Name: ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot Muffins) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour (or sub white whole wheat flour for a more hearty muffin); ½ cup (57g) white whole wheat flour; ¼ cup (30g) flaxseed meal; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup shredded carrots (from about 2 large carrots); 1 overripe spotty medium to large banana, mashed; ½ cup (125g) applesauce (cinnamon applesauce is delicious); ⅓ cup (104g) pure maple syrup; ¼ cup (60g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice); ¼ cup (50g) extra-virgin olive oil (or melted and cooled coconut oil); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped dates or raisins; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 3 tablespoons hemp hearts, for a protein boost

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re looking for a warm, wholesome treat that brings together the natural sweetness of apples, the creamy softness of ripe bananas, and the subtle earthiness of carrots, then you’re going to fall in love with the ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot Muffins) Recipe. These delightful muffins are packed with flavor, loaded with nutritious ingredients, and have the perfect balance of moistness and crumb. Whether you want a cozy breakfast, a midday snack, or a wholesome dessert, these muffins hit the spot every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy mixture that has a light brown color with visible orange carrot shreds and small pieces of chopped walnuts scattered on top and mixed throughout. A wooden spatula rests in the bowl, slightly covered with the mixture. Around the bowl, there are small pieces of walnuts on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl containing more chopped walnuts near the top. A plaid cloth with dark blue, brown, and beige colors lies partially under the bowl on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is what makes this recipe so fantastic. Each element plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, and heartiness of your muffins, creating a perfectly balanced bite with every mouthful.

1 cup all purpose flour: Provides structure with a tender crumb; white whole wheat flour can be swapped for a nuttier taste.
½ cup white whole wheat flour: Adds wholesomeness and a subtle nuttiness while keeping it light.
¼ cup flaxseed meal: A powerhouse for fiber and healthy fats that also helps bind the batter.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice that lifts the flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the muffins their rise and fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and works especially well with the acidic applesauce.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color.
1 overripe spotty banana: The natural sweetness and creaminess that keeps these muffins moist.
½ cup applesauce: Another moisture hero; cinnamon-flavored applesauce makes these extra tasty.
⅓ cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and richness.
¼ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and dairy-free if desired.
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Or melted coconut oil provides richness and tenderness.
1 large egg: The binding agent that gives structure and lift.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with lovely aromatic notes.
Optional mix-ins: Chopped dates or raisins for natural sweetness, walnuts or pecans for crunch, and hemp hearts to boost protein.

How to Make ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot Muffins) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with sturdy liners and give each one a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray to make sure your muffins come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed for a consistent rise and flavor in each muffin.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, toss in the shredded carrots, mashed banana, applesauce, maple syrup, almond milk, olive oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and silky. Having most ingredients at room temperature helps keep the oil from clumping and guarantees smoother batter.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a wooden spoon until just combined—it’s important not to overmix here to maintain a tender texture. If you’re using any optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or dates, fold them in now to add exciting bursts of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin liners. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging. Let the muffins cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before digging in—patience really pays off here!

How to Serve ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot Muffins) Recipe

A gold muffin tray holds twelve white paper liners filled with thick, beige batter speckled with small orange carrot pieces and light brown nut bits, with uneven, textured surfaces. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, scattered with small walnut pieces around it. Above the tray is a small white bowl filled with chopped walnuts. A blue and brown checkered cloth is partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These muffins are delicious all on their own, but if you want to add a little something special, try a dab of almond butter and a drizzle of honey right on top. The nutty creaminess pairs perfectly with the naturally sweet, moist crumb. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also adds a lovely touch.

Side Dishes

For a balanced breakfast or snack, serve these muffins alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small bowl of fresh fruit. The protein from yogurt pairs wonderfully with the wholesome muffins and rounds out the meal nicely. A cup of your favorite tea or coffee also makes the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Slice the muffins in half and toast them lightly before spreading on ricotta cheese and a touch of jam for a sophisticated treat. Mini muffins made from this recipe are excellent for lunchboxes or small get-togethers—they’re bite-sized and packed with flavor! You can also use these muffins as a base for dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your muffins have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a day, but popping them into the fridge will extend their life up to 5 days without losing any of that moist goodness.

Freezing

The ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot Muffins) Recipe freezes beautifully, which makes meal prep a breeze. Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you want some, just thaw at room temperature or heat from frozen.

Reheating

To revive your muffins’ fresh-baked charm, warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. If time is tight, microwaving a muffin for 15 to 20 seconds also works well—just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! You can swap out the all purpose and whole wheat flours for a gluten free all purpose flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add a little separately. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains just as amazing.

What’s the best way to make mini muffins from this recipe?

Simply divide the batter into a mini muffin pan lined with mini muffin liners, spritz with nonstick spray, and bake at 350°F for 14 to 18 minutes. Mini muffins are perfect for little hands or as bite-sized snacks for parties.

Can I add other mix-ins besides nuts and dates?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins around ½ cup to avoid weighing down the batter.

How ripe should the banana be?

Use a banana that’s spotty and very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture. Overripe bananas with brown spots work perfectly; they mash easily and add natural sugar without extra sweeteners.

Will these muffins be very sweet?

Not at all! Thanks to the natural sweetness from the banana, applesauce, and maple syrup, these muffins have a gentle, wholesome sweetness that’s not overpowering. This makes them a great snack or breakfast option without feeling too sugary.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot Muffins) Recipe enough—it’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing bakes that feels like a warm hug in muffin form. Simple to make, bursting with natural flavors, and flexible enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch these muffins disappear faster than you can say “delicious!”