Welcome to another scrumptious chapter of our Scratch Crafted series! Today, we're whisking up a treat that marries the elegance of a classic cake with the easy-peasy convenience of a muffin—our delectable Wholesome Carrot Cake Muffins. Whether it's a quick breakfast bite, a lazy afternoon snack, or a grab-and-go treat, these muffins bring all the charm of carrot cake in a neat, little package.
Why Carrot Cake Muffins, You Ask?
Carrot cake—oft misunderstood, perpetually delightful. This treat brings coziness and spice to your palate, and transforming it into muffins? Genius! Plus, there’s nothing like a sneaky veg-infused snack to make you feel good about your baked decisions.
The Joy of Baking with Real, Wholesome Ingredients
In our kitchen, shortcuts are a no-go. We're all about real ingredients. For these muffins, freshly grated carrots pack in moisture and also charm each bite with a dash of earthy sweetness. Swapping out the usual suspects for healthier picks, we use date sugar for natural sweetness and avocado oil for good fats.
Ingredients for a Cartload of Compliments:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup date sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup avocado oil
1 cup raisins
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 cups finely grated fresh carrots
Let’s Bake a Batch of Awesome:
1. Preheat to Perfection: Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Dry Mix Magic: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, date sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This is where the dry meets the delightful.
3. Wet Ingredients Whirl: In a larger bowl, get the avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to party together. Stir in the grated carrots to spread the veggie love around.
4. Unite the Elements: Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to their wet counterparts, mixing until just right—no over-mixing here, we keep it loose and lovely.
5. Spoon and Sprinkle: Ladle the batter into the lined cups, filling each about two-thirds. Remember, these beauts need room to puff up. Sprinkle in some raisins and walnuts for that crunch and munch.
6. Bake and Check: Slide them into the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes. And because we’re all about that precision, keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test—poke a muffin with a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, they’re ready to roll out!
7. Cool and Devour: Let them cool in the pan for a spell, then move them to a cooling rack. Best enjoyed slightly warm, with a smudge of butter, maybe a drizzle of honey. Pure bliss!
Baking isn’t just about the end product; it’s the journey—mixing, matching, tasting, and sometimes starting all over again. It’s about the smiles, the “mmms,” and the “can I have another one?”
Remember, Scratch Crafted is here to bring you simple, splendid recipes that anyone can fall in love with. Keep your whisks ready for more tasty treats coming your way!
A Few Preferred Products and Why:
GreenLife Bakeware Healthy Ceramic Cupcake Baking Pan: When it comes to baking, the right tools
make all the difference. We opt for ceramic baking pans over aluminum because ceramic distributes heat evenly without the risk of leaching chemicals or altering flavors. Aluminum, on the other hand, can react with acidic ingredients, potentially releasing unwanted substances into your delicious creations.
Caperci Standard Natural Cupcake Liners: Why say no to silicone cupcake holders? Let’s be honest, silicone was a great idea until it wasn't. Low-quality silicone have been found to exceed the limitations for off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but the fact that this can happen at all causes me to stray away from this product. That’s why we stick to natural cupcake liners. The Caperci Standard Natural Cupcake Liners provide a safe, non-toxic alternative, ensuring that your muffins are not just delicious, but also prepared in a health-conscious manner.
Date Lady: Organic Date Sugar: In our kitchen, refined sugar is out, and natural sweeteners are in. Date sugar is made from whole, dehydrated dates, retaining the fruit’s nutrients. Unlike refined sugars, which can spike blood sugar levels and have a more pronounced impact on young brains, date sugar offers a subtle sweetness without the sharp highs and lows. It’s a wholesome alternative, even preferable to honey, cane sugar, or coconut sugar, due to its whole-food origin and lower glycemic index.
Chosen Food Avocado Oil: Not all avocado oils are created equal. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil is a staple in our pantry because it’s been tested and proven to be made from real avocados, with no added fillers or inferior oils. This transparency is crucial, especially when other brands may dilute their products, diminishing the heart-healthy benefits of pure avocado oil.
FGO Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder: Choosing the right type of cinnamon is key to maximizing health benefits without the risks. Ceylon cinnamon, or "true cinnamon," is preferred over common Cassia varieties because it contains significantly lower levels of coumarin, which can be harmful in large quantities. This makes Ceylon cinnamon not only a safer choice but also a smarter one for long-term health, enhancing dishes with its delicate, sweet flavor without the health risks associated with high coumarin intake.
We hope you enjoy your baking journey and the scrumptious final product!
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