Chia Seeds in baking

[cupcakechef]

So I ordered a bag of chia seeds online - I like adding a bit to cereals or my yogurt for breakfast. But I accidentally ordered a 1.5kg bag which is MASSIVE...of course I thought to myself "my baking friends will know what to do!"

Have any of you used chia seeds in any baked yummies before? Care to share any successful recipes with me?

 

[ChesterV]

CHIA seeds?????

 

[Becky]

I love chia seeds! Here's a couple of recipes that I've tried that were really good:

http://minimalistbaker.com/peanut-butter-overnight-oats/
http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-gluten-free-black-bean-brownies/

 

[Becky]

Also energy balls are a great way to use chia seeds!

 

[cupcakechef]

CHIA seeds?????

Haha Chester! Yes!! They are the same thing - part of me (as a child of the 80's) can't help but think of these when I think Chia seeds!

 

[cupcakechef]

I love chia seeds! Here's a couple of recipes that I've tried that were really good:

http://minimalistbaker.com/peanut-butter-overnight-oats/
http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-gluten-free-black-bean-brownies/

YUM to both of these! I'm curious to know how "beany" the brownies would taste - I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even notice them, which means I can sneak them off to hubby as an indulgent treat that he doesn't know is kind of good for him!

 

[Trellum]

I love to bake with chia seeds, as well as using them in my smoothies. They come from Mexico, and lately those little black seeds are becoming a real hit The father I get from Mexico, the harder it is for me to get those precious seeds

 

[Winterybella]

Well I have never used any in my baking and they are quite pricey around here. I was trying to copy a recipe for a smoothie recently and found that it called for chai seeds. I find a lot of health smoothies mention them in the recipe.

 

[cupcakechef]

Smoothies are a great idea to use them up. I like smoothies for breakfast when I'm in a hurry, so it might help to keep me fuller for longer by adding some in.

I made a really good and easy banana chia seed loaf today - hubby is gobbling it down even though it's semi healthy which I take as a good sign!

 

[cupcakechef]

http://www.savynaturalista.com/2014/09/24/banana-chia-bread/

If anyone is interested this is the recipe I used for the bread. Didn't have almond milk on hand so just used regular milk and regular sugar. It was lovely! I'd say though to keep an eye on it baking - it recommends an hour baking time but I did just under 50 minutes and it was done. The full hour may have left it a little dry.

 

[cbaker]

I have read in several places that ground chia seeds loose their nutritional value with baking (and maybe cooking?). I can I find out if this is true?

 

[Mona]

You can use chia seeds in baking by adding them to muffins, energy bars, bread, pancakes, or cookies. Just mix 2-3 tablespoons into your batter or dough. They add a nice crunch and extra nutrients. Enjoy experimenting with them in your favorite recipes!

 

[Jessie_Roos]

Hi there! Chia seeds are a great addition to baked goods, and there are plenty of delicious ways to use them up. Here are a few ideas:

1. Chia Seed Muffins: Incorporate chia seeds into your favorite muffin recipe. They add a nice crunch and boost the nutritional value. Just mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
2. Chia Seed Bread: Try adding chia seeds to bread recipes. They work really well in whole grain or multi-seed breads, giving a nice texture and extra fiber.
3. Chia Seed Energy Bars: You can make homemade energy bars by mixing chia seeds with oats, nuts, honey, and any other add-ins you like. Press the mixture into a pan, chill, and cut into bars.
4. Chia Jam: Combine chia seeds with fruit and a bit of sweetener to make a simple, healthy jam. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or adding to yogurt.
5. Chia Seed Pancakes: Add chia seeds to your pancake batter for a fun twist. They’ll add a bit of texture and a lot of nutrition.

Hope these ideas help! Let me know if you need more recipes or tips.

 

[Mona]

Absolutely! Chia seeds are a fantastic addition to baked goods. They not only add a nice crunch but also pack a nutritional punch. Here are a couple of ways you can incorporate them into your baking:

1. Chia Seed Muffins: You can add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chia seeds to your muffin batter. They work well in recipes for banana or blueberry muffins. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients, and they’ll absorb moisture while baking, giving your muffins a great texture.
2. Chia Seed Bread: Try adding chia seeds to homemade bread recipes. About 1/4 cup mixed into your dough will add a nutty flavor and boost the fiber content. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking for a nice crunch.
3. Chia Seed Energy Bars: Mix chia seeds with oats, honey, nut butter, and any other mix-ins you like (dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips) to create no-bake energy bars. Just press the mixture into a pan and chill until firm!
4. Chia Seed Cookies: You can substitute some of the flour in cookie recipes with chia seeds. A good ratio is about 1/4 cup of chia seeds for every 1 cup of flour. They add a nice texture and extra nutrients!

Feel free to experiment! Chia seeds are very versatile, and you might discover some delicious combinations. Enjoy your baking!