Embrace the wholesome goodness of our Hearty Carrot Muffins, a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients and decadent flavors. These muffins are packed with fresh shredded carrots, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweet pineapple, creating a moist and flavorful base. Topped with a rich walnut crumble and a smooth cream cheese frosting, each muffin is a perfect balance of texture and taste, making them a satisfying treat for any time of the day.
Why You'll Love This: These muffins are not just delicious but also packed with the goodness of carrots and nuts, providing a great source of vitamins and healthy fats. The addition of pineapple enhances the moisture and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices. The walnut crumble adds a delightful crunch, while the cream cheese frosting provides a creamy finish that melts in your mouth. These muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat while getting some nutritional benefits.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these muffins are versatile for any occasion. They are perfect for school lunches, coffee breaks, or as part of a holiday spread. Their appealing look and delicious taste also make them great for parties or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Decoration Tips: Top each muffin with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting and sprinkle some additional chopped nuts for texture. For a festive touch, add a small carrot curl or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting. Serve them on a rustic platter or individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Ingredients:
- Muffins:
- 250g shredded carrots
- 100g chopped pecans (or any nuts)
- 150g brown sugar
- 120ml buttermilk (or substitute)
- 100g mashed pineapple (or substitute)
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Walnut Crumbles:
- 50g brown sugar
- 80g all-purpose flour
- 80g chopped walnuts
- 80g unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 250g cream cheese
- 50g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 370ml whipping cream
- Muffins:
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix together the shredded carrots, pecans, brown sugar, buttermilk, mashed pineapple, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- For the walnut crumbles, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until crumbly.
- Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full with batter, then sprinkle walnut crumbles on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whipping cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the muffins have cooled, top each with a generous amount of frosting.
Enjoy these Hearty Carrot Muffins, a delightful treat that combines nutritious ingredients with decadent flavors, perfect for any occasion or simply as a delicious snack.