Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Lisa Keys
This week I am happy to make an announcement. My recipe for Applesauce Carrot Cake Cupcakes won third place in the Our Family Garden Applesauce recipe contest. Now, you might not think 3rd place is a big deal, but this contest was such a joy to participate in for so many reasons other than winning.
First of all, this is a real family business headed by a man named Darvin. Everyone including the children are involved in making the best applesauce I have ever tasted. The applesauce, made from a variety of apples, comes unsweetened or with a touch of honey +/or cinnamon. Darvin sent each participating contestant 6 full size jars plus a gift of jam. His is a kind and generous business. I already felt like I won and my recipe testing had not even started, yet.
Inspired by such kindness and the perfect balance of fresh applesauce sweetness I went on to create 12 new recipes. (These days for most contests I only create 1 or 2 recipes at most.) Truth is this applesauce is so good on its own that it's almost a crime to transform it into something else. However, it did make every recipe I developed taste not only fantastic, but so much healthier to eat. I eliminated sugar and lots of fat without sacrificing any flavor in everything from baked goods to soups to a Korean style BBQ sauce. Win-Win-Win!
The icing on the carrot cake cupcakes is that one of my recipe photos was chosen to dress the cover of the cookbook Darvin and his family are putting together. I am just thrilled the family liked my food photography and styling, too.
Healthy Easter Dessert
Here is my winning recipe which was a huge hit at Easter dinner. It's a healthy carrot cake cupcakes makeover utilizing a touch of honey for sweetness and some white whole wheat flour for a wholesome boost in nutrition. Try them for Mother's Day.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅔ cup Our Family Garden Applesauce Touch of Honey
- 1 ⅓ cups finely grated fresh carrots
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz.) container mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 14 muffin cups with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside.
- In another large bowl whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add honey, oil and lemon juice; whisk until slightly thickened. Stir in the applesauce and grated carrots.
- Add wet ingredients to dry mixture blending until dry ingredients are moistened and well mixed.
- Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter.
- Bake about 20 - 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven, place on a wire rack, and let cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat mascarpone, honey and vanilla until well blended. Pipe or spoon the frosting on the top of each cupcake.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate the cupcakes until serving time.
Evelyn says
Congrats again Sis!
Great recipes, pictures and the cutest jelly bean taste tester!
Luv ya, 💞
Lisa says
Thanks. This really was a great contest and Annabelle loved the cupcakes
Ellen Aronheim says
So that carrot cake photo and recipe hijacked my thoughts, but Annabelle's photo stole my heart!<3
Lisa says
Glad you like the photos! Annabelle is the sweetest recipe ever
Louis Matino (@LouMatino) says
Great job with the 3rd place finish. Always good when you can reduce fat/calories without sacrificing deliciousness!
Lisa says
Tracy should make these
athomewrebecka says
I’m so happy for you Lisa! Congrats! I find so much joy looking at your food photography and reading about your applesauce recipes that it makes me want to bake and you know how much I don’t like to bake!! ❤️
Lisa says
If I am inspiring you to bake then I must be doing something right
Mary Shivers says
Lisa, I love this post about Darvin and the wonderful applesauce contest. I also created and sent in several recipes, which was unusual for me because of the photography involved. (Still working on my picture-taking skills!)
I htink I can speak for many of us who love to enter recipe contests when I say this one was truly memorable in the most postive way. Congrats on the win, sweet friend.
BTW, your beautfiul Annabelle is certainly starting to look like a little girl instead of a baby!
Lisa says
And big congrats with your second place win with those luscious looking brownies. I look forward to trying those, too. The is her birthday month. Can't believe she is two already.
Helen Fields says
Congratulations on your win! The cupcakes sound good, and look beautiful! I agree this contest was a winner all way round. Darvin was not only generous, but caring for all. Delicious applesauce, too!
Lisa says
Really a pleasure to witness that this type of business man exists. A great product from a great person.
Carol says
Congratulations Lisa! Great pic's, great recipe and that little dollie is so darn cute! Thinking of making this as a Bundt cake instead...anything I need to do different besides longer bake time?
Lisa says
I think it should work out fine as a bundt cake. Let me know how it goes. Send me a photo!
Ronna F says
You are such a great recipe creator, Lisa that I wasn't surprised that you placed in the applesauce contest! I enjoyed my applesauce too and creating recipes. I sent in 3......a hummus, a dip and a Hawaiian chicken. Your cupcakes look so good! I think I'll have to make them soon, but it will have to be with store bought applesauce!!!! And Annabelle is getting to be such a little lady! I love seeing photos of her!!!! <3
Stephanie says
I knew a baking recipe from you would not disappoint! Delicious!! Hope you are doing well!
Lisa Keys says
I am so glad you like the recipe and added such a nice comment. I will be making these for an Easter party next week.