Name: ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour (or sub white whole wheat flour for a more hearty muffin); ½ cup (57g) white whole wheat flour; ¼ cup (30g) flaxseed meal; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup shredded carrots (from about 2 large carrots); 1 overripe spotty medium to large banana, mashed; ½ cup (125g) applesauce (cinnamon applesauce is delicious); ⅓ cup (104g) pure maple syrup; ¼ cup (60g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice); ¼ cup (50g) extra-virgin olive oil (or melted and cooled coconut oil); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped dates or raisins; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 3 tablespoons hemp hearts, for a protein boost

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If you’re searching for a cozy, wholesome treat that packs a punch of nutrients and flavor, look no further than this ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe. These muffins blend the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the subtle crispness of shredded carrots, and the juicy goodness of apples—all wrapped into one tender, moist bite. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a quick lunchbox pick-me-up, these muffins are a celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients that kids and adults alike will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with thick, creamy batter that has visible orange streaks and small chunks of nuts mixed throughout, giving it a textured, slightly lumpy look. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered in the batter. Around the bowl, scattered pieces of chopped nuts add detail to the scene. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige and blue checkered cloth partially visible underneath on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these muffins a success. Each one contributes something special—from the hearty whole wheat flour giving structure and a wholesome flavor, to the flaxseed meal adding a subtle nutty note and fiber boost. Let’s dive into what makes these ABC Muffins truly wonderful.

1 cup (120g) all purpose flour: A versatile base that keeps the muffins tender; you can swap with white whole wheat for extra heartiness.
½ cup (57g) white whole wheat flour: Adds fiber and a slightly nutty flavor while keeping the texture light.
¼ cup (30g) flaxseed meal: A nutritional superstar for a dose of omega-3s and helps keep the muffins moist.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth with a fragrant, comforting spice.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully, creating that perfect fluffy crumb.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidity of banana and applesauce to give the muffins lift.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
1 cup shredded carrots: Offers subtle sweetness, moisture, and that lovely orange hue.
1 overripe spotty medium to large banana, mashed: Nature’s sweetener that adds moisture and depth.
½ cup (125g) applesauce: Adds fruity moisture and a gentle tang; cinnamon applesauce is our fave twist!
⅓ cup (104g) pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener with rich flavor that complements the fruit and spices.
¼ cup (60g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and dairy-free, but you can use any milk you prefer.
¼ cup (50g) extra-virgin olive oil: Adds healthy fats and keeps muffins tender; coconut oil works great too.
1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds everything together and provides structure.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a sweet, aromatic undertone.
Optional mix-ins: Chopped dates, raisins, walnuts, pecans, or hemp hearts for texture and extra nutrition.

How to Make ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray. This small prep step ensures your muffins will come out effortlessly when baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, guaranteeing every bite has the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the shredded carrots, mashed banana, applesauce, maple syrup, almond milk, olive oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure your wet ingredients, especially the egg and oil, are close to room temperature so the batter blends seamlessly and maintains a smooth, tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter with a few small lumps. Now is the perfect time to fold in any optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or hemp hearts for extra texture and nutritional boost.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among your muffin liners and pop the pan into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sweet fruit—which is the perfect teaser for what’s to come!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, transfer the muffins to a wire rack and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. Cooling helps the muffins set and makes them easier to remove from the liners. If you love a little extra indulgence, spread almond butter on top or drizzle with honey before digging in.

How to Serve ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe

A round metal tray filled with several golden brown muffins wrapped in white paper cups sits on a white marbled surface. One muffin is open and resting in its paper cup at the center of the tray, showing a moist, crumbly inside with bits of nuts or grains visible. Nearby, a white plate holds a halved muffin with crumbs scattered around it. A woman's hand is gently reaching toward the muffins on the tray. The light highlights the texture of the muffins and the soft crumbs around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These muffins are delightful on their own, but a few simple garnishes can elevate them even further. A smear of creamy almond butter or peanut butter adds richness and protein, while a quick drizzle of honey or maple syrup brings a glossy sweetness that complements the natural fruit flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a balanced breakfast, pair your ABC muffins with a side of Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. If you’re serving them as a snack, a handful of nuts or a small glass of cold milk can turn these muffins into a complete, satisfying mini-meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe for a gathering, consider slicing them in half and serving as mini open-faced sandwiches topped with cream cheese and a swirl of fruit preserves. Or create a muffin breakfast board with a variety of spreads, fresh fruit, and nuts to encourage everyone to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve baked a batch and want to enjoy them over the next few days, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. After that, transfer them to the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days, perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully, making them a fantastic make-ahead option. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, ready whenever you need a healthy snack or breakfast treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins fresh from the freezer or fridge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. This quick reheating brings back that soft, tender warmth as if they were just pulled from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the all purpose and whole wheat flours with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum to help with the texture and structure.

What if I don’t have flaxseed meal? Can I skip it?

Flaxseed meal adds moisture, fiber, and a bit of nuttiness, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of oat flour or ground chia seeds for similar benefits.

How can I make these muffins vegan?

To make the ABC Muffins vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and replace the maple syrup with another liquid sweetener if desired. Use plant-based milk and coconut oil as recommended, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly treat.

Are these muffins suitable for babies?

Yes! These muffins are naturally sweetened with fruit and lightly spiced, making them a nutritious option for babies who are ready for textured foods. Just be sure to check for any potential allergies based on the mix-ins you add.

Can I substitute the applesauce with fresh apples?

You can, but applesauce gives moisture and a smoother texture that diced apples won’t. If using fresh apples, make sure to finely grate or chop them and consider adding a little extra liquid to keep the muffins moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and rewarding about baking a batch of ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana & Carrot Muffins) Recipe. They blend wholesome ingredients with a touch of sweetness and warmth, creating a snack or breakfast that everyone will reach for time and time again. Whether you’re feeding little ones or craving a nutritious treat yourself, these muffins bring joy and nourishment all wrapped in one delicious package. Happy baking!

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