These gluten-free carrot muffins are incredibly moist and deliciously sweet. You won’t believe how healthy they are – no refined sugar, syrup, flour, or oil! Warming pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves combine with texture from raisins and pecans. These will take you back to your childhood – with memories of carrot cake and spiced bread. If you like these, try: Whole Grain Blueberry Oat Muffins, Zucchini Oat Bread, and Spelt Banana Walnut Bread.
Ingredients
1 ½cups12 oz unsweetened almond milk
3/4cup125g pitted dried dates
¾cup120g raisins, divided
1ripe banana1/2 cup, mashed, about 110g
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1¾cups157.5g oat flour
2teaspoonsbaking powder
1teaspoonbaking soda
2teaspoonsPumpkin Pie Spice
¼teaspoonsalt
1½100g cups finely shredded carrots
½cup2 ounces pecans pieces + 12 pecan halves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-count muffin tray with Parchment paper liners**. If using traditional paper liners, you will need to spray them with oil to prevent sticking
For the wet mixture: In a blender or a deep bowl, combine the almond milk, dates, ½ cup (80g) of the raisins, the banana, and vanilla. Use the blender or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Be sure the mixture is completely smooth – let your blender run from 45-60 seconds to ensure the dried fruits are well-blended.
For the gluten-free dry mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, Pumpkin Pie Spice, and salt.
To make the Gluten-Free Carrot Pecan Spice Muffins: Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Whisk together until well-combined. Add the remaining ¼ cup (40g) raisins, the shredded carrots, and the pecan pieces. Fold together until well-incorporated.
Portion the batter evenly between 12 muffin tins, filling each one nearly to the top. Garnish each muffin with a pecan half, pressing the pecan into the batter lightly.
Bake the muffins 30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.