Looking for a scrumptious treat that perfectly combines wholesome goodness with delightful flavors? Look no further! These Carrot Apple Muffins are an absolute delight that will surely have your taste buds dancing with joy. Bursting with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and the fruity goodness of applesauce, these muffins are a delightful blend of health and indulgence.
Healthy morning muffins
The fall season brings out all the orange vegetables into our kitchens and I really love it. Carrots are a great ingredient in desserts as they bring a moist and sweet flavor - I enjoy baking with them!
These yummy muffins can be great for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or simply a dessert at the end of a nice meal. The fact that the muffins are vegan makes them a even better fit for more people and occasions.
To replace the eggs, I used homemade applesauce. You can use store-bought but I love to know what is in the applesauce that I use so I make it myself. The flour I used for these muffins is whole spelt flour. This flour is healthier and adds a nutty flavor too. If you want, this recipe works with all-purpose flour too but will be less healthy.
To garnish the muffins, I used walnuts, flaked almonds and on some, I just sprinkled more sugar. The muffins doesn’t need to be garnished but I wanted them to look a bit more festive.
Another option is to turn the muffins to cupcakes with some cream on top. If you want, you can use my vegan whipped cream recipe made with coconut cream.
The muffins are very moist and rich with flavor thanks to the carrots and applesauce in them. To add a warm fall flavor and atmosphere, I added cinnamon which works great with apples and carrots. What can I say...these vegan carrot muffins are just perfect!
The recipe yields only 10 muffins. If you need more, double the ingredients. Another option is to bake it as one loaf cake, although baking time will be a bit longer – around 30 minutes.
Helpful tips to ensure your carrot apple muffins turn out perfectly delicious:
Grate the Carrots
Use a box grater or food processor to grate the carrots finely. This helps distribute the carrot flavor evenly throughout the muffins and ensures a moist texture.
Choose the Right Applesauce
The recipe recommends using homemade applesauce, but if you prefer the convenience, a store-bought option is also suitable. In that case, opt for unsweetened applesauce to have better control over the sweetness level of your muffins. Additionally, the unsweetened version adds moisture and natural sweetness without the need for excessive sugar.
Mix the Batter Gently
When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps in the batter are okay; they will bake out during the cooking process.
Don't Overfill the Muffin Cases
Fill the muffin cases only up to about ¾ full. Leaving room for the muffins to rise ensures a nice, rounded top without overflowing.
Use Quality Spelt Flour
Spelt flour is a nutritious alternative to regular flour. Choose whole spelt flour for a nuttier flavor and added health benefits.
Add Extra Texture with Nuts
The walnuts and flaked almonds not only make excellent garnishes but also add extra texture and a delightful crunch to each muffin. Be generous with them if you love nuts!
Adjust Sweetness
If you prefer your muffins sweeter, you can increase the sugar slightly. However, keep in mind that the grated carrots and applesauce contribute natural sweetness to the recipe.
Add Warm Spices
For more flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. These warm spices complement the carrot and apple flavors wonderfully.
Prevent Sticking
To prevent the muffins from sticking to the cases, you can lightly grease the muffin tins or use parchment paper liners.
Cool Before Storing
Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them. Storing warm muffins can create condensation and make them soggy.
Storage
Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
FAQS
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for spelt flour in this recipe. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield delicious muffins.
Absolutely! You can use melted coconut oil or melted butter (but then the recipe is not vegan anymore) as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil. They will add a delightful flavor to the muffins as well.
Yes, you can make gluten-free carrot apple muffins by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of spelt flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, such as baking powder and any store-bought applesauce.
Definitely! If you enjoy extra texture and sweetness, feel free to add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the batter.
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Keep in mind that these sweeteners may affect the texture and moisture of the muffins slightly.
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter clinging to it, bake the muffins for a few more minutes and retest.
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw the muffins at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite spices like cloves, cardamom, or a touch of allspice to customize the flavor to your liking.
Yes, you can use a muffin tray instead of muffin cases. Just make sure to grease the muffin cups well to prevent sticking.
These muffins will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
Other muffin recipes to try:
Bake these carrot apple muffins today!
Whether you're looking for a wholesome breakfast, a delightful snack, or a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, these Carrot Apple Muffins are the answer. They are incredibly easy to make, and with a baking time of just 20 minutes, you'll have these delectable treats ready to enjoy in no time.
Carrot Apple Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole spelt flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3-4 carrots peeled and grated
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For garnish:
- Handful walnuts
- Handful flaked almonds
- 1-2 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Set the oven to 170°C / 350°F with the fan.
- In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients to a unified batter.
- Pour the batter into muffin cases up to ¾ height - the cakes will grow in the oven so don’t overfill.
- Garnish each muffin with walnuts, almonds or just a sprinkle of more sugar.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Cool the muffins at room temperature.
- Have as many muffins as you desire and enjoy!
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