Spiced Zucchini Carrot Muffins with Tropical Twists
These Spiced Zucchini Carrot Muffins are a delightful twist on a classic recipe, combining the sweetness of grated zucchini and carrot with the exotic flavor of crushed pineapple and apple. The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create an inviting aroma, while the moist texture ensures each bite is filled with flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these muffins are especially appealing to kids who may be hesitant about vegetables. Enjoy them plain or add a drizzle of cream cheese icing for an extra touch of indulgence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Eggs
3 (large)
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (canola or sunflower oil)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
Grated Zucchini
2 cups (squeezed of excess moisture)
Grated Carrot
1/2 cup (one large carrot, squeezed of excess moisture)
Grated Apple
1/2 cup (one medium apple, squeezed of excess moisture)
Crushed Pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (in juice)
All-Purpose Flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (baking)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (baking)
Salt
1 teaspoon (table salt)
Ground Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground Clove
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tins with paper liners or grease them with cooking spray.
2
Prepare the zucchini and apple by grating them and squeezing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect muffin texture.
3
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
4
In a larger bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Add the grated zucchini, carrot, grated apple, and crushed pineapple (with juice) to the wet mixture, and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
6
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your muffins fluffy.
7
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full. If desired, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added texture.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you opt for loaf pans, bake for about 60 minutes.
9
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling cream cheese icing over each muffin.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Spiced Zucchini Carrot Muffins with Tropical Twists.
What vegetables are included in these muffins?
These muffins contain grated zucchini and grated carrot.
Which fruits are used in the batter?
The recipe uses grated apple and crushed pineapple in juice.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the muffins need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Can I bake this recipe as a loaf instead of muffins?
Yes, you can bake it in loaf pans for about 60 minutes.
Why is it important to squeeze the zucchini and apple?
Squeezing out excess moisture is crucial for achieving the perfect muffin texture.
What spices provide the aroma in this recipe?
The spices used are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs.
What kind of oil should I use?
You should use 1 cup of vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil.
How much all-purpose flour is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much sugar does the recipe require?
It requires 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Should the crushed pineapple be drained?
No, the crushed pineapple should be used with its juice.
How full should the muffin tins be filled?
Each muffin cup should be filled about two-thirds full.
What are some suggested toppings for extra texture?
You can top the muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.
Is there a recommended icing for these muffins?
A drizzle of cream cheese icing is suggested for an extra touch of indulgence.
How much grated zucchini is needed?
You need 2 cups of grated zucchini that has been squeezed of excess moisture.
How much grated carrot is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated carrot, which is about one large carrot.
How much grated apple is needed?
You need 1/2 cup of grated apple, approximately one medium apple.
What is the doneness test for these muffins?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How much vanilla extract should be added?
Add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How much salt is included?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of table salt.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
How much nutmeg and ginger are in the muffins?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Is there any clove in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground clove.
How should the dry ingredients be added to the wet mixture?
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Why shouldn't I overmix the batter?
Avoiding overmixing ensures that the muffins stay fluffy.
How should the muffins be cooled?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Are these muffins suitable for children?
Yes, they are especially appealing to kids who may be hesitant about eating vegetables.