Carrot Banana Muffins are a moist, flavorful treat combining the natural sweetness of bananas and carrots. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a healthy dessert. Packed with fiber and wholesome ingredients, they are a guilt-free indulgence.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: 2 medium, mashed
- Grated Carrots: 1 cup (about 2 medium carrots)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups (190g)
- Baking Powder: 1½ teaspoons
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped Nuts (optional): ½ cup (walnuts or pecans)
- Raisins (optional): ¼ cup
Directions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the grated carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped nuts and raisins if using.
- Fill and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of cream cheese or butter.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast.
- Pack as a quick, healthy snack for lunchboxes or workdays.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moistness.
- Squeeze excess moisture from the grated carrots if they’re very wet.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the muffins dense.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warm spice flavor.
- Store the muffins in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas: Rich in potassium and natural sugars for energy.
- Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A.
- Nuts (optional): Provide healthy fats and protein.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No (use flax eggs and plant-based milk to make it vegan)
- Gluten-Free: No (substitute flour with a gluten-free blend)
Nutritional Facts (Per Muffin)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the natural sweetness of bananas and carrots for a moist and flavorful muffin.
- Easy to make with common pantry ingredients.
- Versatile and customizable with nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
- Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
- Kid-friendly and nutritious, with a boost of fiber and vitamins.
Conclusion
Carrot Banana Muffins are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a portable treat. These muffins are soft, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Whether you’re baking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
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10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute half or all of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- How do I make these muffins vegan? Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk or yogurt.
- Can I add chocolate chips? Absolutely! Chocolate chips make a great addition to this recipe.
- How do I keep the muffins moist? Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
- Can I skip the nuts? Yes, the nuts are optional and can be omitted if desired.
- What if I don’t have cinnamon? You can substitute with pumpkin pie spice or omit entirely.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- How do I know when the muffins are done? Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.
- Can I freeze the batter? It’s better to freeze the baked muffins rather than the batter.
- What’s the best way to reheat frozen muffins? Microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
Enjoy baking these delightful Carrot Banana Muffins! 🥕🍌✨