Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins

This delicious Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins is such a comforting treat. I make it with ingredients like ground cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce, and dried goji berries, and the flavors come together so perfectly.

It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super simple to prepare. It takes about 30 minutes to make, and it’s perfect for when I want to serve something that’s both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it makes enough for 12 muffins, so there’s plenty to share!

Recipe Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole-wheat flour
2 tablespoons ground flax meal
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine salt
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup fresh unfiltered apple juice
1 small carrot, peeled and finely grated (½ to ⅔ cup)
¼ cup dried goji berries

How To Make Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins

Prepare the Muffins

Line the Muffin Tin: Take 10 seconds to line your 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Beat Wet and Dry Ingredients Together In a big bowl, beat butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add dry stuff (beat half in, then add applesauce, apple juice and grated carrot, goji berries). Don’t overdo it.

Bake the Muffins

Pop Them in the Oven: Stick muffins into the oven for about 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes up clean. Not the edge, mind you!
Chill and Cool: Let muffins hang out in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently move them to a rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips

Add Some Spice: Add some ground cinnamon or nutmeg to your Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins to give them a warm and inviting flavor, which complements the natural sweetness of the carrots and apples perfectly.
Creative Mix-ins: Introduce some exciting mix-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into your muffin batter, adding a delightful crunch and texture to each bite, while enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Apple Variety Swap: Experiment with different apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to discover the ideal level of sweetness and tartness in your Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins, tailoring the flavor to your taste preferences.
Make a Loaf Instead: Transform your Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins recipe into a scrumptious loaf by simply pouring the batter into a greased loaf pan and baking until golden brown, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Freezer to Fresh: Preserve the freshness of your Giada Carrot and Apple Muffins by freezing them and then thawing at room temperature or reheating in the microwave or oven when you need a quick and delicious breakfast or snack.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I substitute applesauce with something else?

Yes, you can use yogurt or mashed banana as a replacement. Keep in mind, flavor may vary.

What’s the storage life of the muffins?

You can store muffins at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap each muffin tightly.

Can I use a regular tin instead of paper liners?

Yes, but be sure to grease the tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent muffins from sticking.

How do I check if muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. Avoid checking edges.

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