Carrot & Walnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sometimes all you need are cupcakes...and when they are as delicious as these carrot and walnut ones, you'll find it hard to stop at just one.

I have included both Thermomix and traditional recipe details for this one because it's just too good not to share with everyone. They just melt in your mouth. Hope you enjoy!

Carrot & Walnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Makes 12

Cupcakes

50g (or 1/2 cup) walnuts

210g (or 3-4 whole) baby carrots*

130g (or 1 cup) plain flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

130g (or 2/3 cup) light olive oil

120g (or 2/3 cup) caster sugar

2 eggs

* Once grated, you should have 1 1/2 cups if using traditional recipe.

Frosting

60g cream cheese (I use Philadelphia)

30g butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

50g (or 3/4 cup pure icing sugar)

1. Chop walnuts. If using a Thermomix, chop for 4 seconds/speed 4. Set aside.

2. Peel and grate carrots. If using a Thermomix, peel and roughly chop into thirds. Then grate/chop for 10 seconds/speed 9. Set aside.

3. Sift flour, baking powder, bicarbonate soda, cinnamon and salt into bowl. If using a Thermomix, simply measure into bowl and mill for 10 seconds/speed 9.

4. For those working without a Thermomix, combine oil, sugar and eggs in a separate bowl and then mix the two lots together until well combined. Thermomix owners, add oil, sugar and eggs directly to bowl with other ingredients and mix for 20 seconds/speed 5.

5. Add previously set aside walnuts and carrot to the mixture and blend well. Thermomix users, mix for 20 seconds/speed 5.

6. Spoon mixture into individual cupcake cases and bake in 180 degree Celsius fan forced oven for approximately 20 minutes or until cooked through.

7. For the frosting, place cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a bowl and beat until pale. Thermomix users, place cream cheese, butter and vanilla in bowl and whip for 20 seconds/speed 3.5.

8. Gradually add icing sugar until combined. Thermomix users, add icing sugar and beat for 10 seconds/speed 4. Scrape down sides and repeat.

9. Once cupcakes have cooled, pipe a dollop of the frosting onto the centre of each one. If you want the tops of cupcakes completely covered, you will need to double the frosting recipe.