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 (about 2 medium bananas); ½ cup peeled grated apple (1 small apple); ⅓ cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot); ¼ cup butter (melted and slightly cooled); 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup maple syrup

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with natural sweetness and wholesome flavors, look no further than this ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe. These mini muffins are a perfect little morsel packed with fruity freshness from apple and banana, along with a hearty touch from carrot, making every bite tender, moist, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast on the go or packing snacks for the kiddos, these muffins balance nutrition and indulgence effortlessly. Plus, the warm spices add a subtle depth that keeps you coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. There are three bright orange carrots slightly stacked on the left side, two brown speckled bananas positioned towards the right, and one shiny green apple in the middle. At the top left, a small white bowl holds three cubes of pale yellow butter. Next to it are two whole brown eggs. A larger white bowl filled with white flour is placed at the top right. Below the apple, a small white bowl contains brown cinnamon powder. Three more small white bowls hold white granulated sugar, white powder (possibly baking soda), and fine white powder (likely baking powder), arranged vertically on the left side. A small white cup filled with dark brown syrup or honey is near the bottom center, and a small dark bottle, presumably vanilla extract, stands to the right of the bananas. All these items are clearly visible and well lit, arranged with some space around each one. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients right is half the fun and ensures these muffins come out just the way you want. Each element brings a special character—flour for softness, ripe bananas for natural sweetness, grated apple and carrot for moisture and texture, and a pinch of cinnamon for that cozy hint of spice.

All-purpose flour: The base of your muffins, creating a tender crumb and structure.
Baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
Baking soda: Helps balance acidity and adds to that perfect lift.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the fruit.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Very ripe mashed banana: Provides natural sweetness and moistness, plus a delicious banana flavor.
Peeled grated apple: Adds juicy moisture and a subtle tartness to brighten each bite.
Grated carrot: Contributes natural sweetness and a pleasant texture.
Melted butter: Brings richness and helps keep the muffins tender.
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding protein and structure.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the muffins with a lovely fragrant sweetness.
Maple syrup: Sweetens naturally and provides an earthy depth.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

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

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This blend forms the essential foundation for your muffin batter, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, so each mini muffin bakes up perfectly spiced and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana

Take your very ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly until you see no lumps at all. The riper, the better here, since this boosts both sweetness and moisture, creating a luscious base that keeps your muffins tender without added sugar.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Fruits

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, grated apple, grated carrot, melted butter (slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs), eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. This colorful mixture is where your muffins start to come alive, packed with flavor and natural sweetness, and it ensures the fruits are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet bowl, and gently fold them together until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing your batter; a light hand preserves the muffins’ tender crumb, while overmixing can lead to toughness.

Step 5: Prepare Muffin Tin and Portion Batter

Spray a mini muffin tin lightly with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using a mini cookie scoop, portion the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling almost to the top to give you nicely domed little muffins.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The mini size makes for quick, even baking, resulting in golden edges and moist centers.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your fresh mini muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets them set up just right so they don’t fall apart when you bite in.

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

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, dust your ABC Mini Muffins with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a cinnamon sugar blend right before serving. You could also spread a thin layer of cream cheese or almond butter to add richness and another layer of flavor that complements the natural fruitiness within.

Side Dishes

These mini muffins work wonderfully paired with a fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait for breakfast or brunch. If you want a heartier snack, serve them alongside a warm cup of chai tea or coffee for a comforting, balanced treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few ABC Mini Muffins on a pretty plate alongside small bowls of nut butters, honey, or fresh fruit preserves. You could also thread them onto skewers with berries and banana slices for a fun party platter or lunchbox surprise that’s both charming and tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover muffins, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out, so you can enjoy a quick snack or breakfast anytime.

Freezing

ABC Mini Muffins freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm your muffins, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their softness and melts in the natural sweetness like they’re fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but you might want to swap half of the flour first to see how you like the texture, as it can make muffins a bit denser.

Do I have to peel the apple and carrot?

Peeling the apple and carrot helps create a smoother texture in the mini muffins, but if you prefer a bit more rustic fiber and color, you can leave the skins on after a thorough wash.

Can I substitute maple syrup with honey or another sweetener?

Yes, honey or agave syrup can work well as alternatives, though the flavor profile will vary slightly. Adjust sweetness to taste and keep in mind the liquid ratio stays similar.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal because they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the moistness and taste of your ABC Mini Muffins.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Sure thing! Just double all ingredients and bake the muffins in batches or use multiple muffin tins. Keep the baking time about the same, but check doneness a couple of minutes earlier or later as ovens vary.

Final Thoughts

This ABC Mini Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Recipe is truly a little treasure in the kitchen—simple to whip up, nutritious, and bursting with sweet, natural flavors. I can’t wait for you to try baking these for yourself; they’re the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a favorite for busy mornings and cozy snack times alike. Trust me, once you taste these moist, tender, and perfectly spiced mini muffins, they’ll be requested again and again!