I don’t know what has me on this carrot cake kick, but I made this healthy version of carrot cakes and turned them into cupcakes/muffins for my little guy and I. This was also my first go at using Chia seeds to replace the egg for an antioxidant boost! I try to limit the sugar in baked goods, so I used dates as the sweetener for this treat and it was delicious. Sweet, rich and dense- a tasty way to fill you up in the morning or keep you fueled for the afternoon!

Cupcakes:
1 cup wheat flour (freshly milled if possible)
1 cup oat flour
4 carrots, shredded
3/4 cup raisins
1 very ripe banana, mashed
3 tbsp chia seeds (or 2 eggs)
1/4 cup water
1+1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup dried pitted dates
3 tbsp butter
Juice of 1 orange

1) Combine chia seeds and water in a cup and let sit for at least 15 minutes

2) Pre-heat oven to 350 and line a muffin tin with muffin cups

3) In a large bowl combine dry ingredients.

4) In a food processor, or by hand, chop dates finely into a paste like consistency. Combine with just melted butter to bread up the dates.

5) In a bowl, combine chia seed gel, carrots, raisins, banana and date-butter mixture.

6) Pour wet mixture into the dry. Stir to combine. Add orange juice and mix until all ingredients are incorporated.

7) Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake for 25-30 minutes

Here is one topped with a Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. Read below for  a less rich, healthier  frosting.

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 can coconut milk
1/4 cup honey
1/4 block cream cheese

1) Place coconut milk in refrigerator (open) over night

2) Whisk coconut milk and honey. Let set for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

3) Whisk coconut milk honey mixture with cream cheese.

4) Spoon onto cupcakes/muffins