Name: ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup very ripe mashed banana (around 2 medium bananas); ½ cup peeled grated apple (1 small apple); ⅓ cup grated carrot (around 1 medium carrot); ¼ cup butter (melted and slightly cooled); 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring; ½ cup maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that’s both wholesome and bursting with natural sweetness, you absolutely have to try the ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe. These little muffins pack so much flavor and nutrition into every bite, combining the comforting taste of ripe bananas, crisp apples, and fresh carrots to create a wonderfully moist and tender texture that feels like a warm hug. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a lunchbox surprise, these mini muffins bring joy with every nibble and are incredibly easy to whip up, making them an instant favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled background holds various baking ingredients arranged neatly. There are three bright orange carrots placed diagonally with a smooth green apple next to them. Two ripe brown-spotted bananas lie slightly curved near a small dark brown bottle. Two brown eggs are placed side by side near a white bowl filled with white flour, alongside a small white bowl with brown cinnamon powder. Four other small white bowls hold white powders and a dark brown syrup or liquid. A white bowl contains light yellow solid butter cubes. The ingredients are evenly spaced and clearly visible, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this recipe truly shine are the simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering flavor, moisture, and a beautiful color to the mini muffins. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a healthy and delicious snack.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a light crumb to the muffins.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a subtle lift and balances acidity.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that enhances the fruit flavors.
¼ teaspoon salt: Accentuates sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
¾ cup very ripe mashed banana (about 2 medium bananas): Provides natural sweetness and moistness.
½ cup peeled grated apple (1 small apple): Adds refreshing tartness and juicy texture.
⅓ cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot): Gives a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
¼ cup butter (melted and slightly cooled): Brings richness and tenderness.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile.
½ cup maple syrup: Adds a lovely natural sweetness that complements the fruit.

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

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. This ensures that the rising agents and seasoning are evenly dispersed so your mini muffins rise beautifully and taste perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth with no lumps remaining; this guarantees natural sweetness and moisture without any surprise chunks. Then, grate your peeled apple and carrot finely – these will add bursts of freshness and texture that make every bite interesting.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, grated apple, grated carrot, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. This mixture creates the flavorful, moist base for the muffins, and the vanilla combined with maple syrup infuses a gentle sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until they just come together. Avoid over-mixing here to keep the muffins tender and light rather than dense or tough.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake

Grease your mini muffin tin using olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking, then scoop the batter evenly into each cup using a mini cookie scoop. This step helps achieve uniform muffins that bake evenly and look perfect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the tray in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. This ensures they are cooked through but still moist inside.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the mini muffins to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important to set their texture and to avoid any sogginess.

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

Two small brown muffins are stacked in the center; the top muffin is broken open revealing a crumbly, moist inside with small orange and light brown bits. Around them, several whole muffins lie on a white marbled surface. To the right, some bright orange carrots and a green apple are blurred in the background. In the bottom left corner, a few slices of banana rest flat, slightly out of focus. The overall scene looks fresh and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little powdered cinnamon sugar on top of these mini muffins right before serving adds an inviting aroma and touch of elegance. For an extra special treat, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or nut butter, which pairs delightfully with the fruity and spiced base.

Side Dishes

These mini muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of vanilla yogurt or a fresh fruit salad. They also make a wholesome, grab-and-go option when paired with a handful of nuts or a hard-boiled egg for a balanced snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting your ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe on a charming tiered stand at brunch, or pack them in colorful paper liners for an adorable touch at a kids’ party. You can also thread a couple of mini muffins on a skewer with fresh berries for a fun and eye-catching treat platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your mini muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and fresh, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on busy mornings.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Place cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This way you can enjoy fresh homemade muffins anytime you want without extra effort.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the frozen or refrigerated muffins in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and soft again. This breathes life back into their moist texture and delicious flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though the muffins might be slightly denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose to maintain a tender texture.

Is there a way to make these muffins vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative. The muffins will still be moist and delicious.

Can I use frozen grated apples and carrots?

Frozen grated apples and carrots can work, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing as extra liquid may affect the muffin texture.

How long do these muffins stay fresh without refrigeration?

At room temperature, stored in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

Can I double the recipe to make regular-sized muffins?

Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a standard muffin tin will work well. Just bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean since larger muffins need a bit more time to bake through.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe that makes it a must-have in your recipe collection. Combining the natural sweetness and wholesome goodness of three fruits and veggies in mini form creates snackable, nourishing bites you will find yourself reaching for again and again. Warm, moist, and just lightly spiced, these muffins are easy to make, share, and love. Trust me, once you make these, they will become your go-to recipe for quick and healthy treats that satisfy both kids and adults with their heartwarming flavors.