Espresso coconut paleo muffins are a healthy dessert for coffee lovers! Light in texture with a decadent coffee and coconut taste. The healthy muffins recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients like ground almonds, coconut flour, coconut sugar, ground espresso, and egg whites. They taste like macaroons, but in muffins form!
Coconut Paleo Muffins…with coffee!
So…. truth be told I’ve been on coffee plus espresso kick. Why? Because this week needs all things caffeine times two! Haha. Actually, this week has been quite the opposite of last week. Remember how we were all about the summer comfort food and gluten free starches? Well, our nutrition took a complete 180 this week due to a little injury with my husband, hence the plethora of healthy fats and paleo recipes!
Come sit and have coffee with me. I will go all dorky on you and tell you why we’re limiting our grains this week, and then share this espresso coconut paleo muffins recipe. Deal?
Okay, so a few weeks ago my husband (aka the kiwi) fell off his mountain bike. Wasn’t anything big but he did end up with a few scratches and a sore bum. That sport is rocky, ya know? Haha. But as time passed, his back started aching a little more and then BAM —> he sneezed and a disk popped. Yep, that happened THIS WEEK. Poor guy.
So we changed things up in the Cotter Household. Lots of nourishing foods and grain free foods to reduce inflammation in the muscles/joints.
Why should we avoid grains?
Two words –> Phytic Acid.
What is Phytic Acid?
Wellness Mama had a great definition ->
“Grains contain Phytic Acid, a mineral blocker that prevents absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. This phytic acid is found in the bran of all grains as well as the outer coating of seeds and nuts. Even after grains became more mainstream during the agricultural revolution, grains were allowed to sit in the fields for several weeks before thrashing. This allowed the grains to be exposed to the elements and to sprout. Evidence shows that sprouting increases the content of many important vitamins, and breaks down the phytic acid.”
Eliminating Grains for Gut Health
By reducing/eliminating grains we can maximize absorption in the gut. Sometimes improperly prepared grains can actually cause inflammation in the gut lining due to an enzyme we can’t break down. And if you’re body is already stressed, inflamed, or sick, then eliminating grains can speed up the healing process. Remember this post where I spoke about grain free perks? And this turmeric ginger lemonade recipe for chronic inflammation?
See, told you I was going talk DORKY. Need a refill on that coffee yet, or another muffin? Just kidding.. maybe.
But before I ramble on, how about we break for the recipe for the paleo muffins?
How to make Espresso Coconut Paleo Muffins
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Espresso Coconut Paleo Muffins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 1x
Description
Espresso Coconut Paleo Muffins are a healthy dessert for coffee lovers! Espresso Coconut Muffins are light in texture with a decadent coffee and coconut taste. The muffins recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup egg whites (about 4 or 5 egg whites).
- 1/3 cup ground coffee or espresso
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1.5 cup almond flour
- 3 tbsp arrowroot starch (or tapioca)
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- dash of sea salt
- 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/3 cup naturally refined coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 ounces (2/3 cup) full fat coconut Milk (or cream)
- Optional coffee extract (1/2 tsp)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. First whisk you eggs whites until soft peaks are formed. In another bowl, sift your dry ingredients (sugar, flours, baking powder, salt, etc) together and mix. In another bowl mix your oil, cream, and extracts and mix all together. Combine your wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in your egg whites to the dry ingredients. Gently fold in your shredded coconut.
- Stir again until combined, not overmixing.
- Pour into greased medium or large muffin cups about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until center comes out clean with toothpick
- Remove from oven and Let cool on cooling rack.
- Tip – If the batter is too thick, depending on how fine your almond flour is, then blend batter in the blender and add a few more tbsp of cream or water until batter is smooth.
Notes
If you don’t feel like buying separate ingredients, I would check out Simple Mills paleo cake mix! So good!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: breakfast, dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: paleo muffins, coffee, grain free, healthy snack, dairy free, breakfast muffins
Reducing Grains to Heal Inflammation
As mentioned in previous posts, we temporarily remove or reduce grains for a reason. This week, it just so happens to be about HEALING an injury.
That being said, we’ve also added in more healing foods. Foods like coconut oil (MCT), red palm oil, kefir, gelatin, and tons more greens and OMEGAS!
All these foods support joint health and/or reduce inflammation with anti-inflammatory properties. Okay maybe not the 2 cups of coffee that I’m drinking with these paleo muffins, but we’ll make it decaf and cut back later this week, promise! Yes, this inflammation is going to be kicked to the curb with food as our medicine!
Many people think baking grain free is difficult, and it can be if you don’t really know what grain free flours go with what.
Luckily, I’ve made the espresso coconut paleo muffins recipe UBER easy, and you can even switch out the flavors for whenever you’d like.
But if you’re a coffee and macaroon lover like me, you’re not going to want to. In fact, you’ll just become more obsessed with this flavor! haha. Enjoy!
That being said, EVERYBODY works and heals differently. It’s just a matter of figuring out what’s best for your own and how to use food as fuel, as nourishment, as medicine. Would you agree?
Coffee talk complete! What’s going on with you this week?
Cheers!
Hi, can I use raw honey or the flavour would be too strong? How about maple syrup?
I think that should be fine. But raw honey is a bit thicker than maple syrup so texture of the batter might vary.
You said ground coffee, meaning from ground coffee beans, correct? In that case, can you taste the grainy ground coffee in the muffins?
Hi Connie. Thank you for your comment. This is an older recipe that definitely needs some updating and clarification. I used ground coffee beans. I don’t think you should taste it, but to be safe, you could use instant coffee and reduce it to just 2 to 3 tablespoons.
I think the freeze dried coffee would work well. You can use cupcake liners yes. I would feel them 2/3 of the way. Definitely keep me posted on this recipe. Happy to make adjustments after you make them. I appreciate any feedback. I will email you as well.
Thanks for your lightening speed reply, can’t wait to make these for my CrossFit open, after the workout ,of course :p
Oops, I meant lightning 😬
Can I use cupcake liners? Would it work? Do I fill 1/2 or 2/3 full?
Can I use dried freeze coffee powder instead? If so, how many tsp? I don’t have ground coffee powder.
Made them and they’re delicious. Would they last a week in an airtight container at room temp or should they be refrigerated or frozen?
★★★★★
I would keep them in fridge, they will definitely last longer! Glad it worked out. Did you make them with flaxegg?
Thanks for the quick response! No flax egg here but I did use boxed egg whites, even though they don’t whip due to pasteurization, I just used a hand mixer on then a few times and skimmed off the froth with a slatted spoon and folded that in, little more work but texture is still great. Also, didn’t have coconut flour so subbed it with buckwheat. Thanks for the recipe inspiration!
★★★★★
What does “fluffy” mean? Soft peak? Stiff peak?
Yes, soft peak. So you can fold it into the batter. Let me know if that makes sense. Thanks Jane!
Wow. These are fantastic. The texture of them is amazing. I didn’t think I could get that nice “fluffy” texture with grain free baking. I have a very happy husband right now! BTW, I used 3 whole eggs instead of just egg whites and it worked great. I just whisked them and added them with the rest of the liquid ingredients. Thank you so much for this recipe!
wonderful! so glad. THey are our fav too.
When do I add the coconut cream?
Oh good catch! Yes, and it in with your oil and water and extracts
I want to make these delicious looking muffins but am a bit confused about the coffee espresso. Is it 1/3 cup liquid of either one and when do you add it to the mix.
Thanks
it’s actually ground coffee or espresso beans. Add it with your dry ingredients. Does that make sense? Keep me posted! Happy to help adjust
Hi Lindsay……You are marked “see first” in my FB land……I have tried several of your recipes and have found them ALL to be delicious (doesn’t happen often with different websites). I also appreciate the healthiness as an added bonus! In other words I feel GREAT when I eat the final product both metaphorically and figuratively (how’s that for dorky…huh). Anyway please enlighten me on those cute muffin tins…..I need them! Thanks, Linda Lyden
Hi Lyden! Thanks so much for your comment and feedback. Always here to help. Would love to know if any recipes haven’t worked either. keep me posted and thanks for supporting!
oh and love the dorkiness! yes! haha. the muffins tins are from tuesday morning shop. I love them!
Great macaroons muffins. The husband love these in the morning. Wonderful recipe.
★★★★★
YIKES! Hope he feels better…good thing he has an awesome wife like you to take good care of him!! These muffins look awesome. Love the little muffin cups.
I am just thrilled that I made it through the week and 3 weeks of on and off travel.
pause.
this recipe looks soooo good and I wish I could have had these on my latest trip where food choices were minimal and few and far in between! Poor Kiwi, hope he is better now!
healing food? does wine count? 🙂
Those are gorgeous, Lindsay! I’ll be making as soon as I can get my hands on coconut again. Hasn’t been in the store for months now.
★★★★★
Soooooooooooooooo sorry about hubby!! UGH!! How long to recover from that???
OK, you know I will not make these so why don’t you move to CA & cook for me!!! 🙂 AND – a ballin bite in these too! 🙂
You paleo muffins look PERFECT. Like, woah. Love the flavor combo too!!
These muffins look so tasty! Love the espresso infusion!
the more caffeine the better, right? haha
How did he feel? Did he in-fact feel better in the end? I like when food is used as a sort of a medicine!
Don’t’ worry about the caffeine, It is fun to be all over because of that at times 🙂
Just when I saw the word “coffee-lovers”, I’m totally up for this! And by the way, you really explained things clearly! Thanks for that! This macaroon muffin is something I would definitely like to pair with my cup of coffee 🙂
oh good! so glad it helped explain grains and healing! thanks for the lovely comment Maureen. <3
holy smokes, I need to make these immediately. You always have the BEST recipes!!
nah, i just get inspired by all you ladies. <3
My brother, I always learn so much from you. Evie and I both deal with a lot of inflammation stuff. We need to do more grain-free (though trying to take pasta from her is not an easy thing). We have been taking turmeric daily and it’s helped a lot! We ran out and Evie ever requested I buy more for us. Normally she just takes whatever I put in front of her but doesn’t actually comment… so I knew it really was helping. Ha!
ahhh good wife you got there. hehe
I like how you explain the reasoning behind reducing the grains. It takes all the mystery out of “you should eat this because it helps.” Your pictures look amazing and I’m definitely going to give these a try.
These muffins looks heavenly!! You come up with the coolest flavor combos!
I hope the Kiwi is on the mend – back pain is no fun 🙁
Pinning these!!
Wow. Such a cool flavor combination.
I think you’d LOVE!
Would you recommend using 2 or 3 large whole eggs?
i would go with 3 and make sure they are whisked well. then watch the baking time. CHeck at 15 minutes but it might take 20. Keep me posted!
Drooling over these right now and saving the recipe for when I get back home. Yum!
yes please!!! Coffee is my love! Pinning these babies for later <3
woohoo! cheers to coffee lovers
Sent this to Dave to read, I love the way you explain things and how foods can help heal the body! He’s been having some crazy stomach issues and I’m trying to convince him to give up grains for a bit so thank you xoox. Hope the kiwi feels better soon, you are a great Sherpa wife so I’m sure he’s well on the way to feeling incredible! Thanks for this awesome recipe – pinning and will be making these for Dave 🙂
Keep the dorky nutrition chats comin! I love them – so informative! And these muffins sound absolutely delightful. Hope the kiwi feels better soon 🙂
yay for nutrition nerds! haha thanks leslie
I love the nutrition lessons we get here!
Popped disc?!!?!! OUCH.
Hope”the kiwi” feels better soon!
oh good, some i’m not too boring? LOL! kiwi is better.. little bit . phew!
Oh no! I hope that James is feeling OK and heals super fast. And this week! Seriously needs all the caffeine in the world. Thinking of you all and these look amazing.
Oh, no! Your poor husband. 🙁 Hope he’s feeling better soon. In the meantime, these muffins look like the perfect way to make him feel better!
I’m in love with anything coffee, and these treats would hit the spot when I have a sweet snack craving. Yummed!
Your photos are beautiful, as usual. 🙂
you are too kind, thanks blair!
I wish I had one, ok maybe two of those beautiful muffins right now! Love all the photos! Already on my MUSR-TRY list. Thanks! 🙂
★★★★★
i’ll save you one! hurry, come on over!
I’m so sorry about the Kiwi. Nothing worse than a back injury.. so painful. Sending healing prayers and love. xoxo
My favorite healing food will for ever be Turmeric. Always makes me feel good 😉 And a potato (any kind)….pure nourishing hearty comfort that NEVER hurts my belly!
Oh delicious! These look perfect for my afternoon snack with a cuppa!
When you put together two things I love, espresso and macaroons, I have no choice but to try them! Can you please deliver one, it would go great with this espresso I’m sipping!
Well don’t these look AMAZING-BALLS! I’ll be right over!
Combining macaroos and muffins?! You’re a genius. I might not eat eggs but these muffins look fantastic. Fingers crossed they have some healing powers making the Kiwi feel better soon!
These look amazing! I am pinning them right now so I’ll have the recipe for later. Hope the hubs feels better soon!
I hope he feels better! That’s no bueno. I know I would feel better after a few of these 🙂
Ahhh hope the J man feels better soon! You should feed him these- They look incredible and espresso heals everything 😉
PS –> I think the cadbury chocolate vegemite would heal him faster, yes?
I would be an extra happy gal if i was eating one of these delicious muffins right now. Coconut and coffee = a dream match!
Ugh, poor hubs! I am prayin that he can make a quick recovery!!
Until then, send me these muffins. I am going to pretend it’s allowable to replace my morning cup of coffee with them. Pinned!
you need both the muffins and coffee for waking up this early! haha. love you
I love everything about these. Especially the espresso part and the photos!! I hope the Kiwi feels better soon!
these look awesome! sorry to hear about your husband’s injury 🙁 But sounds like you are healing him up as fast as possible!
Love these and love you for how well you explain things! Not dorky at all. Hope the kiwi is feeling better!
I hope kiwi feels better. So true about the phytic acids!!
As annoying as it can be that we all have different bodies with different systems, it really is a beautiful thing. My body often “heals” through grains! But for many (including someone I was talking to yesterday), that is their undoing. Regardless, I’ll take a muffin and a decaf!
you are so so right about that friend! <3
OH GIRL THOSE ESPRESSO MACAROONS ARE SO SO SO MY SPPPPPPEEEEEEED.
<3 me the java
not so much the grains.