Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat, a wholesome snack, or a tasty addition to your brunch spread, these Apple Carrot Muffins are sure to please. Packed with the natural sweetness of apples and carrots, these muffins are not only delicious but also a great way to sneak some extra fruits and veggies into your day. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy flavor that will make your kitchen smell amazing as they bake. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, these muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves homemade baked goods.
**Apple Carrot Muffins**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped apples, and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Apple Carrot Muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying. Feel free to customize these muffins by adding a sprinkle of oats on top before baking or drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk once they’re cooled. The combination of sweet apples, earthy carrots, and warm spices in these muffins makes them a delightful treat for any time of day. So, go ahead, bake a batch of these wholesome muffins and savor the comforting flavors in every bite!
