Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

I know you love delicious, nutritious, and utterly irresistible breakfast options just as much as I do! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen: Healthy and Easy Carrot Muffins. Not only are these muffins perfect for a quick breakfast, but they also serve as a healthy snack or a delightful treat any time of the day.

This recipe is presented in collaboration with Zoë for Pets. You know that Chloé is completely obsessed for her Zoe treats, especially these dental bones, which was the inspiration for this recipe! 

Why You’ll Love These Carrot Muffins

These carrot muffins are moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and the natural sweetness of carrots. They come together in no time and are made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, the addition of a crunchy oatmeal topping adds a textural contrast that elevates these muffins to bakery-level indulgence. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress.

More About Zoë for Pet’s Vanilla and Mint Dental Bones

A great alternative to treat your better half while promoting oral health. Their bone-like shape & chewy texture help maintain tooth and gum health while reducing bad breath and tartar build-up. They include Vitamin C for a healthy immune system and also helps prevent bad breath.

I know you’re dog will love these as much as Chloé does. Check out their line-up of products here: zoeforpets.com

What Makes These Carrot Muffins Healthy

Not only do these muffins taste amazing, but they also boast a variety of health benefits. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, essential for eye health and immune function. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, supporting digestion, while the nuts provide healthy fats, protein, and an array of vitamins and minerals. Opting for maple syrup as a natural sweetener and using heart-healthy oils make these muffins a nutritious choice for everyone.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Inspired by the classic carrot cake, these muffins are designed to deliver all the comforting flavors you love, minus the guilt. I wanted to create a recipe that feels indulgent yet is packed with wholesome ingredients. Drawing from the “bakery style” technique of starting the bake at a high temperature to achieve a high muffin top, these muffins not only taste fantastic but also look like they’ve just been picked up from your favorite bakery.

How to Shred Carrots for Cake and Muffins

To shred carrots for cake and muffins, start by washing and peeling your carrots. Then, using a box grater, choose the side with medium-sized holes. Grate the carrots by moving them up and down against the grater, applying firm but gentle pressure to create uniform shreds.

For a quicker method, you can also use a food processor fitted with a shredding disc. Just cut the carrots to fit the feed tube, then process until you have beautifully shredded carrots ready for your cake and muffin recipes.

Remember to measure the shredded carrots after grating for accurate recipe proportions.

Healthy Carrot Muffins Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake Muffins

• 1 3/4 cups of flour
• 1/2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/3 cup of vegetable or canola oil
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of milk (any kind works, I used almond milk)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped

For the Crunchy Oatmeal Topping

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of flour
• 1 tbsp of melted butter
• 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup of rolled oats

How to Make Carrot Muffins

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In another bowl, mix the oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk, and eggs until well combined.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the shredded carrot and chopped walnuts.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. For bakery-style muffins, fill each cup almost full, just below the muffin liner. You also may want to use every other cup in your muffin pan so the muffins don’t touch.
6. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the topping and sprinkle over each muffin.
7. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes, then, without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Per muffin (approximation):

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 11g (natural sugars from ingredients)

Tips for Perfect Muffins

• For an extra fibre boost, use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
• Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
• Feel free to substitute nuts or add-ins according to your preference.

How to Store Carrot Cake Muffins

To store carrot cake muffins, allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking. For short-term storage, keep them at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to one week.

Can You Freeze Carrot Cake Muffins

For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Other Muffin Recipes You’ll Love

• Healthy Apple and Cinnamon Muffins
• Peach Muffins with a Crumb Streusel Topping
• Healthy Strawberry Oat Breakfast Muffins
• Healthy Raspberry Muffins Recipe
• Small Batch Banana Muffins
• Easy Nutella Muffins
• Healthy Carrot Banana Muffins