Carrot Cake Muffins

1. Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin

Warm your oven to 375 degrees and position the rack in the upper third of the oven. Prepare the muffin tin by greasing with oil or butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together the whole-wheat pastry flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, raw brown sugar, canola oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients

Fold in the grated carrots and optionally the golden raisins or pecans until evenly distributed.

6. Bake the Muffins

Fill muffin cups four-fifths full and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until golden brown on top.