Description
These Chocolate Spinach Muffins offer a moist, rich treat packed with wholesome ingredients. Combining deep chocolate flavors with the natural goodness of spinach, they make a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- Fresh spinach, enough to make about 1 cup puree
- Plant-based milk, 3/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar (natural), 1 teaspoon
- Natural sweetener (such as maple syrup or date syrup), 1/3 cup
- Vanilla extract (natural), 1 teaspoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1/4 teaspoon
Dry Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour, 1 cup
- Plant-based cocoa powder (natural), 1/4 cup
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
- Natural gelling agent, 1 teaspoon
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
- Chopped walnuts or almonds, 1/4 cup
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, 1/3 cup
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon
- Toasted sunflower seeds, 1 tablespoon
- Instant coffee granules, 1 teaspoon
- Plant-based powdered sugar or additional cocoa powder for dusting
- Plant-based chocolate chips, 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Puree: Wash fresh spinach thoroughly, then steam or gently blanch until wilted. Blend the cooked spinach with a splash of plant-based milk to create a smooth, vibrant puree.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, plant-based cocoa powder (natural), baking soda, baking powder, and natural gelling agent until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the spinach puree, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar (natural), natural sweetener, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and vanilla extract (natural). Stir well until the mixture is silky smooth.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the muffins tender. At this stage, fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, berries, or chocolate chips.
- Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with paper cups or lightly greased. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Fresh spinach yields a brighter color and better flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir only until ingredients are combined.
- Ensure oven temperature is accurate for even baking and moist muffins.
- Allow muffins to cool fully to set structure and intensify chocolate flavor.
- Experiment with natural gelling agent blends for improved moisture and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate muffins, spinach muffins, plant-based muffins, healthy muffins, gluten free muffins, vegan muffins, wholesome snack