Carrot Cake Cupcakes w/Cream cheese frosting

These are some of the BEST carrot cake cupcakes I have ever eaten. They are relatively low fat/good fat and you can cut down on the sugar if you want to make them even healthier. Of course, the frosting is what makes them over the top yummy and unfortunately, less healthy. Even though I have eaten a couple of them sans frosting, perhaps a light confectioners glaze over the top would work for those who are trying to watch what they eat. The recipe I loosely followed was on the Joy of Baking site. Here is my version:

Cake:

2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. oil (I used canola)
1/2 c. granny smith applesauce (I use two 4oz. prepackaged cups - regular applesauce will be fine, but won't impart the same bold flavor as the granny smith)
1 scant c. sugar (betcha brown sugar would be really good in this recipe...may have to try it or even cutting down on the white sugar and adding some molasses.)
4 eggs (egg substitute would be just fine in this recipe)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. grated carrots
1 c. grated apples

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix together the flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together oil, applesauce & sugar. Add in eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add in vanilla, apples & carrots.

Add in flour mixture beating slowly and mix until just blended. Drop into lined muffin tins (about 2/3 full) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean (or cake pops back up lightly pressed).

Cool completely on wire rack before frosting.

Frosting:

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese (I use light)
3 c. confectioners sugar

Beat together the butter and cream cheese until well blended and fluffy. Add in the sugar one cup at a time until it is all well blended and frosting is smooth. Frost in swirls with a large rose tip or use a small knife to spread the frosting on.

Cupcakes will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge. (or if your house is a busy as mine, they will be gone before 24 hours is over.)