Carrot Apple Zucchini Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup applesauce

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup grated carrots

• 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)

• 1 cup grated apple (peeled and cored)​

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

Instructions

1. Prepare the Muffins:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

   • In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until well mixed.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

   • Fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, and apple.

   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.​

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.

   • Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Muffins:

   • Once the muffins are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting over the top of each muffin.

   • Optionally, garnish with additional grated carrots, zucchini, and apple for a decorative touch

📸 Visual Inspiration

Here’s a picture of the muffins to inspire your baking: