Name: Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup rolled oats; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup chopped walnuts (raw); 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups shredded carrots; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup avocado oil; ½ cup 2% blended cottage cheese; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; ½ cup 2% blended cottage cheese; 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you have a soft spot for moist, flavorful treats that bring a little twist of wholesome goodness, then you simply must try this Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe. These muffins are a delightful mashup of tender shredded carrots, a hint of warm spices, and the surprising creaminess that cottage cheese brings to the table. They strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, making them ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet nibble with your afternoon tea. Trust me, once you dive into these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl filled with flour with a golden spoon resting inside. Nearby, a smaller white bowl holds bright orange shredded carrots. Next to it is a medium white bowl with light brown sugar and a spoon inside. Two brown eggs lie beside a white bowl filled with a pale yellow liquid, possibly oil. Another white bowl contains a smooth, creamy white liquid, and next to it is a small white dish with three different brown spices in three sections. Additionally, two tiny white bowls hold white salt and baking powder. A beige cloth is placed under the bowls on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these muffins lies in their simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s enhancing texture, amplifying flavor, or adding a burst of natural sweetness and moisture that you’ll absolutely love.

Rolled oats: Adds a hearty texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the spices.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure to the muffins.
Vanilla protein powder: Boosts nutrition while lending a subtle vanilla note.
Light brown sugar: Brings warmth and gentle sweetness with a touch of molasses.
Chopped walnuts: Offers a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
Cold unsalted butter: Ensures the crumb topping is rich and perfectly tender.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that deepens the flavor profile pleasantly.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg: A cozy blend of spices that infuses the muffins with warmth and complexity.
Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Shredded carrots: The star ingredient adding natural moisture, sweetness, and vibrant color.
Avocado oil: A light, healthy fat that keeps the muffins moist without overpowering flavor.
Blended cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and subtle tang, making these muffins uniquely tender.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the batter.
Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter moist and dairy-light for a balanced taste.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with pure vanilla goodness.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. This little step is key to ensuring your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped without any sticking.

Step 2: Create the Streusel Topping

Mix rolled oats, flour, protein powder, brown sugar, walnuts, cold butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Use a fork to cut everything together until crumbly. This streusel topping will add a crunchy, sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the soft muffins.

Step 3: Prepare the Carrots

Before adding the carrots into the batter, squeeze any excess moisture out by wrapping them in a paper or tea towel and twisting gently over the sink. This step prevents your muffins from getting soggy and ensures the right texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, the spice blend (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg), salt, and shredded carrots. These aromatics build that classic carrot cake flavor we all adore.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the avocado oil, blended cottage cheese, eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and maple syrup in another bowl until smooth and homogenous.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen muffins, so keep it gentle for the fluffiest results.

Step 7: Fill and Top Your Muffins

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of batter into each muffin liner. Then generously sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of your streusel topping over each muffin for that irresistible crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for approximately 18 minutes, testing with a toothpick until it comes out clean. This guarantees your muffins are tender and fully cooked through without being dry.

Step 9: Cool and Drizzle

Let your muffins cool for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the cottage cheese drizzle by blending cottage cheese with a touch of vanilla and maple syrup. Once cooled, drizzle this luscious topping over the muffins for an extra layer of creamy delight.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the muffins from the tin, plate them up, and enjoy the perfect marriage of spice, sweetness, and creamy cottage cheese in every bite.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe

The image shows multiple muffins with two clear layers: a light brown cake base that has small bits of orange carrot inside, and on top, a crumbly darker brown topping with a rough texture. Over the crumb topping, there are thin white icing lines drizzled. The muffins are arranged on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. One muffin is broken open in the front, revealing the soft, moist inside with visible shredded carrot bits. The background is softly blurred with more muffins visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these muffins are absolutely delicious on their own, a dollop of extra blended cottage cheese or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top adds an elegant touch and a little bit of texture contrast. You can also dust them lightly with cinnamon or a bit of powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

For a balanced snack or light breakfast, serve these muffins alongside fresh fruit like berries or a simple fruit compote. A cup of chai tea or a strong coffee pairs beautifully, as their warm spices and rich flavor notes complement the muffin’s profile wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by slicing the muffins in half and layering them with cream cheese or mascarpone and a thin spread of your favorite jam. These make for charming mini carrot cake sandwiches that will impress guests at brunch or teatime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them to keep longer. The fridge is great to maintain the cottage cheese drizzle’s freshness and the muffin’s tender crumb.

Freezing

You can freeze these muffins either plain or topped with the streusel. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, making these muffins a fantastic make-ahead treat.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen muffins, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If you love a bit of crispness, a quick toast in a toaster oven revives the streusel topping beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt or low-fat yogurt can be substituted to maintain moisture and tenderness, though cottage cheese adds a unique creaminess and subtle tang that’s hard to replicate exactly.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour and rolled oats, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends and certified gluten-free oats for a similar texture and flavor.

How do I make these muffins dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, use a dairy-free protein powder, and replace the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or tofu blend. The almond milk is already dairy-free, so that’s a plus!

What is the best way to shred carrots for this recipe?

Use a fine to medium grater to shred your carrots; this helps them cook evenly and distributes their natural sweetness and moisture throughout the muffins without overpowering the texture.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes! Mini muffins are a fantastic idea for bite-sized treats. Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe is a true gem that will brighten up your baking adventures and your taste buds. With the perfect balance of cozy spices, creamy cottage cheese, and wholesome carrots, these muffins feel like a warm hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’re going to love how they turn out and how quickly they disappear from the plate!