Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe

These Carrot Cake Muffins are a delightful and moist treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Packed with the flavors of carrot cake, with a hint of spice and a crunchy streusel topping, these muffins are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Carrot Cake Muffins:

For the Streusel Topping:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the streusel.
• Brown sugar: Packed, adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, adds richness and helps bind the streusel.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Muffins:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the muffins.
• Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, and allspice: Adds a warm and comforting spice blend.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Carrots: Grated, adds sweetness, moisture, and a vibrant orange color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps activate the baking powder.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Packed, adds sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor.

How to Make Carrot Cake Muffins

Step 1: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the streusel topping. Use a fork to break up any lumps in the brown sugar. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork or use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt for the muffin batter. Add the grated carrots and stir to combine.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.

Step 5: Let the Batter Rest

Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 15 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter and fluffier muffins.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners, filling only 6 cups in each pan (skip every other cup). Spray the lined muffin cups with cooking spray to prevent the paper liners from sticking to the muffins.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Fill the lined muffin cups to the top with batter, using an ice cream scoop or a spoon. Sprinkle each muffin with some of the streusel topping. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 7 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the muffin pans from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Muffins

• Breakfast or Brunch: These Carrot Cake Muffins are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet and satisfying snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Dessert: Serve them warm as a simple yet delicious dessert after a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut to the batter.

Can I make these muffins without the streusel topping?
Yes, you can omit the streusel topping if you prefer. The muffins will still be delicious.

How can I make these muffins vegan?
You can use vegan butter, egg substitutes, and plant-based milk.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Carrot Cake Muffins that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

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