These incredibly moist, carrot oatmeal muffins are packed with nutrition and sweetened with fruit only. They are a delicious and healthy way to get more fruits and vegetables into your baby or toddler!
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In continuing with my baby blender muffin series, I’ve developed another healthy version of a classic - carrot cake oatmeal muffins!
The base recipe is very similar to the spinach sweet potato muffins and the blueberry muffins.
Now, if you are specifically looking for a sweeter muffin as these aren't very sweet (but plenty sweet for babies), give these banana carrot muffins a try!
Ingredients
Carrots: You’ll need about 2-3 medium carrots to get 1 packed cup grated. Avoid using the pre-shredded ones from the store because they tend to be dry, which will make it challenging for babies to work through. I like to use my box grater for this. You can also use the shredding attachment on a food processor if you have it.
While you're at it, grate extra and add them to smoothie bowls, chia puddings (bye bye constipation!), vegetable waffles, carrot pancakes, or overnight oats/quinnoa.
How to Serve Carrots for Babies
Dates: Medjool dates work the best. They are larger, more moist, and sweeter than the other varieties. But any will work. Just be sure to use more since they are smaller. Soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes as it will result in smoother consistency. You can also swap the dates out with 1 medium banana if you wish.
Unsweetened applesauce: Along with dates, adds natural sweetness and provides moisture without having to use oil. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Greek yogurt: whole fat is preferred, especially for kids under 2. Plant-based alternatives will work too. Just be sure to check the label for sugar content as they tend to contain added sugars.
Egg: flax egg also works
Walnuts: Finely ground for babies. I like to use my coffee grinder to blitz a bunch of nuts (and seeds) at one time. You should too! Store in an airtight container and sprinkle on top of oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, baked goods, etc. For older children, you can keep them finely chopped.
Coconut: look for unsweetened shredded coconut as it comes pre-ground and is finer in texture. Will look like snowfall. This will be safest for babies. You can leave this out to save you a trip to the store. But it’s a really versatile ingredient to have in your pantry and will kick the flavor up another notch in these carrot oatmeal muffins
Cinnamon: Don’t skimp on this. Also add nutmeg if you have it! Together they will impart a very warm, cozy flavor.
Vanilla extract: To address the question I get asked all the time, yes! babies can have it.
Step by Step Instructions
- Add all the ingredients, minus the carrots, walnuts, and coconut into the blender. Process until smooth.
- Stir in the carrots and walnuts.
- 3. Spoon batter to a greased/lined baking pan. I only use my silicone baking pan and LOVE it as there's no need to grease and the muffins come out so well after baking. Top with coconut. Press into the batter slightly.
- 4. Bake in the oven!
Tips for Success
- Every oven is slightly different so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle, making sure it comes out clean.
- Once done, don’t attempt to take them out immediately from the muffin pan. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. This is VERY important.
- If you find that the muffins are too moist, put them in the fridge to help firm up.
Serving Suggestions
Amp up your baby or toddler's nutrition even more by serving these moist carrot oatmeal muffins with butter, cream cheese, nut butter, etc.
How to Store
- Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. You'll find that the flavors develop more over time.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. I personally flash freeze all my baked goods.
- thaw in the fridge overnight. Serve as is or warmed up in the microwave or toaster oven for VERY briefly. Otherwise, they will become too soggy.
Other Muffins to Try
- Beetroot Muffins
- Pumpkin Bean Muffins
- Zucchini Carrot Avocado Muffins
- Pineapple Coconut Muffins
- Southwestern Oat Muffins
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Healthy Carrot Oatmeal Muffins
Equipment
Ingredients
For the blender
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
- 3 medjool dates, pitted and soaked (see note)
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) Whole fat plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup (110g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg (or flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 ½ teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir-ins
- 1 cup packed (125g) grated carrots, about 2-3 medium carrots
- ⅓ cup (35g) finely chopped walnuts
Topping
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Into a blender of food processor, add the oats first and then the rest of the ingredients under "for the blender." Blend until smooth.
- Stir in carrots and walnuts. Spoon the batter evenly into a prepared muffin pan. Top with coconut, as much or as little as you wish. Press onto the batter slightly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely (wait at least 10 minutes) before taking them out of the pan.
Notes
- Dates: soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes as it will result in smoother consistency. You can also swap the dates out with 1 medium banana if you wish.
- Dairy-free? Can substitute with non-dairy Greek style yogurt.
- Every oven is slightly different so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle, making sure it comes out clean.
- Once done, don’t attempt to take them out immediately from the muffin pan. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. This is VERY important.
- If you find that the muffins are too moist, put them in the fridge to help firm up.
- Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge. You'll find that the flavors develop more over time.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. I personally flash freeze all my baked goods.
- thaw in the fridge overnight. Serve as is or warmed up in the microwave or toaster oven for VERY briefly. Otherwise, they will become too soggy.
Jade says
Hello, making these tomorrow cant wait! Would Kefir yogurt work instead of greek? Made th blueberry muffins with Kefir which turned out fab!
Min says
Hi! Haven't tried but I imagine it would work!
Stephanie says
These are amazing .. I used banana instead of dates because it’s all I had, my 1 year old LOVES them
Min says
I'm SO SO glad these were a hit!!!
Del says
Omg this muffin is sooo moist and soft! Thanks for sharing the receipt, my 2.5yr girl loves it!
Min says
Yay!! I'm so glad!!
Morv says
Hi, any subs for the applesauce? Thanks
Min says
you can add more banana!
Ella says
Hi Min,
Just wanted to take the time to write that I've tried a number of your recipes and they've all turned out great! I have a 3.5 and 1.5 year old and they both love all the different muffins I've made from your site. I'm so glad I found you at the beginning of the pandemic, and have been returning for more dishes since (and will definitely continue to try more items)! Thank you so much for all the healthy yummy recipes!
Min says
Dearest Ella, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this super encouraging comment! Truly motivates me to keep on sharing even when the going gets tough! So thank YOU 😉
Stephanie says
Hi! Can I make this without a blender? Do the oats really need to be ground up? Was hoping to just make it in a bowl without using the bulky blender.. thank you!
Min says
hi! You do need to blend the oats. You can either purchase oat flour, all purpose flour, white whole wheat, or 1:1 gluten free baking flour
naiya rao says
Hii m from India n I absolutely love ur receipe ideas n how easy they are to cook when u hv little one glued to u whole day. I made these oatmeal carrot muffins n my 9 mon old loved it .. he ate 2 instead of only 1
Min says
Oh I'm so glad to hear that these were a hit! And that truly is my goal to make healthy cooking as easiest as possible!
Kristy says
Can I blend the carrots instead of grating and folding them into the batter?
Min says
The muffins are already soft so by blending the carrots they may turn out way too soft. I recommend folding them in!
Melinda says
Ah, this explains my problem! I blended them in (I was using steamed carrot sticks that I needed to get rid of by today), and the muffins turned out quite soft and gooey, and I had to bake them extra long. Now I read this comment and see why! Still good, though 🙂
Jen says
Hey,
I have a lot of baby oatmeal and buckwheat cereal that I would like to use and they’re pre-food processed (come as a fine powder). Any idea how much of the baby cereal I would use in place of 1 cup of oatmeal?
Also! I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping me through my journey. I consider myself a healthy eater but not a frequent one. As a result, figuring out what to feed my baby has been a challenge. Trying your recipes have given me back “me” moments while still focusing on baby. Freezing the extras also has given me a chance to get a grasp on starting solids and I’m starting to feel like a professional after 4 months!
Min says
Hi! I can't say for certain as I haven't tried but I would start with the same amount. And thank you so much for this thoughtful and encouraging message! I'm so glad that you're finding my website helpful!!
Charlotte says
My picky eater loves these!
Min says
Yay! Makes me so happy! thank you for sharing!
Joanne says
Hi, do i need to squeeze out the liquid from carrot?
Min says
There's no need. Just make sure to use the larger hole if using box grater.
Mariam Aziz says
My 1 year old would happily eat these for all meals of the day if i let him, thats how much he likes these carrot cake muffins 🙂
Min says
Haha love it!
G says
Do you think I make this as a mini cake for my 1yo smash cake?
Min says
Sure!
Mary Dalcourt says
Made these for my almost 11 month old son (fun fact, you and I had the same due date last September!) this past weekend and he loves them! So smooth and moist and easy to make!
Min says
oh wow! Thanks for sharing that fun fact!! So glad you guys enjoyed these 😉
Amanda says
My son loves these ! Thanks for the easy recipe !
Min says
Yay! So happy to hear!!
Kacey says
Is there a alternative to Greek yogurt,both my husband and youngest daughter are lactose intolerant?
Min says
Hi! You can use a plant-based alternative. Just make sure to look for plain, no sugar-added
Rouline Siauw says
Hi, can i substitute the applesauce to banana?
Min says
Several moms have told me that applesauce worked well!
Patricia says
Can I leave the walnuts out? Will the consistency work?
Min says
Will be fine! But for additional boost of healthy fat, consider adding seeds (like sunflower, chia, hemp, etc.)
Jenny says
Is there any alternatives to greek yogurt? We ran out. Would milk work ?
Min says
Plain yogurt might work but milk will make the muffins too wet
Betty says
Will plain yogurt work in place of Greek yogurt?
Min says
Many people used it to make the blueberry blender muffins and said they turned out great! I imagine it would work with this one as well.
Ashley says
Ohhh these look great! Do you think I could sub honey for the dates? (I have everything else to make these and don't wanna go to the store haha)
Min says
Yes!