Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Pan - Line a standard cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This will help your cupcakes come out cleanly and make for easy serving.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sea salt, baking soda, ground ginger, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients - In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cane sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures - Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Carrots - Gently fold in the finely grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners - Using a scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
Step 8: Bake - Place the cupcake pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool - Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Frost and Serve - Once the cupcakes are completely cool, top them with your favorite frosting and sprinkle with crushed nuts.