Apple, Banana, And Carrot Muffins for Kids (ABC Muffins )

5.0 from 1 vote

Ava Rose

Published December 15, 2025 • Updated January 26, 2026

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These ABC Muffins are soft, sweet, and full of real fruits and veggies. Each muffin is made with mashed banana, grated apple, shredded carrot, oats, and plain yogurt. They’re perfect for toddlers, babies, and even picky eaters. These muffins make a great snack, lunchbox treat, or baby-led weaning food. You can freeze them too for busy mornings.

You’re a parent who wants healthy food without the fuss. You want simple, safe recipes your little one will actually eat. This recipe gives you that. You’ll find tips, easy steps, and variations like egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and even chocolate ABC muffins. You can mix it up with almond flour, applesauce, or even zucchini. Let’s make muffins your toddler will love from the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Muffins Recipe

These apple, banana, and carrot muffins are soft, sweet, and full of goodness. They make a great breakfast or snack for babies, toddlers, and big kids too. You can pack them in lunchboxes or serve them with milk at snack time.

These muffins use real fruits and veggies like apples, bananas, and carrots.
You can make them egg-free, dairy-free, or gluten-free if needed.
The muffins taste sweet without adding sugar.
You only need one bowl and simple steps to make them.
You can freeze extras and reheat them for busy mornings.
They work great for baby-led weaning and toddler snacks.
These muffins use pantry staples like flour, oats, and yogurt.

What You Need to Make ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana, Carrot)

These muffins are soft, naturally sweet, and perfect for tiny hands. You’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh fruits and veggies.

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup grated apple (peeled)
1/2 cup grated carrot (peeled)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup plain yogurt or milk
1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
1 egg (or use a substitute below)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Substitution

No worries if you don’t have everything. These swaps still make yummy muffins for your little one.

Use applesauce, mashed banana, or plain yogurt instead of an egg. The muffins stay soft and moist.
Use milk, almond milk, or oat milk instead of yogurt. Any of these will work just fine.
Use extra applesauce or grated apple instead of banana. The muffins still taste sweet and fruity.
Use quick oats or more flour instead of rolled oats. Both mix in well.
Use gluten-free flour if needed. The muffins still bake up soft and fluffy.
Use mashed banana or yogurt instead of oil. This keeps them moist without needing extra fat.

These swaps keep the muffins soft and moist for little ones.

How to Make ABC Muffins

Steps of making ABC muffins — Step of making ABC muffins

This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for busy parents.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tray or grease lightly.
In a large bowl, mash the banana with a fork.
Add grated apple, grated carrot, applesauce, yogurt, oil, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Add dry mix to the wet bowl. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes. Muffins should spring back when touched.
Let cool before serving to your toddler. Store leftovers in the fridge.

How to Store ABC Muffins

These muffins stay fresh and soft for days. You can make a batch ahead and store them safely for your toddler.

Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Store them in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. They stay moist and taste great cold or warm.
Freeze extras in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Warm frozen muffins in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds.

Let the muffins cool fully before storing. This helps stop sogginess. Always check the texture before serving to little ones.

Best Tips for Success

These little tips make your ABC muffins come out soft, moist, and toddler-approved every time.

Use a ripe banana. It adds natural sweetness and makes the muffins soft.
Grate the carrot and apple finely. This helps them mix in well and stay moist.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for light, fluffy muffins.
Use silicone or paper liners to make cleanup easy.
Let the muffins cool fully before serving or storing. This keeps the texture just right.
Try mini muffin pans for baby-led weaning or tiny toddler hands.
Add a few mini chocolate chips or raisins if your toddler loves a sweet bite.

ABC Muffins Variations

These ABC muffins are easy to customize. Try different versions to fit your child’s taste, allergies, or what you have in the kitchen.

ABC Muffins with Applesauce

Applesauce makes the muffins soft, moist, and naturally sweet. It’s perfect for babies and toddlers.

Swap half the oil or the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. The muffins bake up tender and fruity.

ABC Muffins with Almond Flour

Almond flour adds healthy fats and a soft crumb. This version feels light and nutty.

Swap half the regular flour with almond flour. Keep the batter thick and bake as usual.

ABC Muffins with Zucchini

Zucchini adds extra veggies and moisture. Great for picky eaters who need more greens.

Shred 1/4 cup of zucchini and squeeze out extra water. Stir it in with the apple, banana, and carrot.

ABC Muffins No Egg

This version works for egg allergies or baby’s first foods. The muffins stay moist and safe to chew.

Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana, applesauce, or plain yogurt instead of one egg.

Vegan ABC Muffins

These muffins skip dairy and eggs but still taste great. Perfect for plant-based families.

Use applesauce instead of egg and oat milk instead of yogurt. Choose oil instead of butter.

Dairy-Free ABC Muffins

Dairy-free muffins are gentle on little bellies and allergy-friendly.

Replace yogurt or milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use oil instead of butter.

Gluten-Free ABC Muffins

This version is soft, safe, and gluten-free. Great for toddlers with gluten sensitivity.

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Don’t overmix and check doneness with a toothpick.

Egg-Free ABC Muffins

Egg-free muffins are great for babies under one or those with allergies. The texture stays soft.

Replace the egg with mashed banana, applesauce, or a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).

Sugar-Free ABC Muffins

No added sugar—just natural sweetness from fruits. Perfect for toddlers learning new flavors.

Skip sugar completely. Use a ripe banana and applesauce to sweeten naturally.

Whole Wheat ABC Muffins

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nutty taste. This version keeps your toddler full longer.

Swap all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. Add extra applesauce if the batter feels thick.

Chocolate ABC Muffins

A little cocoa makes these muffins a fun treat. Kids love the chocolate twist.

Add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and a few mini chocolate chips. Mix with dry ingredients before baking.

Orange ABC Muffins

Orange adds a fruity citrus flavor and vitamin C boost. It brightens up the whole batch.

Use 1 tsp orange zest and 2 tbsp orange juice. Add it with the wet mix.

ABC Muffins Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

This version works well for self-feeding babies. Each muffin holds together and breaks apart safely.

Skip sweeteners and add healthy fat like olive oil or avocado oil. Use mini muffin pans and let cool before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these muffins stay soft for my toddler?

Yes! Using mashed banana, grated apple, and carrot keeps the muffins moist and soft. Storing them in an airtight container helps keep freshness for 2 to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Can I freeze ABC muffins?

Freezing works great. Let the muffins cool completely, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for about 2 months. Warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

Why do the muffins sometimes come out wet or soggy inside?

Wet centers happen if the batter is mixed too much or if the grated fruits and veggies are very juicy. Use room temperature ingredients and mix just until combined to avoid soggy muffins.

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes! Substitute one egg with 1/4 cup applesauce, mashed banana, or plain yogurt. These keep the muffins soft and hold everything together.

Are these muffins safe for baby-led weaning?

Absolutely. They are soft and easy to gum or chew. Using mini muffin pans helps make perfect toddler-sized muffins for little hands to hold.

Can I use gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients?

Yes, you can. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. For dairy-free, replace yogurt or milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use oil instead of butter to keep the texture soft.

Do I need ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas work best. They add natural sweetness and moisture. Unripe bananas make the muffins dry and less sweet.