Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Made with 100% whole grains and naturally sweetened, these Carrot Cake Muffins are healthy, yet bake up light and fluffy and are full of incredible flavor thanks to the addition of shredded carrots, plump raisins, crunchy walnuts, and sweet pineapple.

Carrot Cake Muffins has been given a make-over!

With a few healthy swaps, this recipe for Carrot Cake Muffins produces a muffin that is lower in fat, sugar, and full of nutrients, yet tastes 100% delicious!

• Naturally Sweetened: Instead of adding in refined sugars, these Carrot Cake Muffins are sweetened with a small amount of honey. Raisins, crushed pineapple, and applesauce also add to the sweetness of these muffins naturally.
• 100% Whole Grain. Instead of refined all-purpose flour, this recipe calls for whole wheat flour. While most whole wheat baked goods have the reputation of being dense, the addition of coconut oil and applesauce keeps these muffins light and tender.
• Packed full of Nutrients.  Whole wheat flour, carrots, and raisins add a healthy dose of fiber, not to mention vitamins A and B and iron, and walnuts add healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Dairy-Free. These muffins are made without butter or milk, therefore they are the perfect treat for anyone on a dairy-free diet.

The healthy swaps did NOT compromise the flavor or texture of these muffins. These Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins are perfectly spiced and reminiscent of rich, decadent carrot cake, yet made with wholesome ingredients. They are absolutely delicious.

Notes On Ingredients

• Carrots: It is best to grate the carrots yourself, rather than purchasing grated carrots. Store-bought grated carrots are much thicker and will not blend into the muffin as well as freshly grated carrots.
• Flour: For best results, use whole white wheat flour. It is still 100% whole grain, but yet produces a lighter crumb than traditional whole wheat flour.
• Crushed Pineapple: Use canned crushed pineapple that has been canned in 100% juice. There is no need to drain the pineapple, as the moisture will help keep the muffins tender and moist.
• Coconut Oil: Feel free to use canola oil in place of coconut oil. I prefer the taste of coconut oil to canola oil in baked muffins, but either oil will work.
• Honey: Feel free to use maple syrup in place of the honey if desired.
• Applesauce: Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce to keep these muffins low in added sugar.
• Raisins: It is debatable whether raisins are traditional in carrot cake. Some recipes call for them, some do not. I personally love the burst of sweetness and texture they add to the muffins but feel free to omit.
• Nuts: Use chopped walnuts or pecans, or omit the nuts altogether.

How to Make Carrot Cake Muffins

• Grease a 12 cup muffin tin or line with silicone muffin liners.
• Mix together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl until everything is well incorporated. You want to be sure the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
• Add in carrots, raisins, and nuts and toss well to coat with flour. By coating these additions in flour, this step helps all those goodies to not sink to the bottom of the muffins.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, coconut oil, eggs, pineapple, and vanilla extract.

• Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined, or until the flour is fully moistened. Do not over mix or you will have a tough and dense muffin!
• Scoop about ¼ cup batter into each muffin tin. Pro-tip: Use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the muffin mixture into the muffin liners. It is the perfect amount needed and helps to prevent a mess. 
• Bake until muffins are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry.
• Cool the muffins in the muffin tin for 10 minutes and then remove the muffins from the pan and allow to cool fully on a cooling rack.

How to Store Carrot Cake Muffins

Once the muffins have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. If not consumed within 2 days, it is best to refrigerate the muffins.

When baking with whole grain products, it is best to refrigerate or freeze whole wheat muffins, or any whole wheat products, after they are cooled to room temperature if not consumed within 2 days.

You can also freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Place muffins on a cookie sheet and freeze for 30-60 minutes until solid--this process helps muffins not stick together when placed in a container in the freezer. Then place in a freezer-safe bag and pull one muffin out at a time. Defrost in the fridge overnight, or warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to heat before serving.

Recipe Modifications

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins : Use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of the flour. I have done this many times with success.
• Egg Free Carrot Cake Muffins: Replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix together 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes, then use in place of the egg.
• Nut-Free Carrot Cake Muffins: Omit nuts if desired/needed

More Healthy Muffin Recipes

• Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
• Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
• Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins
• Healthy Blueberry Muffins

If you enjoyed these simple carrot cake muffins, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

This recipe has been updated in 2021 with a few new tips, but the recipe remains the same.