• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Savory Lotus

simple clean eats + healthy treats

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Healthy Living
  • Resources
  • Safe Skincare
    • BEAUTYCOUNTER
    • PRIMALLY PURE
  • MEAL PLANS

By Katja Heino Leave a Comment
Savory Lotus may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this post.

Carrot Cake Muffins (gluten free + paleo)

Jump to Recipe
muffins on white counter top

A moist + delicious version of traditional carrot cake but without the gluten, grains, or refined sugar (+ a dairy free option.) Perfect for healthy snack or dessert.

Happy Spring, my sweet friends.

It’s been a minute since I posted a muffin recipe. Since it’s close to Easter, I thought I’d share my super simple carrot cake muffins with you all. 🥕🐇🥕🐇

Don’t be fooled by the fact they they are gluten, grain, and refined sugar free. These are the type of muffins that your gluten-loving friends will adore. No one will ever know. Always a crowd pleaser when I bake them.

close up on inside of carrot cake muffins

Why we love these carrot cake muffins

❤️ the texture… is so moist and fluffy with just the right amount of crumb.

❤️ the flavor… is spot on with warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Carrots, raisins, and pecans bring in the classic carrot cake flavors. I added a bit of fresh grated ginger to kick things up a little.

❤️ they’re healthier… I love that these muffins are gluten free, grain free, paleo, refined sugar free and have a dairy free option.

❤️ so quick + easy… simply mix and bake. They come together in about 30 minutes.

❤️ perfect for meal prep… I make a batch of these and freeze them for easy snacking later on.

❤️ optional maple drizzle… not necessary but oh so delicious. A simple combination of coconut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. I’ve included an optional cream cheese frosting recipes as well.

muffins in a  muffin tray
close up of top of muffin

Can you smell the warming spices already?

Like I said, the maple drizzle is completely optional. These cozy muffins are delicious all on their own. If you opt to make the drizzle, you can simply spoon the mixture on top or drizzle it on like I did. I used a plastic squeeze bottle similar to THIS. You can also use a plastic bag with the tip cut off.

PRO TIP: place the muffins on a cooling rack (on top of a baking sheet) when you apply the drizzle for easier clean up.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING OPTION: If you prefer a cream cheese frosting with your carrot cake muffins, you can whip one up with 4 oz. of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract. Using hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium for a few minutes, until smooth, scraping sides as needed. Double the recipe if you want a thick frosting on each muffin.

carrot cake muffin with brown paper liner
muffins with white glaze

DID YOU MAKE THIS AND LOVE IT? I WANT TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS. SHARE THE LOVE ON INSTAGRAM AND TAG @savorylotus AND USE THE HASHTAG #savorylotus FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED. FOLLOW SAVORY LOTUS ON PINTEREST AND FACEBOOK TO KEEP UP WITH LATEST CONTENT AND UPDATES.

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon

Carrot Cake Muffins (gluten free + paleo)

  • Author: Katja Heino
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

A moist + delicious version of traditional carrot cake but without the gluten, grains, or refined sugar (+ a dairy free option.) Perfect for healthy snack or dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 and 1/2 cups almond flour (I use THIS blanched brand)
  • 1/2 cup arrowroot powder or tapioca flour (like THIS or THIS)
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour (like this)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup butter, ghee, or coconut oil – melted 
  • 1 and 1/2 cups grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

FOR MAPLE DRIZZLE

  • 1/3 cup coconut butter (I use THIS brand)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • hot water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350’F.  Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, arrowroot/tapioca, coconut flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.  Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, and melted fat of choice.  Fold in carrots, raisins, and grated ginger.  
  4. Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir to combine.  Fold in chopped nuts.  
  5. Divide muffin mixture evenly into 12 muffins liners.  Bake for 20-24 minutes, until golden and toothpick comes out clean in center. Remove from oven, cool for 5 minutes, then remove from tin to cool on wire rack. If using drizzle, be sure to cool muffins completely before adding. 
  6. Prepare drizzle by melting coconut butter and coconut oil in a small double boiler (I place a small glass bowl over a small pot). Whisk in maple syrup .Don’t worry if it gets a bit clumpy. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, salt and hot water 1 tablespoon at a time until drizzle is smooth and glossy.  Keep whisking.  It will get there. The amount of water you add depends on how thick or runny you want your drizzle. 

Notes

Be sure to start checking these muffins at 20 minutes.  Almond flour can burn rather quickly.

If you opt to make the drizzle, you can simply spoon the mixture on top or drizzle it on like I did. I used a plastic squeeze bottle similar to THIS. You can also use a plastic bag with the tip cut off. PRO TIP: place the muffins on a cooling rack (on top of a baking sheet) when you apply the drizzle for easier clean up.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING OPTION: If you prefer a cream cheese frosting with your carrot cake muffins, you can whip one up with 4 oz. of cream cheese,  2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract.  Using hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium for a few minutes, until smooth, scraping sides as needed. Double the recipe if you want a thick frosting on each muffin.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @savorylotus on Instagram and hashtag it #savorylotus

carrot cake muffins with white glaze

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Filed Under: Muffins Tagged With: carrot cake, carrot cake muffins, carrots, gluten free muffins, muffins, paleo muffins

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi I’m Katja!

And this is how we do healthy in our family. Just REAL food. Simple. Easy. Gluten free. More about Savory Lotus

Follow Me on Instagram

💟 3 ingredient no bake PEANUT BUTTER + JELLY BA 💟 3 ingredient no bake PEANUT BUTTER + JELLY BARS • so easy to make • full of healthy fats and protein • and damn delicious • it's almost silly how simple this recipe is ❤️

💟 a smooth and creamy freezer fudge that's gluten free, vegan,  paleo, and refined sugar free • yes, i know peanut butter is not paleo • use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to fit your dietary needs 

💟 recipe link in bio: 

https://www.savorylotus.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-and-jelly-bars/
👉 do you have digestive issues? 👉 because 👉 do you have digestive issues? 

👉 because of high stress lifestyles, many of us have an overworked, under-functioning digestive system, imbalanced intestinal flora and a continuous flow of intestinal toxins seeping into the bloodstream 😩 • constipation, diarrhea 💩, gas 💨, heartburn 🔥 + IBS are common complaints of many adults in the US

👉 impaired digestion leads to intestinal toxemia • slow digestion + constipation allow bacteria in the gut to act upon undigested food, producing toxic chemicals and gases that damage the mucous lining, resulting in increased intestinal permeability known as leaky gut • leaky gut can lead to inflammation , food sensitivities, autoimmune reactions, anxiety, depression, acne, + so much more

👉 the colon is one of our major drainage pathways for eliminating toxins + wastes out of the body • it’s no surprise that there has been a huge up-tick in colon cancer as environmental toxins + constipation have increased 

👉 what if our medical system had a better understanding of drainage pathways + the importance of digestive health? • what if our primary doctors talked to us about parasites, pathogens, enemas, saunas, hydration, mindful eating, low stomach acid, + real nutrition? • what if our food system wasn’t corporate sponsored and geared towards profits instead of health? 

👉 i personally had to see 5 different integrative + functional medicine practitioners in order to find real healing • none of it was covered by my insurance • not everyone can afford this • how do millions of people in the country suffer from digestive issues (which lead to a whole host of chronic health issues) but we have no real answer, just band-aids? • how much 💰 does the pharmaceutical industry make from these digestive issues • just starting the conversation • bc i see so many people suffering ❤️

👉P.S. my intention is not to harp on conventional medicine • i’ve been an RN for almost 17 years working bedside with women + their families • i’m speaking from my personal experience of seeing my patient population get sicker + sicker over the years • we are not doing it right • we are missing the mark 🎯
🎂🎂 i’m always looking for a reason to cele 🎂🎂 i’m always looking for a reason to celebrate • finding those small pockets of joy ✨✨ • so when someone i LOVE has a birthday, this is the cake i like to make ❤️ • BROWNIE BOTTOM ICE CREAM CAKE • two layers of your favorite ice cream nested on top of the most delicious gluten + grain free (+ vegan) brownie layer topped with fresh whipped cream, berries, + shaved chocolate • so easy to make and so fun to eat • to make dairy, use dairy free ice cream + coconut whipped cream 

🎂🎂 recipe link in bio 

https://www.savorylotus.com/brownie-bottom-ice-cream-cake/
🍓🍓 berry season is almost here • that mean 🍓🍓 berry season is almost here • that means i can start making STRAWBERRY BANANA BREAD again 🍓 🍌• soft, moist, and exploding with fresh strawberry flavor • it's next level banana bread 

🍓🍓 hands down the best smelling thing i have ever baked • seriously! •  it's gluten and grain free • no added sweeteners, just super ripe bananas 🍌🍌🍌• i could eat this EVERY day

🍓🍓recipe link in profile 

https://www.savorylotus.com/strawberry-banana-bread/
Load More... Follow Me!

Follow Me on Pinterest

Don't Miss These!

  • dry heels, cracked heels, how to heal, DIY Easy Home Remedy for Dry Cracked Heels
  • Simple Coconut Flour Cake (gluten free, grain free, nut free, paleo) | savorylotus.com Simple Coconut Flour Cake (gluten and grain free, paleo)
  • How to Make Butternut Squash Noodles | www.savorylotu.com How to Make Butternut Squash Noodles
  • Loaded Veggie Turkey Meatballs )gluten free, paleo, whole30) | www.savorylotus.com Loaded Veggie Turkey Meatballs (gluten free, paleo, whole30)

Clean Swaps

Clean Swaps

My Cookbook!

My Cookbook!

Footer

Get More Recipes on Pinterest

Visit Savory Lotus' profile on Pinterest.

Get More Recipes on Facebook

The Savory Lotus on Facebook

Stay Connected

Copyright © 2021 Savory Lotus    ·    Affiliate Disclosure     Disclaimer     Privacy Policy     Terms of Service