Healthy Chocolate Muffins (with Veggies!)

Why Make This Recipe

These Healthy Chocolate Muffins are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to sneak in some veggies while indulging your sweet tooth. Imagine biting into a fluffy muffin that tastes like chocolate cake but is packed with goodness. With subtle notes of banana and a hint of cinnamon, these muffins make a perfect breakfast or snack. Plus, they’re easy to make and a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. The combination of whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners keeps them healthier while still being oh-so-delicious!

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs (can sub 2 “flax eggs”)
• 1 cup mashed overripe banana (can sub with 1 cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup loosely packed spinach or kale
• ¼ cup oil (I use melted coconut oil or avocado)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour (can sub 1:1 gluten free flour mix, if needed)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chocolate chips (or to taste; if you omit, add a couple tablespoons of granulated sugar to help bring up the sweetness)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with liners. Set aside.
2. In your blender, combine eggs, banana (or applesauce), grated carrots, spinach (or kale), maple syrup (or honey), oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Process until just mixed.
   • Note: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, blend the wet ingredients and veggies first. Then pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the dry ingredients by hand to avoid overworking your blender.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Portion the batter into the prepared muffin tin and top with extra chocolate chips if desired.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. If you have a kitchen thermometer, bake until the muffins reach an internal temperature of 200 ℉.
7. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy, and let cool completely before storing leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezer for up to a month.

How to Serve Healthy Chocolate Muffins

These muffins are heavenly warm right out of the oven but are also delightful at room temperature. Serve them plain or spread a little nut butter on top for added flavor. They make a great breakfast paired with some fresh fruit or can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Store your Healthy Chocolate Muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, place them in the freezer where they can last for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing to keep them fresh.

Tips to Make Healthy Chocolate Muffins

• Use very ripe bananas for a natural sweetness and easier mashing.
• Feel free to swap in other veggies like zucchini or beetroot for a different flavor profile.
• If you love nuts, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to change up the flavor a bit.

Variation

Try swapping the cocoa powder with carob powder for a unique taste that’s still delicious. You can also play with the sweetener; brown sugar or agave syrup can be substituted depending on what you have at hand.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for Healthy Chocolate Muffins?

Yes, you can substitute the white whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Just ensure that the mix contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

How can I make these muffins vegan?

To make them vegan, replace the eggs with two flax eggs and use unsweetened applesauce instead of mashed bananas.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips?

If you want to reduce sugar, you can omit chocolate chips and add a couple of tablespoons of granulated sugar to keep the muffins sweet. You could also use dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.

Can I freeze Healthy Chocolate Muffins?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze well. Make sure to wrap them tightly before storing in a freezer-safe container so they stay fresh.

Conclusion

Take a moment to try making these Healthy Chocolate Muffins. Each bite is a celebration of comfort and flavor, reminding us of family kitchens filled with laughter and warmth. I hope you find joy in baking and sharing these treats with your loved ones. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Medium for more joy-filled recipes!