• Health
  • Food

Weekend Recipe: Wholesome Carrot, Apple and Oatmeal Muffins

3 minute read

If you crave a quick and healthy breakfast or snack on the run, then these wholesome muffins hit the spot in every way. They are packed with fiber and quality ingredients and are the perfect portable meal if you need some quick nourishment.

I love to make them when I know I’ve got a busy week in front of me. They last for about five days when stored in the fridge, and marry perfectly with an almond milk latte. The addition of a generous amount of grated carrot and apple helps to keep them delicate and moist, while the walnuts add a crunch and a boost of omega-3s.

You don’t need to fuss when making these muffins, as they are the sort of throw-in-the-bowl and mix with your hands type of treat that takes around 10 minutes to whip up.

This recipe is from my cookbook Healthy Baking.

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THEM:

Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which can convert to vitamin A in the body. Apples contain a fiber known as pectin, which supports healthy digestion.

INGREDIENTS

  • 250 g (8 oz) carrots, grated
  • 250 g (8 oz) apples, grated or chopped, skin-on
  • 130 g (4 oz / 3/4 cup) raisins
  • 60 ml (2 fl oz / 1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
  • 60 ml (2 fl oz / 1/4 cup) raw honey
  • 3 organic eggs
  • 125 ml (4 fl oz / 1/2 cup) orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • Zest from 1 orange
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 300 g (10 1/2 oz / 2 1/2 cups) wholemeal spelt flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 120 g (4 oz / 1 1/4 cups) walnuts
  • Crumble Topping

  • 100 g (3 1/2 oz / 1 cup) rolled oats
  • 60 g (2 oz / 1/2 cup) pumpkin seeds
  • 30 g (1 oz / 1/4 cup) sunflower seeds
  • 60 g (2 oz) butter
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • DIRECTIONS

  • Preheat your oven to 320°F /160° C fan forced
  • Combine the grated carrot, apple, raisins, olive oil, vanilla, honey, orange juice, orange zest and eggs into a mixing bowl
  • Add the spelt flour, baking powder and walnuts
  • Mix well with clean hands until mixture is combined
  • Spoon muffin mix into prepared muffin tins. I normally like to use a large ice cream scoop for this purpose as they portion your muffins perfectly
  • Make the crumble by combining the oats and seeds
  • Rub in the butter with your fingertips until evenly distributed throughout the oats
  • Add honey and mix through lightly. The mix should be crumbly and delicious
  • Top the muffins generously with the crumble
  • Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until cooked through
  • NOTES + INSPIRATION: They keep well in the fridge for around four days and are also delicious served with a dollop of Greek style yogurt. Almond milk can be used in place of orange juice in this recipe.

    Teresa Cutter, founder of The Healthy Chef, is an author, nutritionist and classically trained chef. You can find more of Cutter’s tips and recipes on her website, app, eBooks and Instagram.

    My main goal at The Healthy Chef is to get people cooking and eating healthier. Eat natural foods, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and just keep it simple.” — Teresa Cutter

    More Must-Reads From TIME

    Contact us at letters@time.com