupcake in a small decorative basket lined with colorful Easter grass, or arrange them on a platter surrounded by chocolate eggs and spring flowers. They pair beautifully with a cup of fresh coffee, herbal tea, or cold milk for the little ones. If you're hosting an Easter egg hunt, these cupcakes make wonderful prizes or treats to enjoy afterward. They're also perfect for sharing with neighbors, bringing to potlucks, or packaging as edible gifts in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, but be sure to bring them to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.

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These Easter Bunny Carrot Cake Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they're an experience that brings joy, creativity, and the warmth of spring into your home. With their perfect balance of spiced carrot cake, tangy cream cheese frosting, and playful bunny decorations, they capture the spirit of Easter in every delightful bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at decorating for the first time, these cupcakes are approachable, forgiving, and guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a batch of adorable, delicious treats that will make this Easter truly memorable. Your family and friends will be hopping with joy!

Rezept-Fragen und Antworten

→ Wie erhalte ich besonders saftige Karotten-Cupcakes?

Durch die Zugabe von geriebenen Karotten und Apfelmus bleibt der Teig feucht und aromatisch.

→ Welche Gewürze eignen sich für diese Cupcakes?

Zimt und Muskatnuss verleihen den Cupcakes eine warme, würzige Note, die gut mit Karotten harmoniert.

→ Wie kann ich die Hasendekoration herstellen?

Große Marshmallows werden in Ohrenform geschnitten und mit Zuckerkristallen verziert. Mini-Marshmallows dienen als Schwänzchen.

→ Kann ich Nüsse im Teig weglassen?

Ja, das Mandel- oder Walnussaroma ist optional und kann einfach ausgelassen werden, wenn gewünscht.

→ Wie bewahre ich die Cupcakes am besten auf?

Im Kühlschrank bleiben sie bis zu drei Tage frisch. Vor dem Servieren Raumtemperatur annehmen lassen.