Carrot Muffins

By Jaclyn

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups grated raw carrot (about 2-3 peeled carrots)
• 1 small apple, peeled and grated
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup safflower, corn, vegetable, or canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Cream Cheese Frosting: (optional)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons confectioners' (powdered or icing) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1

Carrot Muffins: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Place paper liners in 12 muffin cups.

Peel and finely grate the carrots and apple. Set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the coconut.

In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Fold the wet ingredients, along with the grated carrot and apple, into the flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. After about 10 minutes remove the muffins from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Makes 12 standard-sized muffins.

Frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese until very smooth with no lumps. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Place a dollop of the cream cheese frosting on the top of each muffin.