Elevate your breakfast or snack time with these Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Carrot Cake Muffins. A perfect blend of spices and sweetness, these muffins feature a moist, tender crumb enriched with grated carrots and a warm blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. Each muffin hides a cube of creamy cream cheese in the center, offering a surprise burst of creaminess with every bite. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delightful crunch, these muffins are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
Why You'll Love This: These muffins offer the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome ingredients, with the added health benefits of carrots and the option to use whole wheat pastry flour for a more nutritious twist. The cream cheese center adds an irresistible element of decadence, making these muffins a special treat without being overly sweet. The blend of spices not only adds depth of flavor but also fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma as they bake.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast, mid-day snack, or as part of a brunch spread. These muffins are also great for meal prep, easily stored and reheated for a quick breakfast on-the-go. Present them at your next gathering, potluck, or bake sale to share a bit of homemade warmth with friends and family.
Decoration Tips: Serve these muffins on a beautiful platter accompanied by a bowl of whipped cream cheese or butter for spreading. For a festive touch, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of finely grated carrot or a thin carrot ribbon on top of each muffin before serving.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- 1/2 cup of cinnamon sugar
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the grated carrots.
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt until just mixed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Press a cube of cream cheese into the center of each, lightly covering with batter.
- Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crusty top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are just set and a toothpick inserted into the batter part comes out clean.
- Optionally, serve warm with a dab of butter and a pinch of sea salt for an enhanced flavor.
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of these Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Carrot Cake Muffins, a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or tea.