Are you craving a delicious and healthy treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! Mimi's Carrot Raisin Muffins are the perfect answer. These delightful muffins are bursting with the sweetness of carrots and raisins, offering a moist and flavorful experience that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. They're a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious alternative to store-bought baked goods. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This simple step ensures even baking and easy removal of your muffins.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thoroughly combining these dry ingredients prevents lumps in your final product.
Combining the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates a smooth base for your muffin batter.
Bringing it all Together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
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Gently fold in the grated carrots and raisins. This ensures the fruit and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Muffins:
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Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full. This prevents the muffins from overflowing during baking.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.
Tips for Perfect Muffins:
- Grate your carrots finely: This ensures they bake evenly and don't create pockets of raw carrot in your muffins.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to ensure the muffins are fully baked. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allowing the muffins to cool completely before storing will prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- Add chocolate chips: A handful of chocolate chips adds a delightful touch of sweetness.
- Make mini muffins: Bake these in a mini muffin tin for adorable bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
These healthy and delicious carrot raisin muffins are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking! They're a wonderful addition to your quick dinner ideas or a healthy treat for any time of day. These best recipes are easy enough for beginners and satisfying enough for seasoned bakers. These are truly some of the best recipes you’ll ever try.