Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins – Moist, Spiced & Perfectly Sweet!

by

These tender, gluten-free muffins are packed with fresh carrots, warm spices, and a hint of maple sweetness—just like carrot cake, but in an easy, portable breakfast or snack! Topped with an optional cream cheese drizzle, they’re a wholesome treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Gluten-Free & Delicious – No one will guess they’re GF!
✅ Naturally Sweetened – Uses maple syrup or honey
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Stays moist for days
✅ Kid-Approved – A sneaky way to eat veggies

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

  • 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium)
  • ¼ cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Drizzle (Optional):

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk GF flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In another bowl, beat eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
  2. Stir in grated carrots.

Step 3: Combine & Bake

  1. Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Add raisins/nuts if using.
  2. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
  3. Bake 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Optional Drizzle

  1. Beat cream cheese, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Tips for the Best Muffins

🔹 Grate Carrots Fine – Ensures even texture.
🔹 No GF Flour? Substitute almond flour + ¼ cup tapioca starch.
🔹 Storage – Keep in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy warm with grass-fed butter for breakfast.
  • Serve as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.

Final Thoughts

These Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins are moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients—a healthier treat that tastes indulgent!

Bake, share, and enjoy! 🥕🍰✨

Leave a Comment