Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease with oil.
- Gather all ingredients and equipment (mixing bowls, electric mixer, grater, and measuring tools).
Pro Tip: Preheat the oven at least 10 minutes before mixing to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk and vinegar. Let it sit for a minute to curdle into a “buttermilk.”
- Add coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Fold in the finely chopped dates and grated carrots. Mix well for even distribution.
Pro Tip: Chop dates finely for even sweetness and smoother muffins.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (spelt flour, ground almonds, coconut sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt).
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Stop mixing once there are no visible streaks of flour.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick (it should come out clean).
Pro Tip: Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking for even cooking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely for about 20 minutes before serving.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip cooling on a rack; condensation in the pan may make muffins soggy.