Craving a healthy apple dessert that’s also incredibly satisfying? These Apple Carrot Cake Muffins are a perfect treat, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. You’ll love how simple they are to bake and how delicious they taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use any firm, sweet-tart apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- Carrots: Freshly grated carrots offer the best texture and flavor.
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar work well as alternatives.
- Greek Yogurt: Provides moisture; applesauce is a good substitute.
Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Add-ins:
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup finely diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, grater
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it. This ensures your muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, maple syrup, milk, Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure everything is well combined for even mixing.
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately
In another medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
4. Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
5. Fold in Apples, Carrots, and Walnuts
Add the grated carrots, diced apples, and optional chopped walnuts to the batter. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool Your Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variation Ideas:
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra chewiness.
- Top with a sprinkle of rolled oats before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Stir in a tablespoon of orange zest for a bright citrus note.
- For a healthier apple dessert, omit the walnuts to reduce calories.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Apple Carrot Cake Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in this recipe. The texture might be slightly lighter.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples and carrots?
A: It is recommended to peel the carrots for a smoother texture. You can choose to peel the apples or leave the skin on for added fiber, just ensure they are finely diced.
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: You can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for this recipe. Results may vary slightly.
Q: How do I prevent my muffins from sticking?
A: Always line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter.
Q: Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
A: Absolutely! These healthy apple dessert muffins are a fantastic and wholesome option for breakfast or a snack.
Q: What kind of apples are best for baking?
A: Firm, sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work wonderfully in baking.
