Maca-Cinnamon Blueberry Muffins [Gluten free - Vegan]

These muffins were a results of some serious procrasti-baking, but it was worth it because they are so delicious! They are great for breakfast on the go or pick-me-up snack, since maca powder has natural energy boosting properties. I adapted the recipe from one that uses gluten free oats, substituting with buckwheat groats since I (and many others) are still sensitive to the most "pure" form of oats. These are gluten free, vegan, and super healthy!

Makes about 14 cupcake-sized muffins

You will need:

• 1 cup raw buckwheat groats
• 1/4 cup milled flax seed
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1.5 tbsp maca powder
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/3 cup natural applesauce
• 1/2 cup milk of choice
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup blueberries
• nuts or seeds to garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Place the buckwheat in a bowl and cover with water for about 5 minutes to soften the groats. Drain the water and rinse the buckwheat well. Pulse the buckwheat in your food processor for about 30 seconds to break up the groats. 

In another bowl, whisk the milled flax, baking powder, cinnamon, and maca powder until combined. Pour into the food processor with the buckwheat and process until the groats have broken down and the mixture is combined well.

Add the mashed banana, applesauce, milk, and vanilla to the food processor and mix until a batter-like texture forms. 

Pour into a large bowl and fold in the blueberries or any other fruit you want.

Line a cupcake tin with cupcake molds and pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into each. These muffins don't rise a whole lot so you don't really have to worry about them overflowing the molds. Top with seeds or chopped nuts and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove and let them cool for about 20 minutes on a cooling rack. You can store them in an airtight container in your fridge, and they freeze well, too. Warming them in the microwave makes them taste even better, and I even dipped one in peanut butter after they were done (of course, since I'm the peanut butter queen, nom nom!)

Hope you enjoy them!