Simple Healthy Carrot Muffins Recipe
Carrots are on of the few things that will continue to hold over in the garden through the winter making it easy to keep this fresh vegetable on hand over the winter and prices tend to stay rather low compared to other vegetables. This healthy carrot muffins recipe is a great wya to make a fun and healthy treat that you can feel good about using this frugal vegetable like you would your favorite fruit.
While not as sweet as a carrot cake these carrot muffins are good for you and are just as decident as blueberry muffins on your breakfast table. They are also a great way to make use of the scraps from other carrot recipes if you are looking to help reduce food waste.
The Nutritional Power of Carrots:
Carrots are renowned for their vibrant orange hue and rich beta-carotene content, which converts to vitamin A in the body. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Additionally, carrots offer a dose of antioxidants, supporting overall well-being.
The Wholesome Ingredients that make these muffins good for you:
1. Carrots:
Grated carrots add moisture, natural sweetness, and a boost of nutrients to the muffins.
2. Whole Wheat Flour:
Swap refined flour for whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content, promoting digestive health and providing a steady release of energy.
3. Greek Yogurt:
Replace some of the butter or oil with Greek yogurt to enhance moisture, add protein, and reduce the overall fat content.
4. Nuts and Seeds:
Incorporate a variety of nuts and seeds, such as walnuts or chia seeds, for added crunch, healthy fats, and an extra nutritional punch.
5. Natural Sweeteners:
Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugars to maintain sweetness while avoiding unnecessary processed ingredients.
What you need for healthy carrot muffins
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots (try using the scraps from trimming carrots for this)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or seeds (optional)
How to make carrot muffins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, combine the grated carrots, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and melted oil.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Add nuts or seeds if desired.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t have to compromise your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. These carrot muffins offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures while delivering a dose of essential nutrients. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a guilt-free delight, and savor the wholesome goodness of these deliciously healthy carrot muffins. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!
