Start your day off right with these Wholesome Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins, a perfect blend of healthy ingredients and delicious flavors. Packed with the goodness of oats, zucchini, and carrots, these muffins are both nutritious and satisfying. The subtle sweetness from golden raisins and a hint of cinnamon make them an ideal choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. These muffins are moist, flavorful, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg white
- 3/4 cup oil
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 3/4 cup golden raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a muffin tin by either placing paper liners in each cup or lightly coating them with cooking spray to ensure the muffins don’t stick.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk together until well blended.
- The combination of flours and oats gives these muffins a hearty texture and a boost of fiber.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg white, and oil until smooth.
- The oil ensures the muffins stay moist, while the eggs provide structure.
- Incorporate the Veggies:
- Add the grated zucchini and grated carrot to the wet mixture, stirring until the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- The zucchini and carrot not only add moisture to the muffins but also contribute to their nutritional value.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- If you’re using golden raisins, fold them into the batter at this stage.
- Overmixing can result in dense muffins, so stir just until everything is incorporated.
- Fill the Muffin Tins:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- This will ensure the muffins rise evenly without overflowing.
- Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
- Enjoy these muffins warm or at room temperature, either on their own or with a smear of butter.
Conclusion:
These Wholesome Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your morning or satisfy a mid-day snack craving. The combination of oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh vegetables makes these muffins hearty and full of flavor. The optional addition of golden raisins adds a natural sweetness and chewy texture, making each bite a delight. Perfect for meal prepping, these muffins store well and are a great grab-and-go option for busy days. Enjoy the goodness of homemade muffins with this easy and healthy recipe!