Fall Spice Mini Muffins (gluten-free or regular)

Mini Fall Spice Muffins are easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients. A perfect way to start the day off right or for a snack on the go!

We are having a flirtation with fall.It was still spiking into the 90’s as of last week but I don’t care.

As far as I’m concerned once kids are in school and Labor Day is over, it’s fall.

I’m dying to wear sweaters and cute boots and until those days arrive, I’m starting to bake.I don’t bake in the heat of summer but now that fall has arrived it’s on like Donkey Kong.

I have been making these gluten free Mini Fall Spice Muffins for as long as we’ve been gluten free (about 7 years now).

My family loves them as they are reminiscent of carrot cake, though not nearly as sweet.

I don’t even recall now where I came upon the original recipe because it’s been iterated so many times I don’t remember where it started.In this case I had an ulterior motive.

My kids are athletes and my job in addition to being the driver is the chief ‘fueler’.

It might sound silly but I’ve had to cultivate the art of the after-school-before-swimming/soccer snack.

They swim for a few hours so it can be tricky to find things they can eat quickly, that gives them enough energy, does not bog them down and of course they like.

And then there are the rest of us who just want to enjoy a tasty fall baked good that need attention too.

 

One thing I add in all the homemade bread I make as well as these muffins are Chia Seeds and Hulled Hemp Seeds.

Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds, those from holiday ‘cha-cha-cha-Chia Pet’ fame, are a super food and something the Aztecs used historically for messengers who would run long distances.

They are high in protein, fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants as well as they have an ability to inhibit the speed of carbohydrates turning to sugar.

When soaked they develop a gelatinous coating (I’m sure their appeal when endeavoring growing a green afro on a ceramic pig) assisting with hydration and electrolyte balancing.

Hemp Hulls

Similarly hemp seeds bring a lot of easily digestible protein, and the ‘healthy fats’ (Omegas and other) to the table.

All of this nutritional impact is great but here’s the upside of these seeds; they don’t really taste like anything.Chia seeds are about the size of a poppy seed.

Hemp hulls remind me of bits of a sunflower seed; they add texture but no distinct flavor.

Therefore their addition ups the nutrition but with no downside on the flavor front.And frankly, when it boils right down to it, we really want good flavor and texture, right?

If we don’t have that no one cares how good it is for us.

 

 

 

More Muffin Recipes You’ll Love!

Morning Glory Muffins