Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins Recipe

If you have been searching for a uniquely flavorful and wholesome treat to brighten your mornings or delight your afternoon, these Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins are your answer. They perfectly blend warm chai spices with a wholesome trio of flours—oat, quinoa, and almond—to create muffins that are both satisfying and nourishing. The gentle sweetness of maple syrup and applesauce brings everything together with a moist crumb and just the right hint of spice, making these muffins a comforting, feel-good snack you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing these muffins requires a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect flavor, texture, and aroma to your Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins.

• Flax egg: This acts as a vegan binder and keeps everything together with a slight nuttiness.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture without heaviness.
• Almond milk: Softens the batter and keeps it dairy-free but creamy.
• Maple syrup: Imparts a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with chai spices.
• Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift and a subtle tang balance.
• Oat flour: Brings hearty texture and a mild, earthy flavor, made simply by grinding oats at home.
• Quinoa flour: Adds protein and a slightly nutty undertone for nutritional depth.
• Almond flour: Elevates moistness and introduces a delicate richness.
• Coconut sugar: Contributes natural sweetness with caramel notes and adds a lovely color.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Combine to create the perfect rise and tender crumb.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and allspice: These chai spices infuse the muffins with a warm, aromatic character that’s utterly irresistible.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Coconut butter (melted): Adds a luscious finish for drizzling, enhancing moistness and flavor.
• MCT oil: Optional, for buttery richness and tenderness in the batter.
• Vanilla bean powder or paste (optional): Adds a lovely depth and gentle sweetness to tie the flavors together.

How to Make Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Flax Egg

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, mix your flaxseed meal with water in a small bowl and set aside. This simple flax egg will gel up and act as a perfect vegan binder for the muffins, lending structure and moisture.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and maple syrup. Once combined, stir in the gelled flax egg carefully. This creates a sweet and smooth base that will keep your Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins wonderfully tender and moist.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the oat flour, quinoa flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, your enticing chai spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, allspice), and a pinch of salt directly into the wet ingredients. Stir everything thoroughly until fully combined, creating a batter that’s richly scented and slightly thick but still scoopable.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups and Rest

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes—this little pause encourages the flours to hydrate and flavors to meld, ensuring beautifully textured muffins that rise evenly.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the muffins on the center rack for around 24 to 26 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Resist the temptation to dive in right away; letting them cool completely helps everything set and maximizes their flavor and texture.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

If you’re looking to elevate your Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins, drizzle melted coconut butter on top. This adds a silky richness and subtle tropical undertone that pairs beautifully with the warm spices. For a quick treat, you can reheat them gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins

Garnishes

A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of warmed coconut butter brings out the chai notes even further. You might also consider a thin layer of almond butter or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts atop for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine beautifully alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or a bold latte to echo their warming spices. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the subtle sweetness and adds a refreshing touch to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, serve these muffins halved and spread with dairy-free cream cheese and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You could even get a bit adventurous and pair them with savory elements like spiced chickpeas or a lightly dressed kale salad to create a balanced, exciting flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, ideally in a cool, dry spot to keep them fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration helps extend their shelf life up to a week, though they might firm up slightly.

Freezing

These muffins freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks on demand.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated muffins, simply reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture. This restores their tender texture and fresh-baked warmth beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the flax egg with something else?

Absolutely! You can replace the flax egg with a chia egg (1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water) or a store-bought egg replacer. If you eat eggs, a regular egg would work well, too, though keep in mind it will change the vegan nature of the recipe.

Is quinoa flour necessary or can I use all oat flour?

While oat flour alone will work, quinoa flour adds extra protein and a subtle nuttiness that makes these muffins more interesting and nutritious. If you don’t have quinoa flour, you can substitute with additional oat or almond flour, but expect a slight difference in texture and flavor.

How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats for the oat flour. Be sure your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Definitely! Honey, agave nectar, or coconut nectar are great alternatives, each adding their own nuances to the flavor. Just keep in mind the consistency and sweetness level might need slight adjustment.

What is the best way to make oat flour at home?

Simply blend rolled oats in a high-speed blender or food processor until finely ground into a powder. Make sure not to overblend into oat butter! This fresh oat flour offers a clean taste and great texture for your muffins.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about these Chai Spice Oat & Quinoa Flour Muffins. They combine wholesome ingredients and comforting chai spices into little bites of morning happiness or afternoon joy. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing snack or a unique breakfast treat, these muffins are ready to become your new go-to. Don’t wait to bake a batch—you’re going to love how they fill your kitchen with warmth and your tummy with satisfaction!

Print