Looking for a GAPS raisin muffins recipe that’s both comforting and wholesome? These muffins are light, naturally sweetened, and packed with juicy raisins a treat that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy hug.
If you’re following the GAPS diet or just need a gut-friendly snack, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Gut-friendly baking sounds… complicated.” But trust me, these muffins are anything but fussy.
With simple ingredients like almond flour, honey, and raisins, you can whip up a batch faster than your coffee brews in the morning. Naturally grain-free and gluten-free, they’re perfect for anyone looking for a healthier option. Pair them with something savory like What Goes Well with Garlic Shrimp? for an unexpected but delightful combo, or enjoy them as a standalone snack.
Whether you grab one for breakfast, a midday snack, or a post-dinner treat, these muffins hit all the right notes! For more comfort food ideas, check out this Scalloped Potatoes Recipe with Cheese Powder.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Perfect GAPS Raisin Muffins
If you’re ready to bake muffins that check all the boxes—delicious, gut-friendly, and simple to make then let’s talk ingredients. GAPS raisin muffins rely on a few key staples to create that moist, fluffy texture while sticking to the principles of the GAPS diet. The best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge!
- Almond Flour
Almond flour is the backbone of this recipe. It’s gluten-free, grain-free, and packed with nutrients like protein and healthy fats. It gives these muffins a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and that perfectly tender crumb. Look for finely ground almond flour for the best texture. - Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding everything together. They also add a richness and help the muffins rise beautifully. Pro tip: bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing to avoid clumpy batter. - Honey
Since refined sugar is a no-go on the GAPS diet, honey is the perfect natural sweetener here. It adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness and keeps the muffins moist. Go for raw, organic honey if possible it’s packed with enzymes and has gut-friendly properties. - Raisins
What’s a raisin muffin without raisins? These little gems add bursts of sweetness in every bite. Bonus: they’re also a great source of natural sugars and fiber. If you’re feeling fancy, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand to make them extra juicy. - Coconut Oil or Ghee
Coconut oil or ghee brings that buttery richness to the muffins. Both options are GAPS-friendly, and they help keep the muffins soft and moist. If you use coconut oil, make sure it’s melted but not too hot when adding it to the batter. - Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract gives these muffins that warm, bakery-style flavor. A splash of pure vanilla goes a long way to make every bite irresistible. - Baking Soda
A pinch of baking soda adds a little lift to the muffins. When combined with the acidity in honey, it creates just enough airiness without the need for traditional leavening agents. - Cinnamon (Optional)
Want to kick things up a notch? A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a cozy, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of raisins and honey.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make GAPS Raisin Muffins
Ready to whip up a few delicious, intestine-friendly cakes? Here’s your no-fuss guide to creating GAPS raisin desserts from start to finish. These steps are incredible clean to follow, so even in case you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ve got this!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything you need on hand. Here’s a quick list to double-check:
2 cups almond flour
3 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ cup raw honey
¼ cup melted coconut oil (or ghee)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup raisins
Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. If you don’t have liners, grease the muffin cups with a little coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prep the Raisins
This step is optional, but it makes a big difference. Soak your raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes. This makes them plump and juicy, ensuring they don’t dry out in the muffins. Drain them well before adding to the batter.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, so your muffins rise properly.
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re light and frothy. Add the honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract, and whisk until everything is fully combined.
Step 6: Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the muffins might turn out dense. Fold in the raisins last, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This will leave enough room for the muffins to rise.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, let’s be honest, sneak one while it’s still warm—it’s the best part!
Tips for Perfect Muffins
Room-Temp Eggs: Using room-temperature eggs helps the batter mix smoothly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven—overbaked muffins can get dry.
Batch for Later: These muffins freeze well! Just pop them in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month.
And there you have it perfectly fluffy, slightly sweet GAPS raisin muffins that are as good for your gut as they are for your taste buds. Time to grab one (or two) and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Enhancing Your GAPS Raisin Muffins
Making GAPS raisin muffins is simple, but if you want to take them from great to “OMG, these are amazing,” I’ve got some easy tips and tricks for you. Whether you’re looking to boost flavor, improve texture, or save time, these ideas have you covered.
- Soak the Raisins for Extra Juiciness
Nobody likes dry raisins, right? Soaking them in warm water for 10–15 minutes before folding them into the batter is a total game-changer. For even more flavor, try soaking them in freshly squeezed orange juice. Just remember to pat them dry before adding them in. - Add a Sprinkle of Spices
Cinnamon is a classic choice, but you can mix things up by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger. These spices complement the sweetness of the raisins and honey, giving your muffins a warm, cozy vibe. - Keep Your Ingredients at Room Temperature
Here’s a little baking secret: when your eggs, honey, and coconut oil are all at room temperature, they combine better, creating a smoother batter. This means fluffier muffins. (Psst—if you forget to pull out the eggs ahead of time, just soak them in warm water for 5 minutes.) - Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy. A few lumps in the batter are totally fine! - Use an Ice Cream Scoop for Even Muffins
If you want all your muffins to look bakery-perfect, an ice cream scoop is your best friend. It helps you portion the batter evenly so every muffin bakes at the same rate. - Make It Your Own with Add-Ins
Want to mix things up? Try folding in some finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chopped dried apricots. Just keep it GAPS-friendly, of course! - Check Your Muffins Early
Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark. If a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready to go. - Store Them Right
To keep your muffins moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually, so you can grab one anytime for a quick snack. - Make a Double Batch
These muffins freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Just let them cool completely, then pop them in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, and they’ll taste like they’re fresh out of the oven. - Experiment with Toppings
For an extra-unique touch, sprinkle the tops with slivered almonds or a dusting of coconut flakes before baking. They’ll upload a chunk of crunch and make the cakes appearance even greater tempting.
A Final Note
These GAPS raisin muffins are pretty hard to mess up, but a few simple tweaks can take them to the next level. Whether it’s soaking the raisins, adding a pinch of spice, or sneaking in your favorite GAPS-friendly mix-ins, these tricks will make your muffins the star of the snack table.
FAQs About GAPS Raisin Muffins Recipe
Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?
Not for this recipe. Almond flour is key to the texture and flavor of GAPS muffins. Substituting with regular or coconut flour won’t work as they absorb liquids differently.
How do I store GAPS raisin muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually and reheat as needed.
Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped dried apricots, dates, or figs work great as long as they’re GAPS-friendly.
Why are my muffins dense?
This can happen if you overmix the batter or use cold eggs. Stir gently and ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for fluffier muffins.
Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Eggs are vital for binding and texture in this recipe, but you could strive substituting them with a GAPS-pleasant egg replacer like gelatin eggs.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Best GAPS Raisin Muffins
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, homemade GAPS raisin muffin. With their soft, fluffy texture and naturally sweet flavor, these muffins prove that gut-friendly eating can be just as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether you’re following the GAPS diet or just looking for a healthier snack option, this recipe is a winner.
Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, pack them in your bag for an on-the-go treat, or even pair one with your morning coffee. However you consume them, these cakes are sure to emerge as a family preferred. So grab your substances, preheat that oven, and deal with yourself to a batch of cakes you could experience true approximately eating. Trust me, you’re going to like each chunk!