Mimis Carrot Raisin Muffin Recipe

Mimi’s Carrot Raisin Muffin Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Crafting delightful carrot raisin muffins brings pure joy to any morning kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will float through your home as mixing begins.

Delicate spices promise warmth and comfort in every bite.

Mimi learned this cherished recipe from her grandmother’s handwritten cookbook, passed down through generations.

Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a tender and moist texture that surprises and delights.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance together, complementing the natural sweetness of carrots and raisins.

Baking these muffins connects you to a tradition of love and nourishment.

Treat yourself to a slice of homemade happiness that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Expert Tips For Perfect Carrot Raisin Muffins

  • Swap vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas to reduce fat content and add natural sweetness.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same tender texture.
  • Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the muffins.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.
  • Use freshly grated carrots for maximum moisture and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded packaged carrots which can be dry.

Flavor Variations For Carrot Raisin Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Carrot Raisin Muffins: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a wheat-free version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure dietary compatibility.
  • Vegan Carrot Raisin Muffins: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and maple syrup as a sweetener alternative.
  • Protein-Packed Carrot Raisin Muffins: Add protein powder or almond meal to the dry ingredients. Include chopped walnuts or chia seeds for extra protein boost.
  • Low-Sugar Carrot Raisin Muffins: Reduce sugar quantity and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Increase natural sweetness with extra grated carrots and raisins.

Serving Ideas For Carrot Raisin Muffins

  • Breakfast Companion Delight: Pair these muffins with a warm cup of chai tea or creamy cappuccino for a morning treat that wakes up your taste buds and provides comforting energy.
  • Afternoon Tea Party Snack: Serve these muffins on a decorative plate with cream cheese spread or honey butter, creating an elegant midday nibble perfect for sharing with friends during casual gatherings.
  • Lunchbox Surprise: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a sweet and nutritious addition to kids' school lunches or adult work meals, delivering a homemade touch of comfort and wholesome goodness.
  • Dessert Transformation: Crumble the muffins over vanilla yogurt or vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful dessert parfait that adds texture and warmth to a classic sweet treat.

Storage Advice For Carrot Raisin Muffins

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll keep perfectly for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
  • Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve freshness and prevent muffins from absorbing other food odors.

FAQs

  • Are the muffins healthy?

The muffins include nutritious ingredients like carrots and optional add-ins such as nuts, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re a balanced treat with whole ingredients.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

  • How can I prevent my raisins from sinking?

Toss the raisins in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the muffins during baking.

  • Why do I need to mix wet and dry ingredients separately?

Mixing separately ensures even ingredient distribution and prevents overmixing, which can make muffins tough. It helps create a tender, light texture in the final baked product.

Mimi’s Famous Carrot Raisin Muffin

  • Maximize Flavor in One Pan: Unlock an incredible taste experience by cooking chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce all in a single skillet, reducing dishes and intensifying delicious flavors.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners: Craft a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques, making this recipe ideal for home cooks seeking a satisfying and quick dinner solution.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this creamy bacon chicken over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, allowing flexibility to match your mood and pantry ingredients while creating a complete meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Mimi’s Carrot Raisin Muffins

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A versatile base that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the muffin's flavor profile.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that provide sweetness and help create a moist texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the muffins soft and tender.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins' structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor to the muffins.
For the Mix-Ins:
  • Grated Carrots: Add natural sweetness, moisture, and nutritional value to the muffins.
  • Raisins: Contribute a chewy texture and natural sweetness.
  • Optional Add-Ins (Nuts, Shredded Coconut, Crushed Pineapple, Applesauce): Provide additional flavor, texture, and moisture variations.
Baking Accessories:
  • Muffin Tin Liners or Cooking Spray: Prevent the muffins from sticking and make removal easier.

How To Bake Mimi’s Carrot Raisin Muffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper cups or give it a light spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cloves

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix these wet ingredients:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything just comes together.

Don’t overmix or your muffins will be tough.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

Fold in these yummy additions:
  • Grated carrots
  • Raisins
  • Optional extras like nuts, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, or applesauce

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins sit in the tin for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to enjoy your homemade treat!

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Mimis Carrot Raisin Muffin Recipe

Mimi’s Carrot Raisin Muffin Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mimi’s carrot raisin muffin recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice from grandma’s cherished kitchen. Warm spices and plump raisins create a comforting morning treat you’ll savor with morning coffee.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 34 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining with paper liners or lightly greasing the surface.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and aromatic spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Create a separate mixture by whisking together sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Gently incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Delicately fold in grated carrots, plump raisins, and any desired additional ingredients like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, or applesauce.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
  7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and free of raw batter.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
  9. Transfer muffins to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their full flavor profile.

Notes

  • Prevent overmixing the batter to keep muffins tender and light, stopping when ingredients are just combined to avoid developing tough gluten strands.
  • Customize the recipe by swapping raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chocolate chips for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
  • Ensure carrots are finely grated to distribute evenly and create moisture throughout the muffins, preventing dry or dense texture.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same delicious taste and soft crumb.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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