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:
½ cup whole wheat flour
⅓ cup white flour
¾ cup organic sugar (I used Florida Crystals)
*if you want a more dessert-y sweet muffin - add 1-2 extra tablespoon sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
2-3 pinches cayenne
¼ cup maca powder
wet:
¼ cup virgin coconut oil or safflower oil (or another vegetable oil)
½ cup almond milk, vanilla
½ cup warm water + 2 teaspoon chia seeds
3 tablespoon tangerine or orange juice (fresh)
pinch of freshly grated orange or tangerine zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 banana, mashed
on top: pinch of sugar + pinch of chia seeds
Add-in ideas! (optional)
* ¼ cup shredded coconut
* ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
* ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
* ¼ cup wild blueberries
* 2 tablespoon 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??
new food note: If you have questions about maca (or any new-to-you food), check with your doctor or dietician.
Rachel Spahnn says
Oops, I forgot the oil! But they still came out great. Thank you!
Would love to see more recipes with maca so I can use up this bag! 🙂
SarahT says
I just made these. I didn't have maca, so I just used the same amount of additional flour. Mine came out kind of gooey inside, and not quite muffin like. They smell delicious and had a good flavor, but not sure if I got the right consistency. Is this the texture they have? Or did I potentially do something wrong? I absolutely love your recipes and your site has become my go to for muffins.
Deb says
I made these last night and not only are they easy to make but they are really good too! They are super moist and I actually baked mine for at least an extra 10 minutes.
Linda S. says
It would be great if you could post a gluten-free version of this recipe!
Kathy Patalsky says
when it reaches a warm room temperature it turns to liquid. It EASILY melts in the microwave - do 10 seconds and watch it change instantly
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Elisa Yim says
thanks so much! just made these muffins, and they're great! perfect use of the maca bag i never really used. I added the shredded coconut, oats and walnuts and they're all so great in these muffins! thanks so much for the recipe, and now i really wanna use coconut oil more (:
Elisa Yim says
i'm confused with the coconut oil, and see it a lot in your recipes. i bought a jar, but i bought the solid form, do i just melt it? or get the liquid form?
Eeee says
These muffins seem really interesting, especially the combination of flavors! It looks like they turned out really great. I like the color of them.
I have never baked with maca, but have used it in shakes before. I'm inspired to bake with it; the same goes for chia seeds as well! I enjoy seeds like flax, poppy, and sesame. I would encourage you to try them as well.
I might make a cake or loaf with maca. A maca cheesecake seems like it would be great too. If I try something soon I'll tell you.
Also, I really like the color of the plate that you used and the wood-grain table you have. I like how some of the designs of your website have changed too, although I do miss the fruit and vegetable people a little.
Em Kathryn says
These look delicious! What a fantastic website! 🙂
kllmaca says
I bought a bag a Maca a few weeks ago and used it in some energy bites as well as pudding- looking forward to trying it in these muffins now too!
Christina says
I absolutely love the nuttiness of maca so I know I will adore these.
Kathy Patalsky says
🙂 thanks Jennifer
Jennifer says
I haven't gotten into Maca on my own yet but do enjoy chia seeds and always looking for new Chia Seed Ideas! I'm going to click on those additional links, thanks! You ROCK 🙂 Swing by my place if you can 🙂
Nicole Davidsohn says
This looks good! What would you think about subbing the 1/3 cup flour for 1/3 cup VegaOne Vanilla Chai? And can we just put two bananas instead of the oil? Thanks!
coconutandberries says
Yummers. Will have to make these when I restock on oranges 🙂 I was thinking about making muffins this week..
Kathy Patalsky says
Awesome! Thanks for info! (Yes I love the Vega Maca chocolate bars!)
Sent from my iPad
Kathy Patalsky says
I had the same problem with maca! Had a huge bag of it and wasn't using it. Started adding to baked goods and smoothies and now love the stuff 🙂
Lauren (@PoweredbyPB) says
I love maca, I always put it in my post workout smoothies. I swear by it since reading Brendan Brazier's thrive fitness, it's great for nourishing the adrenal glands.
jodye says
I do have a bag of maca powder that I've got no idea what to do with, as well as a big bag of oranges on my countertop! I'll have to make these when my current snack supply runs out.