Carrot Patch Cupcakes Recipe

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 Looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday? Look no further than these Carrot Patch Cupcakes! With a moist and fluffy chocolate cupcake base, topped with a creamy and tangy chocolate buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. The finishing touch of edible “carrots” made from orange candy-coated strawberries make these cupcakes not only delicious but also visually impressive, and so cute for Easter.

Carrot Patch Cupcakes Ingredients

Chocolate cake mix, plus the ingredients from the box instructions
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Cocoa powder
Heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Vanilla extract
Oreo cookies
Fresh strawberries
Orange candy melts

For a detailed list of ingredients, see our printable recipe card below.

How To Make Carrot Patch Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cupcakes, according to box directions, and bake. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 3: To make the “carrots,” melt the candy melts by microwaving on 20 second intervals, stirring well in between, until melted. Line a tray or plate with parchment or wax paper, and set aside.  Rinse the strawberries and dry them well. Dip each strawberry into the candy melts, and swirl them around to coat. Let the excess candy drip off, and set the strawberries onto the parchment paper to allow the candy to set.

Step 4: If desired, after the first layer of candy has set on the strawberries, you can pour any extra melted candy into a small plastic storage bag, snip off the tip of one corner, and drizzle extra candy across the strawberries.

Step 5: For the chocolate frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the heavy cream, salt and vanilla, and mix to combine. Slowly add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well with each addition until it is all well combined and frosting has formed. If the frosting is too stiff, add just a bit of heavy cream, or if the frosting isn’t stiff enough to pipe onto the cakes you can add powdered sugar to get the perfect consistency.

Step 6: For the oreo dirt topping, toss the oreo cookies (creme removed) into your food processor, and blitz, or simply crush the oreos with a rolling pin or something similar to get your cookie crumbs. Sprinkle the crushed oreos over each cupcakes, and then top with a strawberry “carrot.”

Can I make the cupcakes from scratch?

Yes! You can certainly make your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe instead of using the boxed cake mix.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

You can! It may even be helpful to pre-make the candy-covered strawberries. I would wait to make the frosting and frost the cupcakes until ready to serve, but you’ll save a lot of time by making the cupcakes and strawberries in advance.

Can I use a pre-made frosting?

I don’t love using pre-made frosting. It is so easy to make your own from scratch, and you’ll get a great texture that sits up on the cupcakes. Usually, pre-made frosting isn’t made to hold its shape on cupcakes like we’ve done with these.

What tools do I need to decorate the cupcakes?

To decorate the cupcakes, you will need a piping bag fitted with a large 1M star tip. A food processor makes getting the Oreos to crumbs easy, but there isn’t anything else special that making this recipe calls for.

These adorable Carrot Patch Cupcakes are the perfect Easter treat, with fluffy chocolate cupcakes, decadent chocolate buttercream, and candy dipped strawberries that look like a carrot. If you are looking for a fun and festive Easter dessert, these cute cakes are Easter bunny approved.

More Fun Dessert Recipes You Will Love

Our Creme Egg Cheesecake is a fun and delicious no bake Easter dessert that our whole family loves.

For another fun little treat for the kids, these Easter Dirt Cups are so cute and festive.

Our Peeps Easter Poke Cake is made with bright pastel filling and frosting, and topped with Peeps marshmallows, of course!

Our Easter Dirt Cake is another cute and festive dessert that kids love.