Carrot Date Cupcakes! Quite the random combination, buuttt, being 36 weeks pregnant and craving a good carrot cake, you'll see that this is actually very relevant for me right now :p
At 36 weeks pregnant and also an avid exerciser, the ingredients in this treat are very beneficial. Per my previous post on pregnancy, I am following some guidance through my OB/midwives on the best supplements to support me throughout the end of my pregnancy. This delicious healthy muffin is made with all natural sugars and full of micronutrients to support end of pregnancy. It also serves to provide a great source of potassium, magnesium and Vit A for post workout recovery. Research shows that consuming 3-4 dates daily in the last few weeks of pregnancy can provide additional nutrients and building blocks to help with cervical ripening and strengthening/ supporting a woman's uterus during contractions while in labor. However, I find dates quite too sweet to eat alone and decided to search for a recipe that would help me satisfy my carrot cake craving while also helping add some more of these recommended dates to my diet. This recipe was inspired by prevention.com, and includes a few tweaks. It is absolutely delicious, added-sugar free and easy to make! There is also a bonus recipe included for a dairy-free cream cheese frosting. The frosting is good but these muffin/ cupcakes taste great alone and without any added toppers. See below for more pictures with my assistant and the recipes!
*I have to be honest and share that the process of baking these muffins and creating this post was EXTREMELY challenging. Sure, my daughter is so angelic looking and peaceful in these photos- but that was not how it all went down as we wrapped up the baking and I began taking my photos. I was reminded so harshly that doing this blogging/ creative thing with a young toddler is HARD. There were tears and a huge tantrum with my daughter screaming to be held and then throwing herself on the floor from our barstool as I balanced my phone camera in one hand and the plate of muffins in the other. This mothering thing can be hard! But here I am, persevering again, because this recipe was too good to not share. And I want some creative me-time to myself every once in a while too!
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Healthy Carrot Date Muffins for Pregnancy and Post Workout
prep time: 30 minscook time: 20 minstotal time: 50 mins
This delicious healthy muffin is made with all natural sugars and full of micronutrients to support end of pregnancy. It also serves to provide a great source of potassium, magnesium and Vit A for post workout recovery.
ingredients:
Muffin/ Cupcake Base
- 1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/3 cup wheat germ
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1 cup boiled water
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 tsp himalayan pink salt
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8oz kite hill plain cream cheese (or your choice brand of cream cheese)
- 1/2 stick of earth balance butter
- maple syrup to taste
instructions:
Muffin/ Cupcake Base
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flours, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt. Mix well.
- Pour boiling water over dates and let soak for 10-15 minutes. Transfer dates and water into a blender and mix until smooth like a paste.
- Add date puree to dry ingredients bowl along with eggs, oil and carrots. Mix well.
- Fill each muffin tin about 2/3 full to make approx 12 servings.
- Place muffins into oven and bake for 20 min. Poke with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean when inserted into middle of baked muffin.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Allow butter to reach room temperature.
- In a blender, combine butter and cream cheese.
- Add 1 tbsp maple syrup at a time until mixture reaches desired sweetness and consistency in texture.
- Place in refrigerator and allow to cool while muffins are baking.
- Once muffins are cool, spread frosting on top and Enjoy!
Created using The Recipes Generator
Bon Appetit!
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