Introduction
Carrot muffins are a delightful treat that combine the natural sweetness of carrots with a mix of wholesome ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are both nutritious and satisfying. With a blend of flours, spices, nuts, and raisins, they offer a wonderful texture and flavor. This recipe from Love and Lemons makes it easy to whip up a batch of delicious carrot muffins that your family and friends will adore.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
¾ cup whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled
½ cup almond flour, spooned and leveled
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon sea salt
⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup cane sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup raisins
¼ cup whole rolled oats, for sprinkling on top
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 16 to 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Enjoy the process of making these carrot muffins, and treat yourself to a warm, hearty snack!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and sea salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, avocado oil, eggs, cane sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add Carrots
Stir the grated carrots into the wet ingredient mixture.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the muffins remain light and fluffy.
Add Nuts and Raisins
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.
Fill Muffin Tin
Use a ⅓-cup measuring cup to scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups.
Top with Oats
Sprinkle the whole rolled oats evenly over the tops of the muffins.
Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform muffin texture.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Whisk wet ingredients until fully combined. This helps to emulsify the mixture, ensuring fats and liquids incorporate well for a moist muffin.
Folding Ingredients
When adding nuts and raisins, gently fold them into the batter. This technique prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense muffins.
Portioning Batter
Use a ⅓-cup measuring cup to ensure even portions in each muffin cup, promoting uniform baking and appearance.
Baking
Place muffins in a preheated oven to ensure a proper rise. Monitor baking time closely to avoid overbaking, which can dry out muffins.
Cooling
Cool muffins in the pan for a short time before transferring to a wire rack. This helps to set their structure while avoiding soggy bottoms.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with various flours, but keep in mind they may alter the texture and flavor of the muffins.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and ensure to use plant-based milk.
How can I enhance the flavor of the muffins?
You can add nuts, seeds, or spices like cardamom for additional flavor variations.
Can I substitute the sugar?
Yes, alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, but adjustments to the wet ingredients may be necessary.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
The carrot muffins are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect treat for any time of the day. Their moist consistency, enriched with grated carrots, nuts, and raisins, ensures a nutritious and satisfying bite. With the addition of warm spices, these muffins offer comforting aromas that can brighten your kitchen.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Banana Nut Muffins
Try replacing the grated carrots with mashed ripe bananas and adding chopped pecans for a rich, nutty flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Incorporate grated apples and a touch of maple syrup, along with additional cinnamon, for a sweet and fruity variation.
Zucchini Muffins
Swap out the carrots for shredded zucchini and enhance the flavors with lemon zest and a sprinkle of poppy seeds.
Chocolate Chip Carrot Muffins
Fold in some dark chocolate chips along with the walnuts and raisins to satisfy your chocolate cravings while keeping the carrot base.
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Substitute the grated carrots with canned pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
Nut-Free Version
Omit the walnuts and replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch without the nuts.
