Name: Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp allspice; 1 cup grated carrots; ½ cup chopped walnuts; ½ cup raisins; 1 cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 22 reviews

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting feeling that comes with a fresh batch of Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe. These muffins are a delightful blend of tender crumb, sweet spices, and delightful textures—the naturally sweet grated carrots keep them moist while the crunchy walnuts and chewy raisins add that perfect contrast. Whether you’re after a cozy breakfast bite, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet treat that feels homemade and wholesome, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, they’re incredibly straightforward to whip up, which is the best part about having a go-to muffin recipe in your baking arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a large glass bowl filled with white flour. To its right are three metal measuring spoons containing white powder, a beige powder, and a brown powder. Below, two small white bowls hold chopped nuts and dark raisins. Moving left down the image, a white bowl with two raw eggs is placed beside a half-measuring cup filled with brown sugar, and a white bowl filled with bright orange shredded carrots. Scattered around are metal measuring spoons with cinnamon powder and golden syrup, all set clearly and brightly with a clean, organized look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these muffins right is all about the balance of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in delivering flavor, moisture, and texture. From the warm spices to the naturally sweet carrots and hearty walnuts, every element matters in this recipe.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives these muffins their soft, tender crumb.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise nice and fluffy.
1 tsp baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and keeps them light.
1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice we love in carrot cake.
1/2 tsp allspice: Adds a subtle depth of flavor with a hint of sweet spice.
1 cup grated carrots: Keeps the muffins moist and adds natural sweetness.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
1/2 cup raisins: Sweet, chewy bites that balance the spices perfectly.
1 cup brown sugar: Gives rich, caramel-like sweetness to every bite.
1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist without weighing them down.
2 eggs: Binds everything together and adds structure.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your muffin tin with paper liners to make cleanup a breeze and to keep your muffins from sticking. This simple prep step ensures your muffins bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice until the mixture is evenly combined. This creates an aerated base, infusing the muffins with their signature warm spice flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, raisins, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and texture all in one vibrant, colorful package. Make sure the carrots are grated finely for the best consistency.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix here—overworking the batter will develop the gluten in the flour and result in denser muffins rather than light and fluffy ones.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters full to leave room for the muffins to rise without spilling over.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them starting at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking, as ovens can vary widely.

Step 7: Cool and Add Finishing Touches

Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For that extra bit of charm, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top or drizzle with your favorite maple syrup right before serving.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe

A close-up view of two carrot muffins stacked on a white marbled surface, with the top muffin held by a woman's hand showing its soft crumb interior and drizzled with shiny syrup, both muffins topped with small chopped nuts and some shredded carrot visible on the surface, surrounded by more similar muffins in white paper liners. The scene has a warm, inviting light with a slight blur in the background giving focus to the detailed texture of the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add some flair by topping your muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a smear of cream cheese for richness. A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts not only looks inviting but gives each bite a nice crunch.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a fuller meal, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe on a decorative platter for brunch or a party. You can also wrap them up individually with parchment paper tied with twine for adorable gift-ready treats or picnic-friendly snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess. If you prefer, refrigerate for up to a week and bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them a convenient option to bake ahead for busy mornings.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins as if freshly baked, thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Warming helps revive their moist texture and enhances the spice flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts for another type of nut?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can bring a lovely twist to the texture and flavor. Just toast them beforehand for added crunch and to bring out their natural oils.

What if I don’t have raisins? Can I skip them?

Yes, you can leave out the raisins or swap them for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips if you want a different kind of sweetness in your Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe.

Is there a way to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can work well. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with structure and texture. The muffins might be a little more delicate, so handle with care.

Can I add frosting or glaze to these muffins?

Definitely! A simple cream cheese glaze or a drizzle of maple icing takes these muffins from everyday to extra special, perfect for serving at gatherings or as a decadent breakfast treat.

How finely should I grate the carrots?

Finely grated carrots integrate best into the batter, ensuring moisture is evenly distributed and that you don’t end up with big chunks that can overpower a bite. A fine grate also helps keep the texture nice and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking your own Easy Homemade Carrot Cake Muffins with Walnuts and Raisins Recipe. The combination of spices, texture, and natural sweetness is just so satisfying and versatile for any time of day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a simple yet special way to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen and your loved ones. Once you taste that first moist, flavorful muffin, I’m sure these will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire too!