Carrot Muffins

Carrot muffins are a cozy and nutritious baked treat that blends the natural sweetness of carrots with the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These muffins are wonderfully moist, tender, and lightly sweetened—perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a wholesome dessert. They’re also a great way to sneak some veggies into your day in the most delicious way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot muffins hit the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating) them:

• Moist, soft texture thanks to freshly grated carrots
• Naturally sweet and warmly spiced
• Easy to customize with nuts, fruit, or healthier swaps
• Great for meal prep and on-the-go snacking
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Ready in under 30 minutes

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• Vanilla extract
• Grated carrots (fresh, not pre-shredded)
• Crushed pineapple or applesauce (optional for added moisture)
• Optional add-ins: raisins, chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until mixed. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins like raisins or nuts.
6. Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 standard-size muffins.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Healthy swap: Use whole wheat flour or oat flour in place of all-purpose flour. Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey.
• Add-ins: Try chopped apples, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries instead of raisins.
• Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based oil and non-dairy milk.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or let thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I make carrot muffins more moist?

Use freshly grated carrots and consider adding applesauce or crushed pineapple for extra moisture.

Can I freeze carrot muffins?

Yes, carrot muffins freeze well. Store them in a sealed bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Should I peel the carrots before grating?

Yes, for the best texture and flavor, peel the carrots before grating them.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour.

What’s a good substitute for eggs in this recipe?

Flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) work well as a substitute.

Can I make carrot muffins without oil?

Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana as an oil substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly.

Can I add cream cheese frosting?

You can, especially if you’re serving these as a dessert. A simple cream cheese glaze works great on top.

Are these muffins good for kids?

Definitely. They’re soft, mildly sweet, and a fun way to sneak in some veggies.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Use high-quality liners or spray them lightly with nonstick spray before adding the batter.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best as they’re more moist and tender. Pre-shredded ones can be too dry.

Conclusion

Carrot muffins are a classic, cozy, and versatile baked good that you can feel good about enjoying any time of day. Whether you keep them simple or load them up with your favorite mix-ins, these muffins deliver on flavor, texture, and comfort. Bake a batch today and enjoy a wholesome treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

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