
Ingredients
- 200 g of baby carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (peelings reserved)
- 2 olive oil
- 200 ml of maple syrup, plus 1 tbsp
- 135 ml of milk (dairy free if required)
- 2.5 tsp of vanilla extract
- 90 g of oat flour (gluten free if required)
- 90 g of ground almonds
- 40 g of dark cocoa powder
- 0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon, plus a pinch
- 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda
- 0.5 tsp of baking powder (gluten free if required)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar
- 100 g of 70% dark chocolate, chopped (dairy free if required)
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases.Step 2
Put the carrots in a small pan of water; boil for 10 mins, or until soft. Drain and set aside to cool a little.Step 3
In a small blender, combine the cooked carrots, oil, 175ml maple syrup, 75ml milk and 1½ tsp vanilla; blitz to a purée.Step 4
Put the oat flour, almonds, cocoa powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Make a well in the centre; crack in the eggs, then add the carrot purée and mix in. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases.Step 5
Put the peelings in a bowl with 25ml maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. Toss to coat, then spread on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Put the muffins and peelings in the oven. Bake the muffins for 12-13 mins until risen; give the peelings a further 3-5 mins until caramelised. Leave both to cool.Step 6
For the ganache, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water; whisk in 60ml milk, 1 tbsp syrup, 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt until combined. Spread the muffins with the ganache; decorate with candied peel.