{Gluten-free} Monkey Muffins-Cinnamon Banana Chia Muffins

We love bananas. Monkeys love bananas. With the help of my 4 year old we named these muffins "Monkey Muffins". Would you like another Monkey Muffin? 

These muffins are gluten free and dairy free. They are packed with nutrients. They taste like banana nut bread and are extra delicious right out of the oven, all warm and heavenly.  They are super awesome because you can grab one in a rush out the door.

Don't be alarmed, these muffins will get darker in color the longer they sit and cool.  The color doesn't change how yummy they are. My kids LOVE these muffins. They don't even turn their nose up to chia seeds anymore. Their mind is very open for their age regarding trying new things.

 I truly believe if you teach them about food young and what is really acceptable as food they won't think it's so strange to eat a chia muffin, chia smoothie, or a chia cookie.  Now, as for the adults that grew up on processed food, it takes a day or two (ok, maybe a week) to move past the fact chia seeds were used to grow hair on pottery pets! 

New to chia seeds? Read more about them here: Chia Seeds {Nature's Tiny Powerhouse}

{Gluten-free} Monkey Muffins

Cinnamon Banana Chia Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 c water
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 12 dates, pitted
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Barlean's Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, melted
• 3 eggs
• 1 Tbps cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1) Add chia seeds, water, vanilla, dates, lemon juice, bananas, honey, and coconut oil to high speed blender, like the Vitamix, and blend on high until dates are chopped very well.

2) Add eggs to blender and run on low for a minute until eggs are incorporated.

3) Add dry ingredients to a bowl and mix.

4) Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well.

5) Scoop mixture into greased cupcake tins (I use EVOO or EV Coconut Oil) and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Optional add-ins:

Vegan chocolate chips

Raisins

Walnuts

Dark chocolate chips