Delicious Low Carb Gingerbread Muffins Recipe

If you're searching for the perfect low carb gingerbread muffins, you're in the right place. This keto muffin recipe is great for anyone following a low carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, or anyone looking to enjoy holiday flavors without the sugar. In this post, you'll find the full recipe, baking tips, variations, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.

Keto and low carb diets limit carbohydrates, focusing on protein intake. While you need your healthy fats, I like to focus more on protein than high fat. Low carb muffins use alternative flours and sweeteners to reduce carbohydrates compared to traditional recipes. These muffins use almond and coconut flour instead of wheat flour, and sugar substitutes instead of regular sugar.

Jump to:

• Why These Keto Gingerbread Muffins Are Pure Holiday Joy
• Gingerbread Inspiration
• Ingredients
• Tips for the Best Keto Gingerbread Muffins
• How to Bake a Traditional Keto Gingerbread Cake
• Can I Bake Keto Gingerbread in a Loaf Pan?
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• FAQ
• Troubleshooting Guide
• Gifting
• Final Thoughts
• Pin the recipe for later:
• 📖 Recipe
• Nutrition Disclaimer

Why These Keto Gingerbread Muffins Are Pure Holiday Joy

Here's what makes these muffins mystical magical (besides the gingerbread fairy dust):

• The flavor: Warm ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg blend perfectly for that classic gingerbread taste.
• The texture: Moist, tender, and just the right amount of crumb.
• The health benefits: Packed with protein and healthy fats, these muffins keep you full and satisfied.
• They're low carb, making them perfect for anyone following a low carb diet or looking to reduce their sugar intake.

They taste like real gingerbread

Thanks to a combo of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a tiny splash of molasses, they deliver that deep gingerbread flavor you grew up with, without the traditional sugar and flour.

Among gingerbread recipes, this muffin recipe stands out to me for its authentic flavor, making it a perfect festive treat for anyone following a keto, gluten free, or sugar-free lifestyle.

The texture is soft and tender

Sometimes keto muffins can be dense or spongy. Not these! Almond and coconut flour work together to create a bakery-style crumb that's soft and moist. Also, using superfine almond flour instead of almond meal helps avoid a grainy texture.

That "brown sugar flavor" is here, without sugar

Use a good brown monk fruit or allulose sweetener as a brown sugar substitute for a classic gingerbread taste and prepare for magic. I like the Lakanto Brown Sweetener with monk fruit and erythritol, but pick the sweetener that's the best for you.

Gluten-free, sugar-free, and low carb

You get all the cozy holiday goodness without the gluten crash or the sugar spike.

Quick to make

One bowl for dry ingredients, one large bowl for wet ingredients to ensure everything mixes smoothly, and you're basically done. Perfect for holiday mornings when you want something festive but not fussy.

Now that you know why these muffins are special, let's look at how they came to be.

Gingerbread Inspiration

There's something magical about December mornings. Maybe it's the twinkling lights. Or the cozy sweaters. Maybe it's because I finally get to play my Christmas playlist without the kids rolling their eyes...too much. But for me? It means it's time to make gingerbread.

I love gingerbread. Gingerbread cookies, gingerbread houses, gingerbread cake. The warm ginger, the deep molasses aroma, the sweet spice that somehow tastes like holiday cheer baked into a bite-sized treat…

If gingerbread is on the table, let's just say I'm there super fast. And as much as I adore a classic gingerbread cake, there's something wonderfully practical about turning those flavors into muffins.

Traditional gingerbread cake is a classic holiday dessert made with sugar or syrup, but keto gingerbread cake offers a low-carb alternative that keeps all the festive flavor without the sugar.

Enter: Low Carb Gingerbread Muffins, soft, warmly spiced, bakery-style muffins that are completely gluten-free, sugar-free, and low carb, but taste like Christmas morning in your kitchen.

These Keto Gingerbread Muffins bring that nostalgic flavor we all crave this time of year without sending your blood sugar on a sleigh ride (hahaha! wasn't that festive? My daughter rolls her eyes at those type sentences).

Gingerbread cookies and keto gingerbread cookies are also favorite festive, low-carb holiday treats that share the same nostalgic gingerbread flavor profile.

And yes, your house will smell incredible. Expect compliments. And possibly neighbors showing up "just to check in."

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups fine almond flour
• 3 tablespoons coconut flour
• 2-3 teaspoons ground ginger (use 3 if you want a spicy kick!)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup melted butter or coconut oil
• ½ cup brown monk fruit or allulose brown sweetener (these are low carb sweeteners, you can choose your favorite natural sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½-1 teaspoon unsulphured molasses (adds authentic gingerbread flavor with minimal carbs)
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• Optional: 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for extra spice

Optional Frosting

If you want to up the muffins or gingerbread cake a notch, make a batch of this keto cream cheese frosting to top.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment paper or silicone cups (liners). Trust me, keto muffins stick without good liners. And, good reminder, mine are getting worn out, and it's about time to ask for some for Christmas!

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

Your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point. It's a good sign.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), brown sweetener, vanilla, molasses, and almond milk. For a smoother consistency, you can use an electric mixer to combine the wet ingredients. Or, I often mix the wet ingredients in my blender. Add the fresh ginger if you're using it.

4. Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth. Let the batter sit for 3-4 minutes so the coconut flour can hydrate. When ready, be sure to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups to ensure uniform baking.

5. Fill the Muffin Cups

Fill each cup about ¾ full for perfectly domed muffins.

6. Bake

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops spring back and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool Before Eating

Let them cool for at least 10 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving or frosting. Keto baked goods set as they cool, and your patience will be rewarded.

Tips for the Best Keto Gingerbread Muffins

Add the molasses

I know, it has carbs. But even ½ teaspoon adds few carbs to the entire batch and gives you real gingerbread flavor. Totally worth it.

Use brown-style sweetener

This is the backbone of the gingerbread flavor. Brown monk fruit, Swerve Brown, or allulose-brown blends give the muffins that warm caramel note.

Spice it up

Want bold gingerbread? Add fresh grated ginger + extra ground ginger.

Let the batter rest

This ensures the muffins rise well and don't crumble.

Don't overbake

Keto muffins can dry quickly. Start checking around minute 15.

How to Bake a Traditional Keto Gingerbread Cake

If you're more of a classic gingerbread-cake-and-cozy-fork-bites type of person, I've got you covered. This batter transitions beautifully from muffins to a soft, fragrant keto gingerbread cake, and it will still make the whole kitchen smell like Christmas cheer and a little bit of nostalgia.

Use the Same Batter

Make the batter exactly as written for the Keto Gingerbread Muffins. Same ingredients, same mixing method, same delicious holiday aroma happening in your kitchen.

Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8" × 8" baking pan with parchment paper or generously grease it with butter or coconut oil. Keto cakes can stick, so parchment is your friend here.

Bake Time Adjustments

Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22-28 minutes.

Start checking around the 22-minute mark. The cake is done when:

• the center springs back when lightly touched
• a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs
• the edges are set and lightly pulling away from the pan

Cool Before Slicing

As with most gluten-free and low-carb cakes, this gingerbread improves in texture as it cools. Let it rest at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. I know, it smells incredible and you want to dive right in, but again, your patience will be rewarded with a perfect slice.

Serving Suggestions for Cake

Dress it up or keep it simple!

• Dust with powdered monk fruit sweetener (or powdered sweetener of your choice)
• Drizzle with a sugar-free lemon glaze
• Add a swoosh of whipped cream
• Top with a dollop of cream cheese frosting
• Serve warm with coffee or hot tea

Note on Color

Depending on your sweetener (especially if you're using a monk fruit/erythritol blend), your cake may bake up a lighter shade than traditional gingerbread. It's completely normal, just one of those low-carb quirks!

Can I Bake Keto Gingerbread in a Loaf Pan?

Yes! If you prefer that classic sliceable keto gingerbread loaf, perfect for toasting, gifting, or enjoying with a generous swipe of butter, this recipe adapts beautifully. Simply prepare the batter as written and pour it into a greased or parchment-lined 9" × 5" loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-48 minutes, or until the center springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.

Because loaf pans are deeper than an 8" × 8" cake pan, the longer bake time gives the gingerbread a gently domed top and a wonderfully tender crumb. Allow it to cool at least 25-30 minutes before slicing so it sets properly. Warm a slice, add whipped cream or butter, and enjoy the coziest holiday treat ever!

Variations

Because the holidays are the perfect time to play in the kitchen, this keto gingerbread muffins recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted in many ways to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Muffins

Fold ⅓ cup sugar-free chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a kid-friendly twist.

For an even deeper chocolate flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter before baking.

Lemon-Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

For a bright, tangy finish, whisk together ½ cup powdered sweetener, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1-2 teaspoons almond milk in a medium bowl. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Whisk together powdered monk fruit, lemon juice, and a drop of vanilla in a medium bowl. Drizzle over fully cooled muffins.

Nutty Gingerbread Muffins

Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

Orange Ginger Muffins

Add 1 teaspoon orange zest + 1 tablespoon orange juice. Incredible flavor with very minimal carbs added.

Gingerbread Streusel Muffins

Mix almond flour, brown sweetener, cinnamon, and melted butter. Crumble over each muffin before baking.

Gingerbread Protein Muffins

Add ¼ cup vanilla egg white protein powder for a boost.

Gingerbread Mini Muffins

Bake 10-12 minutes. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting in cute paper bags.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are a fabulous addition to any snack cuisine for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Enjoy them on their own, or try them with:

Salted Butter

• A pat of salted butter

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Sugar-free cream cheese frosting

Whipped Cream

• Whipped cream (festive sprinkles optional but encouraged)

As Part of a Breakfast

• A side of scrambled eggs for a cozy weekend breakfast (This is what I had myself just yesterday!)

With Hot Drinks

• A mug of my Keto Hot Chocolate (you know this combo is dreamy)
• Coffee, black (or if you're not a black coffee person, with a splash of sugar-free gingerbread syrup)
• Tea is always a good choice with these low carb muffins!

With Other Low-Carb Treats

• Keto pumpkin scones for the ultimate fall low-carb breakfast

Pro tip: Warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave to revive that just-baked gingerbread aroma.

FAQ

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes! Substitute sunflower seed flour for almond flour, 1:1.
Just note: it may turn slightly green from a baking reaction. Totally normal!

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use coconut oil instead of butter and be sure your sweetener doesn't include dairy.

Can I use more molasses if I'm not strict keto?

Yes! Up to 1 tablespoon adds only 12g sugar to the full batch. Still much lower carb than traditional gingerbread.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes-they freeze beautifully. For best results, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags or an airtight container. You can also freeze individual slices for easy portioning. Store for up to 3 months.

Why isn't my muffin color as dark as traditional gingerbread?

Keto sweeteners don't caramelize like sugar. Using a brown sweetener and even a tiny bit more molasses can deepen the color.

Troubleshooting Guide

Here are some common issues and solutions for your keto gingerbread muffins:

• My muffins are crumbly!
  They needed more cooling time or slightly more almond flour. Keto muffins firm as they cool.
• They didn't rise much.
  Check your baking powder and baking soda freshness. A 3-4 minute rest before baking also helps.
• They taste too mild.
  Add an extra teaspoon of ginger next time or incorporate fresh ginger.
• They baked unevenly.
  Rotate your muffin pan halfway through baking. Also ensure all ingredients are room temperature.

Gifting

These muffins are adorable when wrapped up in:

• brown bakery paper
• festive treat boxes
• cellophane with ribbon
• reusable tins

Attach a small card with serving instructions ("Warm 10 seconds for maximum cozy gingerbread joy!"), and suddenly you're the star of the neighborhood cookie exchange-without making anything sugary.

For extra convenience, consider including a printable recipe card with your gifted muffins. This way, friends and family can easily recreate these low carb gingerbread muffins at home.

Final Thoughts

These Low Carb Gingerbread Muffins truly capture everything I love about the holidays, warm spices, cozy flavors, the feeling that something special is happening in the kitchen. They let you enjoy the season's nostalgia while still keeping things keto-friendly, gluten-free, and totally doable on a busy December morning.

Whether you're baking for your family, sharing with coworkers, or just treating yourself after a day of shopping and school concerts, these Keto Gingerbread Muffins are here to bring a little extra holiday sparkle to your life.

If you love these muffins, be sure to check out more of my easy keto recipes for holiday baking and beyond. I also love my keto cinnamon rolls or low carb coffee cake muffins. There are so many delicious keto recipes that make sticking to your low carb lifestyle simple and enjoyable all season long.

Pin the recipe for later:

If you make them, please let me know, send a message, leave a comment, or tag me on social media. I love seeing your kitchen creations.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal dot com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.

This is as accurate as possible, but it's best to independently calculate nutritional information on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.