Name: ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 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 extract; ½ cup maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

There is something truly heartwarming about baking a batch of ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe that brings together the natural sweetness of fruit and veggie goodness in every bite. These bite-sized delights are perfect for picky toddlers and grown-ups alike, combining the moist texture of bananas, the subtle tartness of apples, and the gentle earthiness of carrots, all wrapped up in a tender muffin that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Once you make these mini muffins, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen for breakfast, snack time, or even a quick dessert you can feel good about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with several layers of ingredients before mixing. In the bowl, there is a layer of light yellow mashed bananas spread around the base. On top of the bananas, there are two raw eggs with bright yellow yolks, one positioned near the left center and the other near the right edge of the bowl. Next to the eggs are two piles of grated vegetables: one is pale off-white, shredded finely and placed on the left, and the other is a bright orange heap of shredded carrot sitting slightly to the right and overlapping the bananas. Around the edges of the bowl, you can see a light brown liquid that looks like a mix of wet ingredients. The whole scene is brightly lit, showing clear details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create these vibrant and tasty mini muffins, you only need a handful of wholesome ingredients. Each plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible home-baked aroma that fills your kitchen.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and the perfect crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to make the muffins tender.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the fruit and carrot perfectly.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the batter.
¾ cup very ripe mashed banana (about 2 medium): Brings moistness and natural sweetness without overpowering.
½ cup peeled grated apple (1 small apple): Adds subtle freshness and a tender bite throughout.
⅓ cup grated carrot (1 medium carrot): Sneaks in vibrant color and wholesome nutrition.
¼ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled: Gives richness and a soft, silky texture.
2 eggs: Bind all the ingredients together for a perfect muffin lift.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a cozy aroma and deep flavor.
½ cup maple syrup: A natural, earthy sweetener that complements the fruit perfectly.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed and the spices are fully incorporated, setting a solid foundation for tender muffins.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth with no lumps. Then add the grated apple and carrot, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture full of natural sweetness and bright flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or large spoon. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, so it’s important to keep the batter light and tender for the perfect crumb.

Step 4: Fill the Mini Muffin Tin

Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with olive oil cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Use a mini cookie scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

The image shows two small muffins stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface, with the top muffin having a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, crumbly inside with visible small bits of carrot and banana. The muffins are a light brown color with orange flecks inside. Around them, there are whole muffins blurred in the background, slices of banana on the left, and orange carrots and a green apple in the far background, all on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick glaze of maple syrup right after baking adds a little sparkle and extra touch of sweetness to your mini muffins. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts or a handful of rolled oats on top before baking.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a cup of warm herbal tea or a glass of fresh milk. For a wholesome breakfast spread, serve alongside yogurt, fresh berries, or a small bowl of cottage cheese to round out the meal with protein and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

To make snack time extra special, arrange the ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe on a colorful platter with fruit slices and a small jar of nut butter for dipping. You can also pack them in a cute lunchbox for a nutritious midday treat that kids will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover mini muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moistness and flavor. They make an easy grab-and-go snack when stored properly.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins over a longer period, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can thaw just the amount you need. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring your mini muffins back to life, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 minutes. This restores their softness and enhances those cozy flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with oil in the ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe?

Absolutely! Using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil will keep the muffins moist, though the texture might be slightly different—typically a bit denser and less rich compared to butter.

Are these mini muffins suitable for toddlers?

Yes, they are perfect for toddlers! The natural sweetness from fruit and the soft texture make them easy to chew, and the ingredients are wholesome and kid-friendly.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right.

How ripe should the bananas be for the best muffins?

Very ripe is best! The bananas should be speckled with brown spots or completely brown—this means they are sweeter and mash easily, contributing to moisture and flavor in the muffins.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe?

Definitely! Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips for an extra dimension of texture and flavor that kids and adults will love.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of homemade ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe fresh out of the oven. Their delightful blend of fruits and veggies creates a treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for picky toddlers or just looking for a wholesome snack, these little muffins will steal your heart and quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire. Give them a try and savor every bite of goodness!