For those of you on a gluten-free diet and who have high cholesterol or IBS, you’ll especially appreciate these homemade gluten free carrot muffins. It comes to us from Joy Bauer’s Healthy Recipes collection. Joy is the NBC’s Today Show nutritionist! Joy’s site has many healthy recipes, and in this collection, most are gluten-free. She provides us with nutritional information, as well! No need to add xanthan gum or guar gum! And how nutrition – they are made with egg whites, and you’d never know! Look forward to more healthy Joy Bauer recipes. Thank you so much, Joy! Check out the photo below of the muffins I baked with xylitol (natural sugar substitute)! These are so fast and easy to make, and so very moist! Enjoy!
I did not have enough apple sauce so I ended up pureeing some pears to substitute. The pears were so juicy I had to add 2 extra tablespoons of oat flour; and they were so sweet I skipped the prunes. Still fantastic! The best gluten-free muffins I’ve ever had!
I used xylitol as a sugar substitute. It is a natural sweetener found in berries, fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. It is similar to refined sugar in consistency and taste, but is lighter in weight, and is touted as having 40% fewer calories than sugar. Studies show that xylitol has no side effects other than a mild laxative effect, but you can introduce it to your body a little at time to avoid this effect. Per my chiropractor, it is the only natural sugar substitute that you can do this with, unlike stevia. In addition, xylitol is known to have a low glycemic effect on the body and does not require insulin to be metabolized. As such, it is great for those with diabetes. Xylitol is also known to reduce the normal acid buildup in your mouth, reducing it up to 90%, thereby preventing cavities and more. It is approved by the FDA, the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as being safe. Of course, it is always best to check with your doctor prior to introduction into your diet. You can use it in equal amounts to sugar.
Please be sure to use gluten-free oat flour. Bob’s Red Mill carries one that is organic, as well.
Please note that I have this recipe listed under “Soy-free”, but it all depends upon the margarine or spread you use.
Gluten Free Carrot ‘N’ Oat Muffins Recipe
Oat flour, raisins, carrots, and prunes provide four hits of soluble fiber! And because they taste so good, my 6-year-old daughter has no idea these muffins are good for her.
Good for:
Serving(s)
Contains Wheat/Gluten
Contains Egg
Vegetarian
Most Popular
These gluten free carrot muffins are not only delicious, but the best gluten free muffins I've had, and are easy, moist and full of fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar, brown, or sugar substitute
- 1/2 cup margarine, trans-fat free, soft tub, reduced-fat
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour, oat
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice, ground
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup prunes, pureed
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar or sugar substitute and margarine. Add the egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla. Add the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir until the dry ingredients are just combined, but do not overmix. Fold in the carrots, raisins, and prunes.
- Fill each muffin cup three-fourths full with batter. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops of the muffins are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Turn the muffins out on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, the muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.
Excerpted from Joy Bauer’s Healthy Recipe Collection © 2011 – Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Copyrighted 2012 Joy Bauer.com. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
