mimi's cafe carrot raisin muffin recipe

Lemon

2 min read

·

03-02-2025

1

0

Share

Mimi's Cafe is renowned for its comforting, home-style dishes, and their carrot raisin muffins are no exception. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we've crafted a delicious approximation based on the delightful flavors and textures of their famous muffins. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, promising moist, tender muffins bursting with the sweetness of carrots and raisins.

Ingredients: A Blend of Sweet and Spiced

This recipe yields approximately 12 standard-sized muffins.

For the Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Carrot & Raisin Mix:

• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1 cup raisins (golden raisins recommended for a sweeter flavor)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added texture and richness)

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Muffin Perfection

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease and flour the tin well. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Blend in the Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. A few lumps are okay, but strive for a relatively smooth batter.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough muffins.

6. Add the Carrot & Raisin Mix: Gently fold in the grated carrots, raisins, and optional nuts. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of carrot are perfectly fine.

7. Fill the Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. This allows for proper rising during baking.

8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last 5 minutes, as ovens can vary.

9. Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Tips & Variations for Mimi's-Inspired Muffins

• Spice it up: For a more intense spice flavor, add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients.
• Citrus zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing twist.
• Chocolate chips: A handful of chocolate chips adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the carrots and raisins.
• Glaze it: A simple cream cheese glaze or a light lemon glaze elevates these muffins to a whole new level.

This recipe aims to capture the essence of Mimi's Cafe's carrot raisin muffins. While it might not be the exact same, it offers a delicious and satisfying alternative, perfect for a weekend brunch or a comforting afternoon treat. Enjoy!