Carrot muffins combine basic muffin ingredients with shredded carrots to create a carrot, cake-like treat. A healthier alternative to many muffin choices, carrot muffins still usually offer a dessert-like taste with the added benefit of vegetables. Normally a fresh fruit or fruit juice is also added to help sweeten these muffins. Although muffins are not normally frosted, a cream cheese frosting can be used to top the treats. Carrot muffins can be eaten as a snack, dessert, or for breakfast.
Like most muffins, flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder or baking soda are necessary ingredients. Spices, such as cinnamon, are normally added to give the muffins a more flavorful taste. Nuts, usually pecans or walnuts, are sometimes included in the carrot muffin batter as well. Often apples, raisins, pineapple, or orange juice are also added. Some versions may try to increase the health benefits by including healthy additions to the mix, such as wheat germ.
Carrots, of course, are the primary ingredient in carrot muffins. Multiple cups of grated or shredded carrots are generally used in the batter. Fresh carrots are nearly always used, and the finer the vegetables are grated, the less evident their texture is in the finished muffins. Usually, the carrots are the last ingredient added to the muffin batter.
The batter for carrot muffins is created in the same way as most muffin batters. The dry ingredients are mixed separately from the wet ingredients, and then the two are combined. Muffin batter is stirred only until moist in order to prevent the finished muffins from becoming too dense. After the wet and dry ingredients are combined, the carrots and any fresh or canned fruit are usually folded into the mixture.
Once the batter is completed, it can be poured into greased or lined muffin tins. Each muffin form is usually filled at least two-thirds full and then the muffins are baked for less than half an hour. The muffins are normally cooled in the pan first, then on wire racks afterward. If stored in an airtight container, carrot muffins may keep for nearly a week.
Although carrot muffins are not normally frosted, a cream cheese frosting can be created to better mimic the carrot cake taste. Sour cream frosting can be premade but is fairly easily homemade. Cream cheese is usually beaten with sugar and vanilla to create a tasty topping that can be spooned on top of these muffins.
