Carrot, Oat and Walnut Muffins

by Ashley Fagan

​Looking for a change to your morning breakfast routine! Warm spices and subtly sweet delicate crumbs make for the perfect morning pick me up! These muffins are packed full of heart healthy oats, protein rich Greek yogurt and sweet carrots which are an excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium and antioxidants to give you the boost you need to get through the morning rush. Don’t skimp on your morning fuel! Keep a few of these on hand the next time you need a little something more than coffee to get you going. 

Makes 12 Muffins

• 1 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
• 3/4 Cup Rolled Oats
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Tsp Baking Soda
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp Ground Ginger
• 1/8 Tsp Ground Clove
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• 1 Egg
• 1 Stick Butter Melted
• 1 Cup Carrot Grated
• 1/2 Chopped Walnut
• 1/2 cup Golden Raisins (Optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners. 

In a large bowl, mix together the flour through ground clove and set aside.
 
In a liquid measuring cup whisk together the sugars, yogurt, applesauce, vanilla and egg until combined. Whisk in the melted butter and then add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold together the wet and dry ingredients until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky. Fold in the grated carrot, chopped walnuts and raisins. 

Evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups, about 1/3 cup batter per muffin. The cups will be full but don't worry. Bake in the center of the oven for 25-30 min, checking after the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center muffin. When the toothpick comes out clean and the tops are lightly browned they are done. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan and then transfer to a cooling rack. They are best eaten right after baking but you can also store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Serve with butter and honey for an extra special treat!