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Healthy Pumpkin Carrot Apple Muffins Recipe

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3.9 from 11 reviews

These Healthy Pumpkin Carrot Apple Muffins are a deliciously wholesome treat perfect for breakfast or snack time. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin puree, grated carrots, and apples, they offer a naturally sweet and moist texture. The muffins are lightly spiced with cinnamon and can be topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence. This recipe makes 15-18 muffins, offering a balanced combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 15-18 muffins

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup wheat bran, ground flaxseed or old fashioned oats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Add-ins

  • 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups grated apple
  • 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting

  • 2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons skim milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 15-18 muffin cups and set them aside to ensure the muffins don’t stick during baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, wheat bran (or ground flaxseed or oats), baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, melted oil, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender and moist.
  5. Add Fruits and Nuts: Fold in the grated carrots, grated apples, and optional raisins or chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter, ensuring even texture and bursts of flavor.
  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without raw batter.
  8. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare Frosting: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of skim milk. Beat for about one minute until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
  10. Frost Muffins: Drizzle or pipe the cream cheese frosting over the cooled muffins. For easy application, place frosting in a plastic bag, snip a corner, and squeeze onto each muffin.

Notes

  • Grated carrots and apples should be finely shredded for better texture and even baking.
  • Choose between wheat bran, ground flaxseed, or oats based on your preference or dietary needs; each adds fiber and nutrients.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives for the frosting.
  • Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezing: These muffins freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
  • If skipping frosting, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or enjoy plain for a lower calorie option.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/healthy-pumpkin-carrot-apple-muffins-recipe/