Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or agave
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or plant-based yogurt for oil-free)
• ½ cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Tin

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together applesauce, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, plant milk, and vanilla extract.

3️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients

• Stir in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Gently fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins. (Do not overmix!)

4️⃣ Fill Muffin Cups & Bake

• Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5️⃣ Cool & Enjoy!

• Let muffins cool for 5-10 minutes, then enjoy warm or store for later!