Carrot Walnut Muffin Recipe- Jaggery & Orange Flavored

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Walnut Muffins: Jaggery & Orange Flavored

Hello friends! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Carrot Walnut Muffins are a family favourite, and honestly, they just feel like a warm hug in muffin form. I first made these when I was craving something comforting and a little bit different, and the combination of jaggery, orange, and warm spices just hit the spot. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or even a little treat with your evening chai. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average carrot muffins! The jaggery adds a beautiful, caramel-like sweetness that’s so much more interesting than refined sugar. The orange marmalade and a touch of Grand Marnier (or just orange zest if you prefer!) brighten everything up, and the walnuts add a lovely crunch. Plus, the blend of flours and wheat bran makes them a little bit healthier, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! They’re easy to make, and the aroma while they bake is simply divine.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious muffins:

• 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour) – about 120g
• ½ cup atta (wheat flour) – about 60g
• ½ cup wheat bran – about 50g
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk – about 240ml
• ¼ cup vegetable oil – about 60ml
• ½ cup jaggery syrup (or honey/maple syrup) – about 120ml
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (packed) grated carrots – about 140g
• 1 tbsp orange marmalade
• 1 tbsp Grand Marnier (or 1 tbsp grated orange zest)
• A handful of walnuts and raisins – about 50g combined

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the best results:

Maida (All-Purpose Flour) & Atta (Wheat Flour) Blend

Using a mix of maida and atta gives these muffins a lovely texture – the maida provides structure, while the atta adds a subtle nutty flavour and a bit more substance. You can adjust the ratio slightly to your preference, but this blend works beautifully.

Wheat Bran – Health Benefits & Texture

Don’t skip the wheat bran! It’s packed with fibre and adds a wonderful, slightly rustic texture to the muffins. It also helps keep them moist.

Jaggery Syrup – A Traditional Sweetener

Jaggery syrup is a traditional Indian sweetener made from sugarcane juice. It has a rich, molasses-like flavour that’s so much more complex than regular sugar. If you can’t find jaggery syrup, honey or maple syrup are good substitutes, but the flavour will be slightly different.

Grand Marnier/Orange Zest – Flavor Profile

Grand Marnier adds a sophisticated orange flavour, but if you don’t have it on hand, don’t worry! A tablespoon of finely grated orange zest works just as well. It really brightens up the muffins.

Spices – Cinnamon & Regional Variations

Cinnamon is the star spice here, but feel free to experiment! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom would also be lovely. In some parts of India, a tiny bit of ginger powder is added to carrot-based sweets for a warming touch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tray with liners and lightly grease them with vegetable oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Grate the carrots and coarsely chop the walnuts. Set both aside – having everything prepped makes the process so much smoother.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the maida, atta, wheat bran, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and vegetable oil until creamy. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, orange marmalade, Grand Marnier (or orange zest), jaggery syrup, and milk.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, check with a toothpick – if it comes out wet, reduce the temperature to 150°C (300°F) and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them!
9. Let the muffins cool in the tray for 15-20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter! This is the key to tender muffins.
• Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything blend together more easily.
• Pack the carrots tightly when measuring. This ensures you get the right amount.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use a plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warmer flavour. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny bit of ground cloves!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) on top for a festive touch. For Christmas, a little bit of orange zest in the batter feels extra special.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of chai or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread. My kids love them with a smear of cream cheese!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is the best way to grate carrots for muffins?

A box grater works perfectly! Just make sure to pack the carrots tightly for consistent results.

Can I substitute jaggery syrup with honey or maple syrup?

Yes, you can! Honey and maple syrup are good substitutes, but the flavour will be slightly different.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

What is Grand Marnier and can I omit it?

Grand Marnier is an orange-flavoured liqueur. You can definitely omit it and just use orange zest instead.

How can I ensure the muffins are moist and not dry?

Don’t overbake them! Check for doneness with a toothpick, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. Also, using the wheat bran and not overmixing the batter helps keep them moist.