When we think of Chai what do we think of? Probably majority of us think of Chai teas, not muffins– rightfully so! However, the other day my mom was really craving her chai oatmeal she likes to make and Ainsley was begging me to make her muffins for breakfast. Right before that I saw a fellow food blogger use butternut squash instead of pumpkin in muffins and she had raved about it. That is when my Healthy Chai Vanilla Maple Muffins were born! I thought well lets combine that all together– add in rolled oats to the whole wheat flour, create a delicious chai homemade spice to go in them and create the most perfect texture using the can of butternut squash that I had in my pantry. Then you got to top it with a vanilla maple glaze… you just want to bathe in that 🙂
What is Chai?
Chai come s from the Hindi word ” tea” which came from the Chinese word for tea which is “cha.” It means a mix of delicious spices steeped in a tea type of beverage. Recipes for chai have changed over the years and across various continents cities etc. However, traditionally it had these four spices : cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and black peppercorns. Then was served with milk and sweetened with your choice of sweetener like honey.
Chai Origin dates back more than 5,000 years and it was all about health properties!
Legend has it that a king in India had ordered that a tea be created for traditional medicinal practices with herbs and spiciest aide in digestion ( ginger & black pepper corn), antiseptic/pain relief properties (cloves), mood elevator (cardamom) and support circulation ( cinnamon). I mean if that doesn’t scream a power tea I don’t know what does! I am a very strong believer in herbal remedies, and love that this spice blend was crafted for all those purposes!
So which spices are in our Chai Vanilla Maple Muffins?
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
So we omit the black pepper in this recipe, because this recipe we are going for a sweeter muffin. This mix is perfect and easy!
Did you say Butternut Squash is in these Healthy Chai Vanilla Maple Muffins?
Yes!! Now, this is one of those— please don’t knock it before you try it!
I would have never told my dad that butternut squash was in it before I got his review hahaha. He ate them for breakfast and was like oh wow Alaina I really like these. After about 2 days of eating them, I broke the news hahah he’s like wait what?? hmmmmm…. alright, alright. I won him over 🙂 and he still eats them anyways after knowing, which is a big statement coming from him!
What is so special about the squash in the muffins?
They create such a light and fluffy texture, and ensures it from not getting “too dried out.” Not only does it create the best texture, but also provides such wonderful health benefits.
- Rich in nutrients and low in calories
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- High in antioxidants
- Aides in weight loss
Do I have to put Chai in the muffins?
The Chai seasoning really makes these muffins extra special! I think we have our classic pumpkin ones we love or banana muffins during the Fall– but not often do we have Chai muffins! If you decide to omit the Chai, they still will be tasty though.
Can I use All Purpose Flour or does it have to be Whole Wheat?
Yes, you can substitute all purpose flour and whole wheat flour 1 to 1 in this recipe.
May I use butter instead of light olive oil/grape seed oil?
Yes, you may use butter instead of oil in this recipe. This is another great way to make the recipe dairy free– but if you want to do butter instead, feel free. Same amount will work great.
Is there another milk we can use besides coconut milk?
Dairy free milk works perfectly in this recipe, however if you aren’t needing dairy free and just want to use regular that is perfect!
How best to store the Healthy Chai Vanilla Maple Muffins?
Store in an air tight container in the refrigerate. After you pour the glaze over the top you will want to keep them in the fridge. Keep in fridge for 3-5 days.
What other delicious HGHF muffin recipes should I make?
Simple French Toast Strudel Muffins
Perfect Gluten Free Orange Lemon Muffins
Healthy and Easy Strawberry Muffins
Zucchini Carrot Muffins (from my Getting Real with Food column in Town & Style)
Healthy Chai Vanilla Maple Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup heaping cup of butternut squash puree
- 1/4 cup light olive oil or grape seed oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Cinnamon Vanilla Maple Glaze
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (start with 1/2 cup and add more if needing to thicken more)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line your muffin tin with muffin liners
- In a small bowl add in salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. Whisk until combined.
- In order to get the chai mix well distributed throughout the muffin, I highly recommend sifting the flour. In a sifter add in the whole wheat flour, baking soda and chai mix. Sift into a large mixing bowl. Add in old fashioed rolled oats and mix it with a fork. Then set aside.
- After, you finish your dry ingredients you will start on your wet. In a large mixing bowl add in butternut squash, oil, eggs, milk, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Whisk until there is not visible separation of ingredients and it is fully combined.
- Using a icecream scooper to distribute the batter is my favorite baking hack! Evently distribute the batter into the muffin lines and place in oven at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes.
- Once cooled top with Cinnamon Vanilla Maple glaze and enjoy!
Cinnamon Vanilla Maple Glaze
- In a bowl add in powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and cinnamon. With hand mixer, mix on low until nice and creamy– no lumps! Thet set aside until muffins are ready to be glazed. Add some coconut milk to thin if need be.
Hi! I love your recipes and am happy I found you! The muffins are delicious! I used canned pumpkin instead of butternut squash (it’s what I had). My only suggestion would be to list your ingredients in the order they are used. It makes the recipe so much easier to follow! Thank you!
Thanks for the suggestion– just went and fixed it! So glad you enjoyed the muffins! Thanks for letting me know you used pumpkin and loved it. Will make sure to add that on recipe. Was the 4 star because of the order of ingredients? Thank you! Want to make sure I understand the rating– thank you again!