Delicious Apple, Carrot and Chia Muffins Recipe – Healthy Snack Ideas
Looking for a delicious and healthy snack that even the pickiest eaters will love? These Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins are the perfect solution. Packed with nutrients and fiber, these moist muffins are a sneaky way to add veggies into your kids’ diet. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out the apple and carrot for other fruits and vegetables you have on hand.
Table of Contents
The Best Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins
These muffins are a game-changer for anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. With the natural sweetness of apples and carrots combined with the nutritional powerhouse of chia seeds, these muffins are both satisfying and nutritious.
Notes on Ingredients
- All-purpose flour & whole wheat flour: This combination gives the muffins a perfect texture and added fiber.
- Baking soda: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and keeps the muffins moist.
- Melted butter: Gives a rich flavor and tender crumb.
- Honey & brown sugar: Natural sweeteners that make these muffins deliciously sweet.
- Egg & vanilla extract: Bind the ingredients and add a lovely aroma.
- Apple & carrot: Provide moisture, sweetness, and a boost of vitamins.
- Chia seeds: Add a subtle crunch and are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Make Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line 16 muffin cups with liners.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the buttermilk, melted butter, honey, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Blend together: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the diced apple, shredded carrot, and chia seeds.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins
These muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert. Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Store Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins
To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving.
FAQs About Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins
Can I substitute the apple and carrot with other fruits or vegetables?
Yes, you can! Try using zucchini, pear, or banana for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
You can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative.
Are these muffins gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for both the all-purpose and whole wheat flours.
How can I make these muffins even healthier?
Reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. You can also add more chia seeds or other superfoods like flaxseeds or hemp seeds.
Delicious Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins Recipe – Healthy Snack Ideas
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apple
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 16 muffin cups with liners.
- Combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat buttermilk, melted butter, honey, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in another bowl. Stir in flour mixture. Fold in apple, carrot, and chia seeds. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Apple, Carrot, and Chia Muffins! They are sure to become a favorite in your household.
