Discover the perfect blend of nutrition and taste with these Carrot Oat Muffins, designed for those seeking a delightful dessert that's gluten-free and low in oils. These muffins are made with wholesome ingredients like fresh carrots, oat flour, and apple puree, ensuring a moist texture and natural sweetness enhanced by a touch of maple syrup. An optional touch of coconut oil adds a hint of richness, making these muffins not only healthy but irresistibly tasty.
Why You'll Love This: These muffins are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a guilt-free treat that doesn't sacrifice flavor. The natural sweetness from the carrots and apple puree, combined with the richness of oat flour, creates a satisfying texture that's both filling and delightful. The optional cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, decadent finish that can be adjusted to suit vegan preferences, making these muffins versatile for various dietary needs.
Perfect Occasion: Carrot Oat Muffins are ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve them at brunch, as a healthy dessert at gatherings, or pack them for a nutritious snack on the go. They're particularly great for children's parties, providing a healthier alternative to traditional sugary treats. These muffins are also perfect for seasonal events, especially in the fall when warm spices and hearty textures are most appreciated.
Decoration Tips: These muffins look beautiful with or without frosting. If opting for the cream cheese frosting, top each muffin with a generous swirl and sprinkle with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. For a festive touch, you can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or decorative edible flowers to enhance their visual appeal. If keeping it simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon can be just as effective.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup apple puree (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package of cream cheese (normal or vegan, depending on preference)
- 1/3 cup powdered sweetener (like powdered monk fruit or powdered sugar) or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or a light greasing.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, apple puree, and coconut oil (if using).
- Stir in the grated carrots.
- Add oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If using, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Once the muffins are cool, frost them with the cream cheese mixture and optionally decorate with chopped nuts.
Enjoy these nourishing Carrot Oat Muffins, a deliciously healthy addition to any day!