Description
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm spices wafting through the kitchen on a slow morning? Unlike the dry, crumbly bran muffins of the past, these bakery-style gems are tender, flavorful, and secretly packed with fruit and veggies. By combining fresh carrots and sweet apples, we create a natural moisture that keeps the crumb tender for days. Whether you are trying to sneak more vitamins into a picky eater’s diet or simply prepping grab-and-go breakfasts for a busy week, these muffins are the answer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups Shredded Carrot (freshly grated)
- 1 medium Apple, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup Raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with parchment muffin liners.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This aerates the flour and ensures spices are evenly distributed.
- Emulsify Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat vigorously until smooth, slightly thickened, and glossy.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until the flour streaks disappear. Do not overmix!
- Fold in Produce: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, shredded apple, and raisins. Use a lifting motion to distribute evenly without deflating the batter.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly into the muffin tins. Bake in the center of the oven for 25 to 29 minutes.
- Cool: The muffins are done when the tops are deep golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- The Apple Secret: The addition of grated apple provides natural pectin and sweetness, which is the secret weapon for keeping the muffins moist.
- Don’t Overmix: Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are combined. Overworking the batter develops gluten, which turns soft muffins into tough, rubbery pucks.
- Oven Temp: The initial heat of 375°F is crucial for activating the baking powder and achieving a high-domed muffin top.
- Fresh Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded bagged ones for the best moisture content.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 29 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Muffin, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 19 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
