Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins | www.motherthyme.com

As much as I would love to talk about potty training two year old’s today I think I would rather take a break for a moment to talk about food.

The one thing I have had success with recently is getting my picky two year old’s to eat carrots.  Sometimes a mom has to do what a mom has to do to get them to eat their veggies, even if it means to sneak it in muffins.  They loved these so much, they inhaled them.  If they only knew, right?

I love carrot cake.  It’s probably my favorite next to red velvet, or a cassata cake.  Carrot cake reminds me of Spring and Easter.  Don’t ask me why because I could eat carrot cake anytime of year.  As much as I would love to make a triple layer carrot cake with a thick cream cheese frosting that is full of calories I certainly could do without, I opted to make a healthy carrot cake muffin.  These muffins have all the flavor of carrot cake without all the extra calories.  I actually cut out the oil and butter completely and substituted crushed pineapple that goes so well with carrot cake anyways.  Trust me, you don’t miss the butter or oil in these.

Healhty Carrot Cake Muffins | www.motherthyme.com

I top these off with a light cream cheese glaze with just a touch of cinnamon, which if it was up to me I would just eat the entire bowl of this with a spoon.  I have also made these before substituting the light cream cheese with mascarpone for a nice touch as well.   The light cream cheese has a little less calories, but either way its the perfect topping to these muffins.  They are not overly sweet but you won’t miss it.  Best part, these muffins are about 182 calories each with the cream cheese glaze without sacrificing flavor.

These freeze great.  I would just suggest freezing them without the glaze and just adding the glaze when needed.  To save a step and calories, you could easily sprinkle the tops with a dusting of confectioners sugar as well.

Now back to potty training.  Wish me luck!

Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 12-14 muffins

About 182 calories per muffin

Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup coconut flakes
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • Cream Cheese Glaze
  • 4 ounces light cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 2 tablespoons skim milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line muffin tin with liners or spray with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl stir together flour, sugar, coconut flakes, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
  3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add in milk, pineapple, eggs, vanilla.
  4. Stir all ingredients together until combined.
  5. Fold in carrots and cranberries.
  6. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tin 3/4 full each.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and tester inserted in the center of the muffins comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool slightly in pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Cream Cheese Glaze
  10. In a small bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir together using a whisk or an electric mixer until creamy.
  11. Dip top of muffins into glaze and set on wire rack until glaze has dried.

Once muffins are glazed, store in refrigerator. Muffins will freeze well without glaze. Add glaze after muffins come to room temperature or simply dust confectioners sugar.

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://www.MotherThyme.com/2013/03/healhty-carrot-cake-muffins.html

More carrot cake recipes~
Pumpkin Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oats
Carrot Cake Brownies ~ Crazy For Crust

 

Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins (dairy free, egg free)

Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins (dairy free, egg free)

I love a good muffin.  They are great to have on hand to grab when on the go before heading to work or for a quick breakfast for the kids before going to school.  I often have muffins on hand in the freezer to quickly defrost whenever needed as well.

I am back this month with Secret Recipe Club after taking a short break during the holidays.  I was assigned the blog We Heart Vegan which I was excited about.  I love vegan recipes.  I was drawn to recipes such as Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits that included rosemary and Thai Chili that is full of vegetables, red curry paste and coconut milk.  I settled on featuring these Maple and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Muffins, or what she likes to call ” Scuffins” since they taste somewhat like a scone.  I love muffins and scones so it was fate that I make these.  Of course I had to put my little twist on them.  I kept the recipe in tact for the most part, just swapping out oat flour for rolled oats. 

These muffins are dairy free and egg free, but trust me you can’t even tell.  They are so good.  Perfect with your morning coffee or with a cup of tea.  I even put these to the Mr. Mother Thyme test.  I gave him one to try before I told them what they were and how they were made.  He thought they were delicious and he couldn’t believe they didn’t have eggs, milk or butter in them.  These muffins incorporate coconut oil which is a great alternative to butter.

Each muffin is about 210 calories each.  Serve with a bowl of fresh berries with a dollop of creamy yogurt for a satisfying breakfast. 

Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins (dairy free, egg free)

Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins (dairy free, egg free)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 12 muffins

about 210 calories each

Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Muffins (dairy free, egg free)

A dairy free, egg free muffin that tastes like a muffin and scone all in one.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • Maple and Brown Sugar Topping
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners or spray with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
  3. In a small bowl stir together coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar and maple syrup.
  4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in wet ingredients. Stir wet and dry ingredients together until combined. Batter will be thick.
  5. Pour or spoon batter into muffin pan dividing batter evenly to fill each about 2/3 full.
  6. Maple and Brown Sugar Topping
  7. In a small bowl combine flour, oats, brown sugar and maple syrup until crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over muffins.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until tester inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
  9. Cool for about 5 minutes in pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://www.MotherThyme.com/2013/01/maple-brown-sugar-oatmeal-muffins.html



Anise Cookies + BeaterBlade Giveaway

anise cookies

These anise cookies are very special to me.  They remind me of cookies I would make with my mother growing up.  She must have used anise in her Christmas cookie cutouts since that distinct anise flavor that are in these were in those cookies too.  We used to make our cookies in late November and freeze them.  As we got closer to Christmas we would spend the day frosting the cookies.  As a child it was so much fun frosting the cookies that were in shapes of Santa, Christmas trees and snowflakes.  I look forward to passing on those holiday baking traditions with my kids as well.

These darling Italian anise cookies are the last featured cookie for this seasons Christmas Cookie Countdown series.  If you plan on doing last minute baking this weekend before the big day, these are simple to make and a perfect addition your holiday cookie tray.  They are slightly sweet and buttery with just the right amount of anise.  They are topped with a simple anise glaze to layer the anise flavor and sprinkled with nonpareils.  If you are looking for a classic Italian Anise Cookie you will love these and love how easy these are make too!

anise cookies

To make my baking easier this holiday season, I have to thank the BeaterBlade.  This brilliant attachment fits perfectly to my KitchenAid.  It also works on Cuisinart, Viking, and Kenwood stand mixers.  It scrapes the bowl while mixing.  How genius is that?  I can’t tell you how many times I used to have to stop while mixing to scrap the bowl before I owned this.  With the BeaterBlade it scraps it for me.  The Beaterblade and Beaterblade Pro also cuts mixing time up to 50%.  With all the baking I am doing for the holidays, this handy attachment is making my baking a lot easier. 

I am in love with the BeaterBlade attachment and I am so excited to giveaway one of these to one lucky MT reader!  Enter below for your chance to win!  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

anise cookies

Cream butter and sugar.  While mixing add in eggs and anise extract. 

anise cookies

Stir in flour mixture. 

anise cookies

Drop tablespoon size balls on parchment lined baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. 

anise cookies

Dip top of cookies into glaze and sprinkle with nonpareils. 

anise cookies

Anise Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons anise extract
  • Anise Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract
  • 3 tablespoon milk
  • Nonpareils or sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl combine flour and baking powder and set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer cream butter and sugar. Stir in eggs, one at a time then anise extract. Gradually blend in flour mixture until combined.
  4. Drop tablespoon size balls on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are golden brown. Place on wire rack to cool.
  5. Anise Glaze
  6. In a small bowl stir together confectioners sugar, anise extract and milk until creamy. Dip tops of cookies in glaze. Sprinkle with nonpareils before glaze dries.
  7. Store in an airtight container.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://www.MotherThyme.com/2012/12/anise-cookies.html

Gingerbread Muffins

gingerbread muffins

Gingerbread is such a traditional holiday recipe.  From gingerbread men to a warm loaf of gingerbread there are so many varieties.  Rich in molasses and some of my favorite spices such as ground ginger and cloves, these gingerbread muffins are perfect for Christmas morning or to give as a gift in a basket filled with oranges and coffee beans.

Just the smell of these baking in the oven is worth the few minutes it takes to whip these up.  I also like the addition of fresh lemon zest to these gingerbread  muffins that makes the scent of this baking amazing.  

They are topped with a simple streusel topping and then drizzled with a lemon glaze that is used with the extra lemon leftover that was used for the lemon zest. 

You can go ahead and bake these now.  Freeze them and you are set to go with homemade gingerbread muffins to serve Christmas morning. 

For an evening treat enjoy one of these with some vanilla ice cream or  with a warm glass of milk sprinkled with a little cinnamon to end a winter day.

 gingerbread muffins

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Stir in wet ingredients. 

gingerbread muffins

Pour into prepared muffin pan and sprinkle with streusel topping.  Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes. 

gingerbread muffins

Gingerbread Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • Zest from one small lemon
  • Streusel Topping
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Lemon Glaze
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 of one lemon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 12 cup muffin pan with liners and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, ginger, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cloves and mix until combined.
  3. In a medium bowl stir melted butter, milk, molasses, egg and lemon zest. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix until just combined.
  4. Pour into prepared muffins pan filling about 3/4 full.
  5. Streusel topping
  6. In a medium bowl combine melted butter, flour, sugar and cinnamon and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of muffins bake for about 20-25 minutes until tester inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean. Let muffins cool in pan for a few minutes then remove and place on wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Lemon Glaze
  8. In a small bowl stir together confectioners sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle on top of muffins.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://www.MotherThyme.com/2012/12/gingerbread-muffins.html

Rum Cake with Butter Rum Glaze

Rum Cake with Butter Rum Glaze

Happy Cyber Monday!

As promised, today I am sharing a recipe from Holiday Thyme!  It was a hard decision to pick just one since I love all the recipes I created for the book but I decided to share with you my Rum Cake with Butter Rum Glaze.  Unlike most rum cake recipes, this one does not come from a box cake mix (not that there is anything wrong with that) and oh my goodness is it amazing. 

Rum is another flavor that reminds me of the holidays so what perfect way to celebrate the season than with a rum cake.  This smells so good when it is baking.  After it has cooled slightly, top it off with a butter rum glaze for a great dessert to serve at your holiday gatherings.  I always like to reserve a little of the glaze to also drizzle on the slices right before serving as well.

Holiday Thyme is filled with recipes like these.  Need dinner ideas?  Try my Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin or even an easy recipe for Sicilian Chicken that you can also find in this book and also great for any holiday dinner parties you may be hosting.  And you don’t want to miss my recipe for homemade Eggnog, or one of my favorites Processo and Cranberry Mojitos, great for ringing in the New Year.   

Today is the last day you can purchase the Holiday Thyme e-book for Amazon Kindle at the introductory price of just .99 cents.  If you love print cookbooks like me, be sure to grab the print copy of Holiday Thyme also available on Amazon.

Next up, Spring Thyme coming Spring 2013! 

In the meantime lets enjoy the Holiday Thyme and a warm piece of Rum Cake!

Rum Cake with Butter Rum Glaze

Rum Cake with Butter Rum Glaze

Moist and delicious rum cake topped with a butter rum glaze is the perfect ending to your holiday dinner.

Ingredients

  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup light rum
  • Butter Rum Glaze
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup light rum
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously spray a standard 10-inch bundt pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle walnuts evenly on the bottom of bundt pan and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl stir together flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda and salt and set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer cream butter and sugar. Stir in vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract and rum.
  4. Gradually add in flour mixture to wet ingredients until blended. Pour batter into bundt pan on top of nuts.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes until cake tester comes out clean. Cool completely before inverting.
  6. Butter Rum Glaze
  7. In a small saucepan combine butter, sugar, rum and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  8. Using a toothpick poke small holes all over cake. Generously brush cake with glaze. Drizzle remaining glaze on top of cake. Reserve a small amount to pour on slices when serving.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://www.MotherThyme.com/2012/11/rum-cake-with-butter-rum-glaze.html

Find Holiday Thyme on Amazon!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

You know when you eat something really good it makes you weak at the knees?

These pumpkin cinnamon rolls will.

You will want to live in your sweatpants for the next five days after having one, or an extra day at the gym.   The problem for me is eating just one.  The are insanely good.

They are worth every bite when you are celebrating a special occasion like we are today!  We are celebrating the upcoming birth of Rachel’s from Rachel Cooks little man with a virtual baby shower!

Rachel is so sweet, and incredibly talented and I am thrilled to have gotten to know her through our blogs.   Thanks to Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny and Brandi from Bran Appetit for bringing us together to celebrate Rachel’s baby.  Wait until you see the list of amazing recipes below.  It would be a blast if we could get together and bring these fabulous dishes.  What a feast that would be!  Considering we are from all over, what better way to bring us together than with a virtual baby shower.  I am so happy for Rachel and can’t wait to “meet” her little man! 

I think many of us are tempted when we are at the mall and walk past one of those popular cinnamon roll shops.  You can smell them a mile away.   Nothing beats a warm homemade cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven drizzled with a sweet maple cream cheese glaze.  Make a few batches and put them in cute boxes for holiday gift giving.  Who wouldn’t love that sweet treat? 

You will want to make these cinnamon rolls soon, like today or at least for the weekend.  Trust me, you’ll love them.

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES Rachel!!  

Follow the party on Twitter!  #RachelPops

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 packet (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Filling:
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl add water and sprinkle with yeast. Set aside to proof, about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl add proofed yeast, milk, butter, egg, pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Using a dough hook attachment mix on low for about 5 minutes until dough is combined and pulls away from the sides.
  3. Place dough in a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size for an hour.
  4. Generously grease two 8-inch cake pans. In a small bowl stir together brown sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Punch down dough and place on a well floured surface. Roll out dough to a 20 x 14 inch rectangle. Spread top of dough with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Starting on the longer side, roll dough in a tight spiral. With a sharp knife cut 18 1-inch slices and place 9 slices into each cake pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
  7. While rolls are baking, add cream cheese, confectioners sugar and milk to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Stir in maple syrup. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://www.MotherThyme.com/2012/11/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls.html

On the menu ~

Appetizers ~
Apple Asiago Prosciutto Bites ~ Sarah’s Cucina Bella
Cranberry Citrus Meatballs (Slow Cooker) ~ Diabetic Foodie
Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pesto Crostini ~ Thrifty Veggie Mama
Curried Salmon Phyllo Cups ~ Cooking with Books
Mini Onion and Feta Pizzas ~ London Bakes
Southern Cheese Straws ~ 30A Eats

Soup & Sandwiches ~
Baby Blue Cheese Burgers ~ Budget Gourmet Mom
Cucumber Sandwiches ~ Susie Freaking Homemaker
Creamy Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Cream ~ Pass the Sushi
Chicken Salad ~ Eat 2gather

Snacks ~
S’mores Popcorn ~ Nutmeg Nanny
White Chocolate Biscoff Muddy Buddies ~ Miss in the Kitchen
Salted Caramel Cashew Popcorn ~ Bake Your Day
Bourbon Toffee Popcorn ~ Bran Appetit

Sweet Treats & Desserts ~
Snickerdoodle Scones ~ Fake Ginger
Patchwork Baby Quilt Cupcakes ~ Creative Culinary
Primal Pumpkin Whoopie Pies ~ Bread & Butter
Turtle Pumpkin Ice Cream Cake ~ A Spicy Perspective
Blue Layered Jello ~ Taste and Tell
Mini Blackberry Pies ~ Oh Sweet Basil
Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars ~ Bakeaholic Mama
Baby Blueberry Pies on a Stick ~ Stephs Bite by Bite
Itty Bitty Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies ~ Chip Chip Hooray
Hermit Bars ~ The Lemon Bowl
Sweet Potato Pie Dip with Pie Crust Dippers ~ The Spiffy Cookie
Dark Chocolate Cashew Brittle Cookies ~ Farmgirl Gourmet
Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake ~ Cookistry

Apple Crumb Kuchen


How many times did you hear growing up an apple a day keeps the doctor away?

I heard it…a lot.  I guess eating a lot of apples paid off;  knock on wood.  

Apples are my favorite.  Crunchy and juicy;  sweet and tart.  I love them.  And come apple season, I am in my glory.    

It also gives me the excuse to make a kuchen, which is German for cake is a family favorite.  
  

I have the pleasure of sharing this special recipe at Baked By Rachel.  This month the very talented Rachel who serves up amazing and delicious dishes is hosting An Apple A Day party.  If you are looking for apple recipes you have come to the right place.  From Apple Slab Pie to Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread just to name a few of the fabulous recipes that have been featured.    

Get ready to pick a few bushels of apples and click HERE to join me at Baked By Rachel to find out more about this recipe.