Carrot and Nesquik Muffins

Carrot and Nesquik Muffins: a sweet and healthy delicacy

When it comes to desserts, carrot muffins are an excellent choice, combining sweet flavor with the nutritional benefits of vegetables. This type of recipe is perfect for adding a touch of creativity in the kitchen, and the addition of Nesquik gives them a chocolatey note that will delight children and adults alike. Let's explore together how to prepare these delicious muffins!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Necessary ingredients:
- 100 ml oil
- 80 g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 130 g flour
- 70 g grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 20 g Nesquik (or other cocoa powder)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt

Preparing Carrot and Nesquik Muffins:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the carrot is clean and finely grated. Organic carrots are a good choice as they have a sweeter and more intense flavor.

2. Mixing the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the two eggs and add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients at medium to high speed until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy and light in color. This is a crucial step, as the air incorporated into the eggs will make the muffins fluffy.

3. Adding the oil: Continuing to mix, gradually add the oil. This will provide moisture and help keep the muffins soft. It is important to add the oil gradually to prevent the eggs from overdeveloping.

4. Including the grated carrot: Once the oil is well incorporated, add the grated carrot. This will add an interesting texture and a note of natural sweetness.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and Nesquik. It is good to sift these ingredients to avoid clumping and ensure an even distribution of the baking powder.

6. Combining the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix; just until the ingredients are well incorporated. It is important not to overheat the batter so that the muffins remain fluffy.

7. Filling the muffin tins: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a muffin tray with 12 cups, which you can grease with a little oil or use paper muffin liners. Fill each cup with the mixture, leaving about a centimeter free to allow the muffins to rise.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 20 minutes, or until they turn golden and pass the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready).

9. Cooling and serving: After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious warm, but can also be served at room temperature.

Personal note: These muffins are delightful alongside a cup of warm milk or a cocoa drink. You can also experiment with other flavors by adding some chopped nuts or raisins to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations and useful tips:
- If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, you can replace Nesquik with high-quality cocoa powder.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give a more interesting taste.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, making them a perfect dessert for breakfast or a snack.

Nutritional benefits: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye and skin health. Additionally, carrot muffins are healthier than many other desserts, providing you with a dose of fiber and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the eggs? Yes, you can use banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water to make the muffins vegan.
- How can I make the muffins less sweet? Reducing the amount of sugar is an option, and the carrots add a note of natural sweetness anyway.

These carrot and Nesquik muffins are a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion. So, don’t hesitate to try them and enjoy the final result of a perfect combination of health and indulgence!