Orange Spice Chia Energy Muffins. With Maca!

I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with these tender little muffin gems. But I totally did!

These Orange Spice Chia Energy Muffins are infused with warm spices including cinnamon and a hint of cayenne. Tropical banana, energizing citrus and an undertone of vanilla in each bite. These muffins have a dose of super food maca powder which adds a nutty, butterscotch-ish, malt-y accent. Crunchy chia seeds are speckled throughout to add fiber and enhance the pillow-y muffin texture…

Energize. Maca is known as being an energizing super food. It may even help with sugar cravings and hormone balancing. (more on maca below)

Whip up these sweet little energy bites and pair them with your morning or afternoon cup of tea of coffee! Or pair a warm muffin with a frosty smoothie like I did today for lunch!

Chia Seeds. You know I love chia seeds, so I am happy that they make a generous appearance in this recipe. Speckled throughout and over top each muffin, healthy chia seeds are a perky addition. Chia seeds contain fiber, healthy omega 3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc.

More Chia Seed Recipes..

* Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Muffins
* Maui Bagels with grilled banana and chia seeds
* Chia Seeded Watermelon Frosty
* Chia Seeded Matcha Shake
* Wild Blueberry Chia Oatmeal
* No-Bake Chia Seed Vegan Cheesecake

Maca. I just started using maca in my smoothies and I am not totally convinced of its super power claims, but I can say that it has given me some added energy. Placebo effect? Maybe. But I have read several articles on maca and it seems to have a good reputation as a superfood. Interested in learning some more details? Check out these articles:

* Maca on Girlie Girl Army
* Maca on Natural News

What is Maca? From Natural news: “Maca is a root from Peru; it’s a tuber, like a potato, and offers an amazing energy boost for those with low energy. Maca however, unlike coffee, offers energy in a non-caffeinated way that supports the body. Maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are the energy vitamins, and maca is a vegetarian source of B-12…”

No Maca? But just so you know, if you do not have maca or want to use it in the muffins, you can easily substitute more flour in its place. And the muffins will still be quite yummy.

muffin nutrients (per muffin, 11 muffins in each batch)..

Orange Spice Chia Energy Muffins
vegan, makes 10-12 muffins

dry:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup white flour
3/4 cup organic sugar (I used Florida Crystals)
*if you want a more dessert-y sweet muffin – add 1-2 extra Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp cinnamon
2-3 pinches cayenne
1/4 cup maca powder

wet:
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil or safflower oil (or another vegetable oil)
1/2 cup almond milk, vanilla
1/2 cup warm water + 2 tsp chia seeds
3 Tbsp tangerine or orange juice (fresh)
pinch of freshly grated orange or tangerine zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 banana, mashed

on top: pinch of sugar + pinch of chia seeds

Add-in ideas! (optional)
* 1/4 cup shredded coconut
* 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
* 1/4 cup wild blueberries
* 2 Tbsp rolled oats

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line or grease you muffin baking pan.

2. Stir the water and chia seeds together. Allow to sit for about five minutes to plump the seeds a bit.

3. Combine all dry ingredients in mixing bowl.

4. Stir in the wet ingredients. Mix until smoothed. You can use a beater on the lowest setting if desired.

5. Fill muffin tins and add a pinch of sugar and seeds over top each muffin. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops begin to brown and the muffins are cooked through the middle.

Cool. Serve.

PS. I posted a 6-second video on VINE of these muffins! But you will have to follow me to view it, as I forgot to create a link! I did link to this video though.. Fully Loaded PB Toast. Anyone else loving vine App??