1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts or pecans, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. Bake the Cupcakes:
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the prepared batter.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or an offset spatula to frost each cupcake with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting.
- Optional: Garnish each frosted cupcake with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or chopped nuts for extra flavor and visual appeal.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the frosted Zucchini Cupcakes on a serving platter or cake stand.
- Serve them as a delicious and healthy treat for dessert, snack time, or special occasions.
- Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion: With their moist texture, delightful flavor, and nutritious ingredients, these Zucchini Cupcakes are a winning choice for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free dessert. Whether you’re a fan of classic cupcakes or seeking a creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, these treats are sure to please. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Zucchini Cupcakes.