Blackberry Peach Oat Bran Muffins with Chia + Flax {vegan & gluten free}

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (olive oil also works)
• 1 1/4 cups oat flour (can also use white whole wheat if not GF)
• 3/4 cup oat bran
• 2/3 cup flaxseed meal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 cup diced peaches (about 1 medium peach)
• 1 cup blackberries, cut in half if they are large
• OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12 cup muffin pan with muffins liners and spray the inside of the liners with nonstick cooking spray. This is to ensure the muffins do not stick! Trust me on this one.
2. In a large bowl, add maple syrup, chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla, applesauce and coconut oil; stir to combine and let sit for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to soak and expand a bit.10 min timer
3. In a separate medium bowl, add oat flour, oat bran, flaxseed meal, salt, baking powder, baking soda and spices. Next add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Gently fold in diced peaches and blackberries. Next fold in walnuts, if desired.
4. Evenly divide batter among prepared muffin liners, smoothing out the tops if necessary. Bake for 17-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 12 muffins.22 min timer