Chai, Apple, and Pecan Muffins

The chai flavor in these healthy muffins will help perk you up in the morning especially when added to the sweet apples and crunchy pecans. Note: This recipe made 18 muffins versus the 12 most of my recipes make. 

Ingredients:

2 apples peeled and diced

¼ teaspoon cardamon

1 cup toasted pecans lightly chopped

½ cup light brown sugar

2 scoops (1/2 cup) chai latte mix

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup almond flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup low fat buttermilk

2-4 packets sugar in the raw

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray muffin tins with baking spray.
2. Place peeled and chopped apples in a microwavable safe bowl.  Sprinkle with cardamom.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Let cool.
3. Toast the pecans at 350 for 5 minutes.  Then lightly chop in a food processor or by hand.
4. Add flours, chai latte mix, protein powder, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
5. Add eggs, applesauce, vanilla extract, and buttermilk and gently mix to combine.
6. Fold in the pecans and apples.
7. Use a large cookie scooper to fill the muffin tins.
8. Sprinkle a little sugar in the raw over each muffin.
9. Bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool in muffin tins for at least 10 minutes.
11. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely then transfer to an air-tight container. 
12. Refrigerate leftovers after 24 hours.
13. Enjoy!