Carrot Cake Protein Muffins
Soft, moist, naturally sweet, and packed with protein
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 22–28 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats, blended into a coarse oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 scoop (about 30 g) vanilla protein powder (optional, for extra protein)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Blend Oats
Blend the rolled oats until they resemble a coarse flour.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Maple syrup
- Oil
- Vanilla
until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix together:
- Oat flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Salt
- Protein powder (if using)
Step 5: Make Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in:
- Grated carrots
- Walnuts or pecans
- Raisins
Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
Sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional Cream Cheese Protein Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat until smooth and spread over cooled muffins.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Muffin)
Without frosting, using walnuts:
- Calories: 180–210
- Protein: 9–11 g
- Carbohydrates: 18–22 g
- Fat: 8–10 g
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sugar: 7–9 g
Nutrition varies depending on the protein powder and optional ingredients.
Nut Information
Walnuts
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of copper and manganese
- Add a mild, earthy flavor and crunch
Pecans
- High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Rich in antioxidants
- Slightly sweeter and buttery in taste
Almonds
- Excellent source of vitamin E
- High in magnesium and protein
- Can be used instead of walnuts or pecans
Nut-Free Option
Simply omit the nuts or replace them with:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
Storage
- Room temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months. Wrap individually and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the microwave.
Recipe Tips
- Finely grate the carrots so they blend evenly into the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the muffins dense.
- If the batter seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
- For sweeter muffins, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes. Quick oats work well and create a slightly softer texture.
Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can replace the cottage cheese in equal amounts.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure your protein powder is gluten-free.
Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based cottage cheese alternative, and skip the cream cheese frosting or use a dairy-free version.
Q: What protein powder works best?
Vanilla whey or a vanilla plant-based protein powder both work well. If using a very absorbent protein powder, you may need to add a splash of milk.
Q: Can I leave out the protein powder?
Absolutely. The muffins will still have protein from the eggs and cottage cheese, though the total protein per muffin will be lower.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes. Try shredded coconut, chopped dates, dried cranberries, or mini white chocolate chips for different flavors.
