Carrot cake enthusiasts rejoice! These carrot muffins bring all the delightful flavors of your favorite dessert into a convenient and portable form. Packed with fresh, juicy carrots and a hint of vanilla, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet end to any meal. Remember, the key to perfect texture is to mix by hand, avoiding over-mixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Ingredients (Makes 12 servings):
- Flour: 10.6 oz (300 g)
- Eggs: 3 large
- Carrots: 7 oz (200 g)
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
- Vanillin: a pinch
- Vegetable Oil: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Carrots:
Peel and grate the carrots finely. This will ensure they distribute evenly throughout the batter and add moisture to each muffin.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, vanillin, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Sifting not only combines these ingredients thoroughly but also aerates the flour, which helps to make the muffins lighter.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs just until the yolks and whites are combined. Add the vegetable oil and mix well. This forms the base of your wet ingredients.
Create the Batter:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with the grated carrots. Stir everything together using a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix as this can make the muffins tough.
Fill the Muffin Tins:
Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full.
This allows space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These homemade carrot muffins are not only easy to make but also irresistibly tasty. They offer a wonderful texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them ideal for any occasion. Enjoy them as they are, or top with a cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat!
