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Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins

Delightfully moist muffins that combine the sweet crunch of carrots and apples with the soft texture of zucchini, topped with a creamy frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 1 cup grated apple (like Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Gently fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, and apple into the wet mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until blended.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are perfectly fine.
  6. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the muffins cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a bowl until smooth.
  10. Once the muffins have completely cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each muffin.

Notes

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Grate carrots, zucchini, and apples properly for even consistency and avoid excess moisture. Adding nuts can enhance flavor and texture, but skips the frosting for a healthier option.