Brighten your day with these incredibly delicious Chia Seed Blueberry Lemon Muffins! They are a fantastic, healthy breakfast or snack option, packed with flavor and beneficial ingredients, making them a perfect addition to your collection of healthy blueberry muffin recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chia Seeds: Adds texture and healthy fats; no direct substitute, but you can omit if preferred.
- Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries work well too, just don’t thaw them first.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Essential for bright flavor; use fresh for the best results.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber; all-purpose flour can be used for a lighter texture.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener; honey or agave nectar can be substituted.
- Greek Yogurt: Keeps muffins moist; sour cream or buttermilk are good alternatives.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This prepares your equipment for baking delicious healthy blueberry muffin recipes.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, chia seeds, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. This creates the liquid base for your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them. This ensures every bite has juicy blueberries.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This will give you perfectly sized muffins.
7. Bake Your Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature as a healthy blueberry muffin recipe snack.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- Spiced Goodness: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavor profile.
- Citrus Burst: Add extra lemon zest to the top of the muffins before baking for more intense lemon flavor.
- Sweet Topping: Sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar on top of the muffins before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Chia Seed Blueberry Lemon Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing.
- What if I don’t have Greek yogurt? You can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk.
- Can these muffins be made gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- How do I prevent the blueberries from sinking? Toss the blueberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
- Are these muffins suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! They are excellent for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
- What makes these muffins “healthy”? The use of whole wheat flour, chia seeds, and natural sweeteners contributes to them being a healthy blueberry muffin recipe.
