Made with festive dried fruit and nuts, these muffins will smell just like Christmas with their scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
This recipe is free from gluten, grains, dairy and refined sugar just like all of the Christmas recipes you’ll find in my Christmas recipe e-book.
Nourish 101:
- This recipe is free from gluten, grains, dairy and soy suitable for those with food sensitivity.
- With no added sugar this recipe uses the natural sweetness of fresh orange juice and organic dried fruits providing a healthier alternative to Christmas cake.
- These healthy muffins are made with nutrient-rich ingredients that satisfy with smaller servings for a guilt-free festive treat.
- The eggs and almond meal add an element of protein and healthy fat to to help reduce the impact of natural sugars on your body.
- I use organic dried fruit to avoid added preservatives commonly found in dried fruit.
Christmas Cake Muffins
Ingredients
- 3 large free range eggs
- 1 orange zest of
- 1/3 cup (85ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/4 cups (140g) almond meal
- 1/2 cup (75g) pitted and chopped dates
- 1/2 cup (80g) organic dried fruit (cherries, cranberries* or saltanas)
- 1/4 cup (35g) slivered almonds extra to decorate
- 2 tsp (6g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (or good quality vanilla extract)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Pre-heat fan-forced oven to 180C.
- In a mixing bowl combine eggs with orange zest and juice.
- Mix in remaining ingredients and combine well.
- Pour mixture into a greased muffin tray.
- Sprinkle extra slivered almonds on top and bake in oven for 20 -25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- These muffins are a fun and healthy alternative to traditional Christmas cake and can be served as a treat for your Christmas day dessert.
- I use organic dried fruit to avoid added preservatives commonly found in dried fruit.
- I choose fruit juice sweetened dried cranberries available at health food stores. (Most dried cranberries contain added sugar).