Healthy Spiced Apple-Carrot Muffins
These Healthy Spiced Apple-Carrot Muffins offer a delightful combination of flavors and nutrition. Inspired by a classic recipe from the New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook, these muffins burst with the natural sweetness of apples and the earthiness of carrots, making them a perfect snack or breakfast option. With their soft and moist texture, they're wonderfully adaptable. Opt for sweeter apple varieties or adjust the honey for a customized taste. Enjoy them warm with a dab of butter or on their own for a wholesome treat that’s sure to please your palate.
12
Servings
150
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
non-instant nonfat dry milk solids
1/4 cup (none)
whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups (none)
natural bran
1/4 cup (optional)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
honey
1/3 cup (none)
oil
1/3 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
apple
1/2 cup (unpeeled and grated)
carrot
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the non-instant nonfat dry milk solids, whole wheat flour, natural bran (if using), baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
3
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add in the honey, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5
Fold in the grated apple and carrot until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup approximately 2/3 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
20
Carbs
3
Protein
3.3
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Healthy Spiced Apple-Carrot Muffins?
Healthy Spiced Apple-Carrot Muffins are a nutritious breakfast or snack option featuring the natural sweetness of apples and earthiness of carrots, inspired by the New York Times Natural Foods Cookbook.
How many muffins does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 12 servings of muffins.
What oven temperature is required for baking these muffins?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of whole wheat flour.
Are these muffins naturally sweetened?
Yes, these muffins are naturally sweetened using 1/3 cup of honey and the natural sugars from apples.
Do I need to peel the apples for these muffins?
No, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unpeeled and grated apple.
How many calories are in one Healthy Spiced Apple-Carrot Muffin?
Each muffin contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the protein content per muffin?
There are 3 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fiber is in each muffin?
Each muffin provides 3.3 grams of fiber.
Which spices are used to flavor the muffins?
The muffins are flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Is the natural bran a required ingredient?
No, the 1/4 cup of natural bran is listed as an optional ingredient.
How long should the muffins bake?
Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned.
What is the recommended serving size?
The serving size is one muffin, with the recipe yielding 12 total.
How should I prepare the carrots for the batter?
The carrots should be grated before being folded into the batter.
Can I use paper liners for the muffin tin?
Yes, you can either grease the 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts for these muffins?
Each muffin contains 6 grams of fat and 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the eggs be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the 2 eggs should be beaten before being mixed with other wet ingredients.
What type of milk product is included in the dry ingredients?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of non-instant nonfat dry milk solids.
How full should I fill each muffin cup?
Each muffin cup should be filled approximately 2/3 full with batter.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
They are done when they are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the texture of these muffins?
The muffins have a soft and moist texture.
Can I add vanilla extract to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of oil, though the specific variety is left to your preference.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can opt for sweeter apple varieties to customize the taste.
What are some recommended serving suggestions?
They can be enjoyed warm with a dab of butter or on their own as a wholesome treat.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should stir the ingredients gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
What are the main categories/tags for this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as healthy, whole grain, naturally sweetened, quick bread, and breakfast.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.