Description
These Chocolate Spinach Muffins offer a deliciously moist and tender baked treat that cleverly combines the richness of natural cocoa with fresh spinach for hidden nutrition. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they provide a balanced indulgence packed with vitamins and fiber, appealing even to picky eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup natural sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup natural cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Wash and roughly chop fresh spinach leaves. Place them in a blender or food processor and pulse until finely chopped to blend smoothly into the batter without pureeing.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, natural cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even rise and perfect crumb texture.
- Blend wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or blender, combine vegetable oil, natural sugar, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural vanilla extract, and the chopped spinach. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula. Add the natural gelling agent last and fold carefully to bind everything together without overmixing to keep muffins light.
- Bake the muffins: Divide the batter evenly into a prepared muffin tin lined with paper cups. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use the freshest spinach leaves for vibrant color and maximum nutrition.
- Do not puree the spinach completely; finely chopped texture adds air and retains moisture.
- Test muffins for doneness starting at 18 minutes to avoid dryness.
- Use room temperature ingredients to create a consistent batter and improve rise.
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on preferred sweetness or the type of natural sugar used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate muffins, spinach muffins, healthy muffins, vegan muffins, plant-based muffins, gluten-free muffins, nutritious snacks
