I still remember my first attempt at baking a GAPS raisin muffins recipe—I wanted something sweet yet gut-friendly. After a few trials, I finally perfected these grain-free, refined sugar-free muffins, packed with natural sweetness from raisins and a soft, moist texture.
If you’re following the GAPS diet or just looking for a healthy, nutrient-dense treat, these muffins are a game-changer. Let’s get started with the simple, wholesome ingredients that make them so special!
Ingredients for the Best GAPS Raisin Muffins
To make these GAPS-friendly raisin muffins, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that align with the GAPS diet while keeping the muffins soft, naturally sweet, and nutrient-dense.
Dry Ingredients
These form the base of your muffins, giving them structure while keeping them grain-free and GAPS-approved.
- 2 cups almond flour – This low-carb flour provides a nutty, rich texture. If you prefer nut-free, see the substitutes section below.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a natural leavening agent to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a subtle sweetness and warmth, enhancing the natural flavor of raisins.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt – Balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
These keep the muffins moist, tender, and naturally sweet, ensuring they align with gut-healing diets like GAPS.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature) – Provide structure, richness, and extra moisture. Using room-temperature eggs helps with even mixing.
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted) or ghee – Healthy fats that make the muffins moist and rich. Ghee is great for digestion and adds a slightly buttery taste, while coconut oil keeps it dairy-free.
- ¼ cup raw honey – A natural sweetener that’s gentle on digestion and provides mild caramel-like sweetness.
- Substitutes: For a lower-sugar version, use mashed banana or homemade date paste.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar – Works with baking soda to give the muffins a slight rise and light texture. Plus, it’s great for gut health!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and pairs well with the warm notes of cinnamon and raisins.
Add-Ins (for Extra Flavor & Texture)
- ½ cup organic raisins – Naturally sweet and chewy, raisins add fiber and antioxidants.
- Pro tip: Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to keep them plump and juicy.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or shredded coconut – These add crunch and flavor without overpowering the muffins.
Ingredient Substitutes & Customizations
- Nut-Free Option: Use ¾ cup coconut flour instead of almond flour, but add an extra egg for the right consistency.
- Egg-Free Alternative: Swap each egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 10 min).
- Sweeter Muffins: Add an extra tablespoon of honey or mix in finely chopped dates for a natural sugar boost.
- Texture Upgrade: If you love a crunchy muffin top, sprinkle a mix of crushed nuts and cinnamon before baking.
How to Make GAPS Raisin Muffins Recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to make soft, moist, and naturally sweet GAPS raisin muffins that are perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with parchment paper liners or lightly grease with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients for a consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, raw honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture helps create a moist, fluffy muffin texture without any refined sugar.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until fully combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a light, airy consistency.
Step 5: Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed for a perfect burst of sweetness and crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This allows enough space for the muffins to rise properly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Take the muffins out of the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Storage Tip:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep in the fridge (1 week) or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best GAPS Raisin Muffins Recipe
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
To achieve the perfect GAPS raisin muffins recipe, make sure all your ingredients are fresh and at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Cold ingredients can result in uneven rising, so taking the extra time to bring them to room temperature will give you the best results.
Experiment with Different Dried Fruits
While raisins are the star of this GAPS raisin muffins recipe, feel free to get creative! You can substitute or add other dried fruits such as dried cranberries, unsweetened dried apricots, or even chopped dates. This variation not only brings out different flavors but also enhances the texture of your muffins, keeping them naturally sweet and GAPS-friendly.
Boost Your Muffins with Superfoods
For an extra boost of fiber and healthy fats, consider incorporating flaxseeds, chia seeds, or unsweetened shredded coconut into your GAPS raisin muffins recipe. These additions are packed with nutrients and will help keep you full longer, without compromising the taste or GAPS dietary guidelines.
Swap for Richer Ingredients
To make your GAPS raisin muffins recipe richer and more indulgent, replace coconut oil with ghee or grass-fed butter. These fats will give your muffins a soft, moist texture, while still keeping the recipe in line with the GAPS diet. You’ll notice a smoother crumb and a more decadent flavor profile.
Adjust Sweetness with Raw Honey
If you prefer sweeter muffins, feel free to adjust the amount of raw honey in your GAPS raisin muffins recipe. Depending on your taste preference, you can add more honey for extra sweetness or reduce it for a more subtle flavor. Honey is a great natural sweetener that fits well with the GAPS diet.
Make Mini Muffins for Quick Treats
Pressed for time? Try baking mini GAPS raisin muffins! These bite-sized muffins are perfect for a quick snack or portion control, and they bake much faster—usually within 12-15 minutes. They’re just as delicious and provide a fun, portioned way to enjoy your treat!
Best Toppings & Variations for GAPS Raisin Muffins
Get creative with these delicious toppings and variations for your GAPS raisin muffins to take them to the next level:
- Ghee or coconut butter can be spread on the muffins for an added layer of richness. These work perfectly with the GAPS diet and give the muffins a creamy texture while still being healthy.
- Raw honey makes the perfect drizzle for a sweet topping without compromising the health benefits of your muffins. Honey brings natural sweetness, keeping the muffins closer to low-sugar muffins while still delivering the sweet flavor you crave.
- Try adding nut butter to your almond flour muffins for extra protein and a creamy, satisfying topping. Cashew butter or almond butter are great choices and blend well with the raisins.
- For a coconut raisin muffin twist, fold in shredded coconut to the batter. Coconut complements the raisins beautifully and adds texture, creating a tropical twist on your GAPS muffins.
- Nutty GAPS muffins are another variation—simply add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. The added nuts give texture to the muffins while keeping the recipe GAPS-friendly.
- Looking for a spiced version? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to your muffins for that warm, cozy flavor that pairs well with the sweet raisins.
- For a sugar-free GAPS muffin, swap out the honey for mashed bananas or date paste. These natural alternatives keep the muffins sweet without processed sugar, making them suitable for sugar-free diets or those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
Pairing Suggestions for GAPS Raisin Muffins
Pair your GAPS raisin muffins with these delicious options for the perfect treat:
- Beverage Pairings:
- A cup of coffee or herbal tea is a classic pairing for almond flour muffins. The rich, aromatic flavor of coffee complements the slight sweetness of the raisins and the nuttiness of the almond flour.
- If you prefer a sweeter option, hot chocolate made with coconut milk can be a comforting pairing, especially with your moist muffins. The creamy texture enhances the flavor of the raisins.
- Milk (either dairy or plant-based) works well with gluten-free muffins, providing a creamy base that balances the dense texture of the muffins.
- Dessert Pairings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can transform your healthy muffin recipe into a rich dessert. The creamy toppings add indulgence while still complementing the raisins and almond flour base.
- If you prefer a fruit-based dessert, fresh berries or a fruit salad will bring a refreshing balance to the muffins’ sweetness. The raisins inside the muffins pair beautifully with fresh fruit.
- Savory Pairings:
- For a savory twist, pair your GAPS muffins with cheese. Soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese can spread beautifully on top of the muffins, enhancing their flavor profile without overpowering the sweetness of the raisins.
- Nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter, also pairs wonderfully with the almond flour muffins, adding extra protein and a creamy texture that complements the soft, moist muffin.
Serving and Storing GAPS Raisin Muffins
Properly serving and storing your GAPS raisin muffins ensures they stay fresh and delicious for longer:
1. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your moist muffins warm out of the oven, paired with a cup of your favorite herbal tea or coffee. They are perfect for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack.
- You can also slice them in half and spread a little butter or cream cheese for a more indulgent treat. This adds extra richness without compromising the GAPS diet.
- For a special brunch or tea party, arrange the muffins on a serving platter alongside a bowl of fresh berries and a pot of hot chocolate or milk.
2. Storing Your GAPS Raisin Muffins:
- Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps the muffins retain their soft, moist texture. To keep them fresh, wrap the muffins individually and freeze them for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, simply warm them up in the oven for a few minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds. This restores the fluffy texture and brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
- If you’re planning to store them for a longer period, freeze the muffins after they have cooled completely. When ready to serve, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for an added crispy texture.
Conclusion
These GAPS raisin muffins are the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, made with wholesome almond flour and raisins. Whether you’re looking for a healthy muffin recipe for breakfast or a midday snack, these moist muffins will satisfy your cravings while sticking to your GAPS diet.
I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Feel free to share your thoughts or any fun twists you made to the recipe in the comments below. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with others who enjoy gluten-free muffins or nut-free baking.
Stay tuned for more tasty GAPS-friendly recipes and be sure to follow for updates!
FAQs
How do I make these muffins dairy-free?
To make the GAPS raisin muffins dairy-free, simply replace the butter with coconut oil or ghee (if tolerated). You can also use a dairy-free milk like almond milk instead of any dairy-based liquids.
Are these muffins suitable for a grain-free diet?
Yes, these muffins are grain-free as they are made with almond flour, making them perfect for those following the GAPS diet or other grain-free diets.
How do I make these muffins more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even vanilla extract to the batter. These spices will add a warm, aromatic touch to your healthy muffin recipe.
