Whole Wheat Carrot Muffins

These healthy Whole Wheat Carrot Muffins are made with wholesome ingredients like oats, applesauce, carrots and raisins and have no refined sugars! They are dairy-free and can be made in your oven or air fryer. Make them now for breakfast or freeze for meal prepping and quick breakfasts later on!

What Makes These Muffins Healthy?

Although "healthy" is subjective, there are many reasons these whole wheat carrot muffins are more wholesome than most traditional muffin recipes.

• They contain no refined sugar! Just pure organic honey or maple syrup is used to sweeten these breakfast muffins.
• Naturally vegetarian and dairy-free! They can be made vegan with easy swaps given below.
• Whole wheat flour is known to be more nutritious than all-purpose flour, so it'll give you more protein and fiber.
• Carrot muffins are packed with healthy vegetables and fruits- carrots, applesauce and raisins add a ton of vitamins and minerals while keeping them low in calories.
• They are very low in fat- just 2 grams per serving!
• Low in calories! One standard size muffin is under 200 calories but full of protein. If you're enjoying these muffins for breakfast, that's a super low cal meal!

Ingredients & Substitutions

To make these healthy carrot muffins you'll need:

• Carrots: grated or shredded carrots both work.
• Raisins: currants are a good substitute!
• Oats: use old fashioned oats or quick oats for the best results.
• Whole wheat flour: you could use all-purpose flour if you desire but the muffins won't be as wholesome.
• Honey: I use pure, local organic honey for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. For vegan muffins, use maple syrup.
• Applesauce: adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute with a few mashed bananas or Greek yogurt.
• Vanilla extract: opt for pure vanilla extract and avoid the imitation stuff! Almond extract and lemon extract are both great substitutes.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: these warming spices add great flavor. A pumpkin spice blend or a dash of cloves can also be used.
• Eggs: for vegan or egg-free muffins, use flax eggs.

This recipe yields 8 standard size muffins, 18 mini muffins or 6 jumbo muffins. Ingredients can be increased proportionally to make more.

Step-By-Step Directions

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit and a line an 8-cup muffin tray with muffin liners.

STEP 2: To a large mixing bowl, add whole wheat flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking powder. Stir well.

STEP 3: Make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients and add vanilla extract, applesauce and eggs.

Mix until dry ingredients have just combined with the wet ingredients.

Fold in the carrots and raisins.

STEP 4: Scoop batter into the muffin cavities filling ⅔ full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve warm, lightly toasted with some butter or honey, or at room temperature.

To make these muffins in your air fryer, follow these simple instructions:

Follow steps 1 - 3 above. Scoop batter into silicone muffin cups filling them ⅔ full. Transfer to the air fryer and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 12 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness, adding 1 minute at a time until cooked through if necessary. They may need up to 15 minutes.

Recipe