There are so many variations for carrot cake that I almost daren’t call these muffins “Carrot Cake” muffins.
Some people like it to be really nutty or filled with a little coconut or pineapple and some people will see that I’ve added raisins to these carrot cake muffins and will be disgusted with me. (If you’re one of these people, it’s OK – just use chocolate chips instead or leave them out. I won’t mind.)
Anyway, I decided to make carrot cake muffins because I thought they would make a great go-to breakfast for the Easter weekend.
But of course, what has happened is that they have nearly all disappeared within hours of baking, meaning if I want them for Easter weekend breakfasts, I’m going to have to make another batch. Perhaps doubling the recipe, this time.
I used spelt flour in this recipe but you could easily substitute for wheat flour or even a gluten-free flour mix in equal amounts, if you prefer.
I just love the subtle nutty flavour that spelt flour gives, as well as being a more nutritious flour than wheat. It lends a wholesome texture to these muffins but keeps them super moist and flavourful too. They’re delicious!
Carrot Cake Breakfast Muffins
The perfect healthy breakfast for Easter sunday! Vegan, wheat-free, nut-free and free from refined sugars.
Ingredients
- 1 "flax egg", 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water
- 120 ml / 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 120 ml / 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 80 ml / 1/3 cup agave syrup
- 100 g / 1 cup white spelt flour, or plain white flour
- 125 g / 1 cup wholegrain spelt flour, or wholegrain wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon + extra for topping
- 1/2 tsp ground mixed spice
- 2 cups shredded carrots, approx 2 medium carrots
- 50 g / 1/3 cup raisins
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180c. and line a muffin tin with 12 muffin cases.
- Make the flax egg replacer by stirring together the ground flaxseed and water until it turns to a thick, gel-like consistency.
- Add the flax egg to a large mixing bowl with the orange juice, zest, coconut oil and agave syrup.
- Next add the flours, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. Stir until well combined.
- Gently fold in the carrots and raisins.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cases and sprinkle some coconut sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until dark golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
- To store, these muffins can be kept in a air-tight tin for up to 3 days at room temperature.
The leftover carrots were shared between me and my dog, Molly. It’s not often you get to share the same snack as your dog so that was fun. I think she wondered why I don’t share my snacks with her more often…
Thank you for this recipe, was really delicious, my housemates ate them all in one sitting! I used chia to replace the flax and self raising flour in place of the two flours, baking powder and bicarbonate soda because I was missing a few ingredients, they still turned out really well :)
I made these and topped them with the cashew cream from your other carrot cake recipe, absolutely delicious and went down a treat even with the non-vegans in my family! I will definitely be making these again! Thanks for a great recipe :)
Love the sound of these carrot cake muffins, but could I use a different egg replacer, I have Orgran in my cupboard.
Hi Jane, I can’t guarantee the results but I think it would work! Let me know how it turns out :-)
I’m a big fan of carrot cake and a big fan of breakfast muffins. These sound super healthy!
Looks like Molly might be a fan too!!!!
Ive saved this recipe for when I go back to uni, I’ve been meaning to try cooking with spelt flour and also am in constant search of healthy snacks for when i’m out of the house. One question with the agave syrup-do you reckon I could substitute with honey as I tend to have a lot in my cupboard?
Yay! Let me know how it turns out. Yep, you can substitute equal amounts for the honey :-)
Carrot cake muffins are such a great idea! I don’t miss the frosting and I love the sound of using spelt. This is a great option for Easter brunch and nice for everyday as well.
Thanks Monica, I’ve had to make some more for this weekend, we’ll see how long they last this time… :-)
These would make a great Easter breakfast – heck – these would be great for breakfast – ANY day!
I agree!
These muffins look divine! Love carrot cake, the perfect cake for Easter baking. Lovely recipe, thanks for sharing, Aimee! (P.S Molly is super cute!) x
Thank you Jess :-) Have a wonderful Easter! x
I love carrot cake and it’s perfect for Easter. I give my dog carrots too, he loves them.
She’s always looking for me to feed her something an at least carrots are healthy! Have a great Easter Anca x
I am making carrot cake for Easter sunday, it’s a must for this time of year. I love the pictures, Aimee x
I agree, it’s not Easter without carrot cake! Have a wonderful weekend break :-)