Serve these warmly spiced muffins as an accompaniment to a hearty dish or as an afternoon treat. They’re sure to please!
Years ago, my mother-in-law invited us over for a cozy family dinner. Nothing fancy and no elegantly set table—just good, honest food and plenty of quality time. Exactly my kind of dinner party.
Back then, I was still a novice in the kitchen, and I remember being in awe of everything she made. She was a wonderful cook and a huge source of inspiration as I began to find my own way around the kitchen.
That evening, we started with a simple platter of crudités served with a zingy sour cream dip. For the main course, she brought out a big pan of her spicy three-bean chili, served family-style alongside two baskets of muffins kept warm under a pretty tea cloth. At first, I thought she had made a mistake. Muffins? Why was she serving dessert with the meal?
Of course, I quickly realized these weren’t sweet muffins at all but savory cumin and carrot muffins. And they were absolutely perfect with the hearty flavors of her chili.
I found myself thinking back to that dinner just a few weeks ago while making a tofu curry full of aromatic spices. I wanted something a little different than the usual rice or naan for dipping. That’s when inspiration struck, and I came up with these chai muffins. Their earthy notes of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and other warm spices—courtesy of the golden milk powder I used—strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. They’re delicious as a side for a spicy dish, but just as lovely topped with a simple glaze and enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
I only wish my mother-in-law were still here to try them. I know she would have definitely approved.
Customize your muffins
The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily tweak it to suit your personal tastes. Sometimes, I like to lean into the savory side by reducing the powdered sugar-free sweetener by half and adding a handful of chopped green onions, fragrant herbs like rosemary, or even a diced red chili pepper for a touch of heat. For a bit of crunch, consider stirring in some nuts or seeds of your choice. Personally, I think these muffins are fabulous studded with chopped walnuts.
How do I store leftovers?
These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, double-wrap them in plastic wrap (unglazed), transfer them to a resealable bag, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Reheat them in the toaster oven or microwave.
Similar recipes to try
Besides these chai muffins, a bowl of chili or curry pairs really well with a thick slice of Keto Cauliflower Bread or Low-Carb Almond Flour Bread. The latter makes excellent morning toast, by the way!
Of course, cornbread is also a great option, and we especially love this tender Keto Buttermilk Cornbread with just a touch of jalapeño.
Savory Chai Keto Muffins (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
For The Muffins:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar-free powdered sweetener
- 3 scoops Superfood Turmeric Golden Milk Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 eggs
For The Optional Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons sugar-free powdered sweetener
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
For The Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or grease it with nonstick spray.
- Add all the muffin ingredients to a large bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to fill each muffin cup 2/3 of the way full, about 2 tablespoons per muffin.
- Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until the tops are risen and golden.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (an additional 20 minutes or so).
For The Optional Glaze:
- Whisk together all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Drizzle over the cooled muffins.
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