Description
These Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins combine the rich, spiced warmth of carrot cake with the moisture of zucchini bread. They are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy mornings or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) grated zucchini, squeezed dry
- 1 cup (120g) grated carrots, squeezed dry
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup (80g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened (for optional glaze)
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened (for optional glaze)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted (for optional glaze)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (for optional glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (as needed for optional glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease and flour the cups.
- Finely grate zucchini and carrots. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional ginger, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until mostly moistened; a few lumps are fine.
- Fold in the squeezed zucchini, carrots, and any optional nuts or dried fruit.
- Divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional glaze, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- If too thick, add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- Once cool, drizzle or spread glaze on muffins.
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes to set glaze before serving.
- Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Optional ingredients can enhance flavor and texture.
- Ensure muffins are completely cool before applying glaze.
- Unglazed muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg