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Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting are moist, naturally sweet, and full of warm spices. Packed with shredded carrots, apples, and zucchini, they’re a delicious way to enjoy a healthier treat. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance, making these muffins ideal for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed of excess moisture)
  • 1 cup shredded apple (squeezed of excess moisture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

. Prepare the Muffins

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Then, fold in the carrots, zucchini, and apples until well combined.

2. Bake the Muffins

  1. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
  2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Frost the Muffins

  1. Once completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over each muffin.

Notes

  • Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Healthier Version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
  • Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter.
  • Less Sweet: Skip the frosting for a more wholesome muffin.

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/carrot-apple-zucchini-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/