We all know what its like to crave something a little bit sweet and cakey, especially on those days when it’s cool outside and you’re enjoying a well deserved cuppa.
The problem is that many muffins and cakes are packed full of white flour and sugar, all the ingredients we try and avoid when losing weight. Even supposedly ‘healthy’ options like banana bread are packed full of nasties and usually clock in with a hefty calorie count. 
It doesn’t have to mean that muffins and cakes are off the menu entirely however! By making your own baked goods, you can control what goes in (and what stays out), creating a nutritious, low GI snack that you can completely enjoy, guilt free.
These carrot cake muffins combine freshly grated carrot with mashed banana, low GI wholemeal flour and almond meal to create a filling, tasty treat.
The kids will love them too.
They’re also sugar and dairy free, making them ideal for people following a low fructose eating plan or for those who have lactose issues. If you don’t happen to have any spare bananas, grated apple could also work really well.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups grated carrot
- 1 cup wholemeal flour
- 1 cup almond meal
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1/4 cup oil (olive, coconut or macadamia are all suitable) + 2 tsp extra
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp all spice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180 C
- Place carrot, flour, almond meal, baking powder and walnuts in a large bowl
- In a sperate bowl or in your blender (if you don’t have a hand/stick blender) combine the remaining ingredients
- Blend until smooth
- Pour the blended ingredients into the mixing bowl and use a wooden spoon to fold through
- When batter has come together, set aside for 5 minutes to thicken
- Use the 2 tsp olive oil to grease a muffin tray, alternatively, use patty cases/muffin cases
- When cups are fully greased or patty cases in place, spoon the batter into the tray
- Place in the oven for 25-30min
- Muffins are cooked when an inserted skewer comes out clean.
Makes 12 muffins – Cal per serve – 170
