Carrot muffins with cream cheese frosting

Delicious carrot muffins with cream cheese frosting

Have you ever thought of a recipe that combines sweet flavor with a surprisingly healthy ingredient? Carrot muffins are that perfect choice! This dessert will not only delight your taste buds but also provide you with a dose of essential nutrients. Carrots, with their incredible versatility, can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Plus, muffins are ideal for any time of day - for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert.

But before we start cooking, let’s enjoy some interesting information. Carrots are a true superfood, helping your immune system, keeping cholesterol in check, and contributing to a balanced diet, with only 42 calories per 100 grams. So, we offer you the ideal dessert that is not only tasty but also figure-friendly!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

For the muffins:
- 160 g white flour (although you can also opt for whole wheat flour for an extra nutrient boost)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 180 ml vegetable oil (grapeseed oil is an excellent choice)
- 100 g white sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 2 eggs (preferably free-range)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 250 g carrots (about 4 medium-sized carrots), washed, peeled, and grated
- 60 g nuts, finely chopped (ideally lightly toasted beforehand)

For the frosting:
- 130 g cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
- 60 g butter at room temperature
- 120 g powdered sugar

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the oven and the tray:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential for achieving even baking of the muffins.
- Place 12 paper muffin liners in a muffin tray. These will make it easier to remove the muffins from the tray and will simplify cleanup.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well with a whisk to ensure the ingredients are perfectly combined. The aroma of cinnamon will make the muffins smell wonderful!

3. Mixing the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, add the oil, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well with a mixer or whisk for a few minutes until the mixture becomes smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla sugar!

4. Adding the specific ingredients:
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts into the wet mixture. These ingredients will add texture and delicious flavor to your muffins.

5. Combining the ingredients:
- Pour the dry ingredient mixture over the wet one. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing, as the muffins will turn out fluffier.

6. Filling the muffin liners:
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin liners, filling each liner with about 2 tablespoons of batter.

7. Baking:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes. Check if they are done using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the muffins are baked. Let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Preparing the frosting:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese with the butter using a mixer on low speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix. If you want a sweeter frosting, you can add more powdered sugar.

9. The refrigerator:
- It is recommended to let the frosting chill in the refrigerator for an hour. This will make it easier to handle and adhere better to the muffins.

10. Decoration and serving:
- Once the muffins have cooled completely, use a knife or spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting on each muffin. You can decorate with some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an attractive look.

Serving suggestions:
Carrot muffins with cream cheese frosting are delicious served plain, but you can also pair them with a fragrant tea or a vanilla latte for a complete culinary experience. They can also make a perfect gift for friends or family, surprising them with a unique and healthy combination.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add raisins or grated pineapple to the batter for extra moisture and sweetness. You can also replace the nuts with other types of nuts or seeds, depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen carrots?
It is not recommended, as frozen carrots can release water during baking, affecting the texture of the muffins.

- How can I store the muffins?
You can store the muffins covered in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

- Can I freeze the muffins?
Yes, un-frosted muffins can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent excessive freezing.

These carrot muffins with cream cheese frosting are truly a delight. With every bite, you will feel how the flavors blend perfectly, and the fluffy texture will make you return to this recipe again and again. Enjoy every moment and savor the warmth and comfort of a homemade muffin!