Coconut and Carrot High Protein Muffins Recipe
These Coconut and Carrot High Protein Muffins are a nutritious and delicious treat, ideal for a healthy breakfast or snack. Packed with protein-rich brown lentils, wholesome carrots, and a hint of sweet shredded coconut, these muffins combine wholesome ingredients with a moist and tender texture. Perfect for those seeking a balanced, flavorful baked good that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 19 oz can of brown lentils (drained & rinsed; note that you will not use the whole can in the recipe)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full fat, not light)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour (125 g, fluffed, spooned & levelled)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 carrots (shredded finely, just over 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the muffins.
- Prepare Muffin Tray: Line a standard-sized muffin tray with parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent the muffins from sticking.
- Process Lentils: Add the drained and rinsed brown lentils to a food processor and blend until smooth. Alternatively, mash with a fork or potato masher until puréed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Measure ¾ cup of the lentil purée and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, full-fat yogurt, and brown sugar. Mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the muffins. Then fold in the finely shredded carrots.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners, filling each just to the top. Sprinkle the shredded sweetened coconut evenly over each muffin for added flavor and texture.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Storage – Refrigerate: Once cooled, store the muffins in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep them fresh.
- Storage – Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the muffins in parchment paper and place them in a meal prep container in the freezer for up to one month.
- Reheat and Serve: When ready to eat, reheat the muffins and serve with butter for an extra tasty touch.
Notes
- Do not use the entire can of lentils; only ¾ cup of the puréed lentils is needed for the recipe.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender muffin texture.
- Using full-fat yogurt provides moisture and richness to the muffins.
- The shredded sweetened coconut adds a pleasant texture and slight sweetness as a topping.
- Muffins can be easily stored and reheated, making them great for meal prep and on-the-go snacks.
Keywords: high protein muffins, lentil muffins, coconut carrot muffins, healthy muffins, protein breakfast, vegetarian muffins, baking with lentils