Spring Baking with Kraft {Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe}

Don't anybody move... and only speak in a whisper. Spring is right outside my window and, let me tell you, I won't be happy if someone scares it away.

There are only tiny patches of snow left and, while my eyes might be deceiving me, I'm pretty sure that the green stuff that I see on the ground is actually this thing called grass (I may be wrong, though. It has been a long time since I saw this phenomenon in person here).

As well as shunning our winter coats and scoffing at the idea of wearing thick winter boots, the kids and I love to celebrate spring in a way that makes us all happy: by creating a delicious baked good! Is there anyone that doesn't get excited while flipping through spring recipes and smiling over all of the options that look so fruity, crumbly and creamy? Throw in some pastels (and chocolate, if possible. Everything is better with chocolate) and the spring colors and flavors come alive.

Around here, we've even more into the spring spirit not only because we've been waiting what feels like forever for it to really arrive, but because we've been drooling over the variety of amazing recipes offered from none other than Kraft.

Photos by Kraft

Whether you're looking for quick dinner recipes, tasty lunch ideas or mouthwatering desserts, Kraft has everything from classics to unique twists to banana bread and beyond. Let me tell you, once you begin clicking from their peanut butter recipes (peanut butter cookies, anyone?) to their barbecue recipes to their variety of gorgeous cupcakes, it's hard to stop!

While I've always wanted to try making Deviled Eggs myself, when I came across Kraft's recipe for Cute Carrot Cupcakes, I knew that I had found a winner. Quick, easy and a flavor that the kids and I completely adore? What more could I ask for?

Cute Carrot Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 pkg. (2-layer size) carrot cake mix
¼ cup butter, softened
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
24 canned pineapple tidbits (about ⅓ cup), drained

Optional step: Take multiple deep breaths of the yummy batter smell.

Instructions

PREPARE cake batter and bake as directed on package for 24 cupcakes. Cool in pans 10 min; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

BEAT next 4 ingredients with mixer until well blended; spread onto cupcakes.

TOP with pineapple.

We couldn't help but turn up our spring fever a little bit by leaving out the pineapple tidbits and adding some pastel marshmallow flowers instead. I had never tried turning mini marshmallows into flower petals before, but, thanks to a pair of sharp kitchen scissors...

...it wasn't difficult at all to snips them into thirds and lay them right on top in a cute little flower design.

In fact, with the quick addition of a little pink sugar sprinkles, I was able to even make these fun flowers pop a bit more!

I'm far from being a professional baker by any means, but we were all pretty excited about how adorable and delicious these cupcakes turned out! I volunteered to supply the treat for Big Sister E's upcoming Spring Party in her kindergarten class, so I have a feeling that these will be a strong contender for filling that role!

Are you feeling the spring spirit? Whether you are inspired to create (or adapt) your own new recipes or want to have fun browsing the large number available from Kraft, it is easy to find a whole plethora of snack or meal ideas that are creative, delicious and fun.

What foods or recipes have you thinking spring?

This post is a part of a partnered campaign with Kraft Foods, however, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.