Delicious Nutri-Carrot Muffins: A Healthy Snack Recipe!
Welcome to a world of deliciousness, where taste meets nutrition. In this recipe article, I will be sharing with you my Nutri-carrot Muffins Recipe that will bring joy and fulfillment to your taste buds. If you’re a fan of muffins and you’re looking for a healthy twist on the classic recipe, then look no further! These muffins are packed with nutrients, from walnuts to raisins to carrots, making them not only delicious, but also wholesome.
As a baker, I am always looking for new ways to create baked goods that are both delicious and nutritious. And these Nutri-carrot Muffins do just that! Carrots are the star of the show in this recipe, offering up their sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a host of health benefits. They are high in fiber which aids digestion and keeps you full for longer periods of time. And let’s not forget about the nutritious walnuts in these muffins that provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
I understand that muffins might not always be thought of as healthy options due to their sugar content. However, in this recipe rather than using refined sugar we opt for natural sweeteners like molasses and brown sugar. Moreover, we use whole wheat flour instead of white flour that adds fibers to our muffins, nuttin’ else!
These Nutri-carrot Muffins make for the perfect breakfast or snack. They are easy to make and customizable so that you can add your own personal touch through substitutions and variations listed later in the article. So hop on board, give this recipe a try and get ready to taste the goodness of carrot cake muffins with an added nutty twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these Nutri-Carrot Muffins! They’re not your typical sugary treat: made with wholesome ingredients like shredded carrots, whole wheat flour, and protein-packed walnuts, these muffins are a guilt-free pleasure that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
What sets these muffins apart from other baked goods is their balance of flavor and nutrition. The sweetness of brown sugar and molasses is complemented by the warm spice of cinnamon, while the moist chewiness of raisins contrasts with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. And with each bite packed full of fiber and protein, you can enjoy your muffin without worrying about any post-snack slump.
But perhaps the best thing about these Nutri-Carrot Muffins is their versatility. They make a fantastic breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon snack with a cup of milk or tea, or even a guilt-free dessert at the end of the day. So whether you’re looking to power up before a long day, refuel after a workout, or just indulge in something sweet without any added guilt, these muffins have got you covered.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make these delicious Nutri-carrot Muffins:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup canola oil (you can also substitute coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For those who want to make this vegan, you can substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. As for the gluten-free variation, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the following wet ingredients in a different bowl: egg, brown sugar, canola oil, molasses, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk together.
- To the wet mixture, add shredded carrot, rolled oats, raisins, and chopped walnuts; mix well.
Mixing the batter
- Combine all ingredients in the large mixing bowl with the dry mixture: stir well.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture in three parts and mix well after each addition.
- Remember to mix only until all ingredients are incorporated – do not overmix.
Baking and Cooling
- Lightly grease a muffin tin or add parchment muffin cups.
- Fill up muffin cups 3/4 full with the batter using an ice cream scoop or a spoon.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are puffed-up and golden brown.
- Take out from the oven to check if they have baked through by inserting a toothpick into a muffin – if it comes out clean, they are done.
- Let cool for at least 5-10 minutes before removing muffins from the pan and transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
This is an easy-to-follow recipe that will make about 12 healthy and delicious nutri-carrot muffins!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this nutri-carrot muffin recipe? No problem! Here are some substitution and variation ideas for you to try out:
– Walnuts and Raisins: While this recipe calls for walnuts and raisins, feel free to mix it up with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or swap the walnuts for almonds or pecans.
– Milk and Canola Oil: If you prefer dairy-free muffins, you can easily swap the milk with almond milk or soy milk. For a healthier fat alternative, try substituting canola oil with coconut oil.
– Brown Sugar and Molasses: You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or even honey if that’s what you have on hand. Adding molasses enhances the flavor of these muffins, but it can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
– Flour: This recipe calls for both all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. However, you could use any type of flour such as oat flour, coconut flour or even gluten-free flour if you’re on a gluten-free diet.
– Carrots: The star ingredient in these muffins is the carrot, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties of heirloom carrots or even add in some grated apple for extra sweetness.
– Spices: The cinnamon adds a lovely warmth to these muffins, but you could also add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a holiday-themed twist.
By making substitutions and variations to this recipe, you’re able to make these muffins more personalized to taste and preferences – proof that baking is as much science as it is art!
Serving and Pairing
These nutri-carrot muffins are perfect for any time of day! They can be served as a breakfast treat, a mid-morning snack, or even as a healthy dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving these muffins with some homemade whipped cream or cream cheese frosting to make them more like a carrot cake muffin. The sweetness of the frosting will complement the wholesome flavor of the carrots and nuts beautifully.
These muffins also pair well with a variety of other breakfast or brunch items. Serve them alongside some scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty and protein-packed breakfast. Alternatively, enjoy them with some fresh fruit and yogurt for a lighter meal.
For those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, why not pair these muffins with a side of greens? A spinach salad, topped with some sliced almonds and a honey mustard dressing would be the perfect addition to this already nutrient-dense meal.
Overall, these nutri-carrot muffins are incredibly versatile and easy-to-pair. Try experimenting with different accompaniments to maximize their potential!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Nutri-carrot Muffins recipe is perfect for making ahead as the muffins can be stored and reheated with ease. These muffins can last up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, ensure that the muffins have completely cooled before placing them in the container.
To reheat the muffins, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Once heated through (about 5-7 minutes), they will taste like they just came out of the oven! As an alternative, you can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture.
For those who like to bake in bulk, this recipe is perfect for freezing as well! By storing them in freezer-safe containers or bags, these muffins can last up to three months in the freezer. Simply take them out of the freezer and reheat as instructed above.
Not only is this make-ahead convenience perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks but also a great way to reduce waste and make use of every precious calorie and nutrition contained in each delightful muffin. With this recipe, you’ll never have to sacrifice taste for convenience!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure that your Nutri-carrot muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
1. Don’t overmix the batter: Over-mixing the batter can result in a tough muffin. Mix until all of the ingredients are just combined.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients produce the best results. Check if your baking powder is still active by dropping a teaspoon into a cup of hot water before use. If it bubbles and fizzes, it’s still good.
3. Measure accurately: Baking is a science, and measurements are crucial for perfect results. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you have the correct amounts of each ingredient.
4. Use room temperature ingredients: Letting your eggs, milk, and other refrigerated items come to room temperature before mixing them in will help everything blend together evenly.
5. Grease your muffin tin: Greasing your muffin tin will prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. You can use cooking spray or line the muffin cups with paper liners.
6. Don’t overfill the muffin cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full to avoid them overflowing during baking.
7. Sprinkle toppings before baking: If you’re adding toppings like walnuts or raisins, sprinkle them on top of each muffin before popping them in the oven for even distribution.
8. Rotate the pan during baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through baking time, as ovens can have hot spots that may cause unevenly baked muffins.
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with perfect Nutri-carrot muffins every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Nutri-carrot muffins are a delicious and healthy treat that you won’t want to miss. Not only do they taste great, but they’re packed full of fiber and protein, making them the perfect snack for any time of day. Using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners, these muffins provide a balance of nutrients that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a satisfying afternoon snack, these muffins are sure to hit the spot. So why not give this Nutri-carrot muffin recipe a try and enjoy a tasty treat that’s good for you too? With the added bonus of being able to customize these muffins to your liking by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits, it’s an easy recipe that you can make your own.
So next time you’re in need of something delicious and nutritious, reach for these Nutri-carrot muffins. They’re easy to make, easy to store and easy on the waistline. You won’t be disappointed!
Nutri-carrot Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fine grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
Instructions
- Mix the two flours, baking powder and salt.
- Incorporate brown sugar, cinnamon and carrots.
- Beat egg, oil, melasse and milk and add to dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add raisins and walnuts.
- Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and fill each muffin mold 2/3 full.
- Bake in 350 degree oven for 20- 25 minutes.
- Cool and store in cool place or freeze.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.