Paleo Cardamom Carrot Muffins (Grain Free)

Paleo Cardamom carrot muffins are grain free, bursting with flavor, nutritious, and sweetened only with maple syrup.

I’m often astounded at how much there is to learn about cooking and how I’ve only just begun scratching the surface. So many ingredients to explore and numerous spices still yet to be tasted. Admittedly it’s a slow process. But cooking with new ingredients is an exploration. Not everything will turn out but it's in the process where the fun and frustration lie.

It took me some time to come around to cardamom. If you've not ventured into the cardamom world yet, I highly recommend you do. Before I started getting fairly serious about cooking, I had no idea what it was about. It sounded intimidating and certainly not a spice I thought I'd be using in my cooking. 

Well, I was wrong. Cardamom is a surprisingly versatile spice and works in sweet and savory dishes. Its smell and taste sets it apart in the spice world. My first attempt at playing around with cardamom was curry – an obvious one. I was shocked at just how distinct and flavorful the sauce was. It was one of those: “why didn’t I know about this sooner?” moments.

Since then I experimented with it a handful of times and was burning to use it in a new recipe. With a surplus of almond and coconut flours, I decided maybe some baking would be in order. 

I rummaged through the cabinets and fridge in hopes that something would inspire me. While tearing things out and shoving them back in, I caught a glimpse of a carrot so I it dawned on me - cardamom carrot muffins. Everyone loves muffins, so why not? They're perfect as breakfast food or snack. I figured carrots would keep the batter nice and moist and add some texture as well. Plus, vegetables in baked goods are always a good idea.

It worked beautifully with the cardamom and while I was at it, decided some raisins might work well too. So that's how cardamom carrot muffins were born and quickly became a favorite treat. 

Chances are, if you're following a gluten-free/paleo lifestyle you likely have all these ingredients already on hand. Coconut and almond flour are absolute staples in my house and I always have them in my pantry. 

These Paleo Cardamom Carrot Muffins are: 

• Grain-free
• Paleo
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Refined sugar-free
• Sweetened with only maple syrup
• Healthy 
• Perfect for little mouths

What do you need to make Paleo Cardamom Carrot Muffins? 

To make these flavorful muffins you need only a few fresh ingredients and the rest, pantry staples you likely already have in your gluten-free, dairy-free pantry. 

• Almond Flour
• Coconut Flour
• Grated Carrots
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Coconut oil
• Eggs
• Plant milk 
• Maple Syrup
• Vanilla extract 
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Raisins 

Top Tips + Substitutions

Whether you're a regular paleo baker or new to it, I highly recommend keeping a pantry stocked with various flours you can have on hand, as well as coconut oil, maple syrup, and spices. 

Do You Need Cardamom?

The answer is yes and no. Yes because cardamom plays a big role in providing depth and flavor to the muffins. But if for whatever reason you cannot find cardamom, you can double up on the cinnamon. These muffins are flavorful and the spices pair very well with the moist carrot. 

Can You Use A Substitute For Carrots?

If you don't have carrots on hand, a cup of shredded zucchini will work too. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture. But ideally carrots will really be the best option. They also add a nice natural sweetness which zucchini does not. 

Why Bring Everything To Room Temperature?

If you don't have a few hours to let your eggs come to room temperature, add the eggs to a bowl filled with warm water (not hot) and the eggs will come to room temperature. Same for maple syrup and milk. You could microwave those for a few seconds to warm them up some. I also recommend letting your carrots come to room temperature as well. This way everything incorporates much easier. 

Equipment Needed

• Silicone muffin cups or muffin tin with liners or without liners
• Large bowl

Continue to Content

📖 Recipe

Paleo Cardamom Carrot Muffins

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Paleo Cardamom carrot muffins are grain free, bursting with flavor, nutritious, and sweetened only with maple syrup.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 5 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cardamom
• 4 organic eggs at room temperature
• 1 cup organic shredded carrots (about 2 medium)
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond or cashew milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon organic raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. You can use a whisk but I found that just using a spatula and mixing everything well is enough. 

3. Line muffin tin with liners and pour in batter ¾ of the way full. Bake for 25 minutes on middle rack

4. Let cardamom carrot muffins cool completely before serving. They taste even better the next day!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Organic Thompson Seedless Raisins, 1 lb
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda, 16-ounce (Pack of 6)
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Pure Baking Soda -- 16 oz (Pack of 2)
• 
  Simply Organic Vanilla Extract, Certified Organic | 4 oz
• 
  NOW Foods Organic Maple Syrup, Grade A, Dark Color (formerly Grade B), 16-Ounce
• 
  Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Unrefined Cold Pressed Plant Based Oil for Hair, Skin & Cooking, 14 Oz
• 
  Organic Coconut Flour (4 LBS) - Perfect for Gluten Free Baking, Paleo & Vegan Certified, Unbleached & Unrefined Baking Flour Substitute, 1.81 kg
• 
  Simply Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon, Certified Organic, Vegan | 2.08 oz | Cinnamomum verum J. Presl
• 
  McCormick Gourmet Organic Ground Cardamom, 1.75 oz
• 
  Anthony's Almond Flour Blanched, 2lb, Batch Tested Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan, Keto Friendly

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 203Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 6g