Chocolate Spinach Muffins

These Chocolate Spinach Muffins are the perfect way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet without anyone knowing! With a combination of ripe bananas, fresh spinach, and rich cocoa powder, these muffins are both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a breakfast treat, these muffins are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings while packing in a good dose of greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are not only a sneaky way to get more veggies, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of muffins that are moist, chocolatey, and full of nutrients. The spinach adds a subtle earthy flavor that blends perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the cocoa powder. Plus, they’re kid-friendly—no one will ever know there’s spinach inside!

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas

• 2 large handfuls baby spinach

• 3 tablespoons milk (almond milk or regular milk works)

• 1 egg

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (full fat)

• 3 tablespoons oil

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ⅔ cup cocoa powder

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-muffin pan with muffin liners.

2. In a high-powered blender, combine milk, bananas, and spinach. Blend until mostly smooth with a few lumps remaining.

3. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the egg and stir to lightly whisk. Then, stir in the sugar, vanilla, oil, and Greek yogurt.

4. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa powder. Stir until well combined.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, saving some for topping the muffins.

6. Spoon the batter into the muffin liners, filling each one nearly to the top. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.

7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool for several minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: These muffins are versatile! You can mix in coconut flakes, chopped nuts, raisins, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

• Nut Butter: Try adding a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter on top of the muffins for extra richness and a unique twist.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy yogurt and almond milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. At room temperature, they will last about 3 days.

• Freezing: These muffins freeze well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or microwave them for a quick snack.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is ideal for this recipe. Frozen spinach tends to have a stronger flavor and excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the muffins.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour, but white whole wheat flour provides a healthier, whole-grain option with a mild flavor.

3. Can I make these muffins sugar-free?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia. Just adjust the liquid amounts as needed.

4. Can I use a different type of milk?

You can use any milk you prefer, including almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk. All work well in this recipe.

5. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary, so ensure your blend contains xanthan gum to maintain the right texture.

6. Can I substitute the Greek yogurt for something else?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even applesauce for a different flavor profile.

7. How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

8. How can I make these muffins more chocolatey?

For a richer chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder or add more chocolate chips to the batter.

9. Can I add protein powder to these muffins?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the muffin batter for an extra protein boost. Just be sure to adjust the liquid if needed.

10. Can I make these muffins into a loaf?

Yes, you can make this recipe as a loaf by pouring the batter into a greased loaf pan and baking for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Spinach Muffins are the perfect way to enjoy a delicious treat while sneaking in some extra veggies. With their rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and the added nutritional benefits of spinach, they make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert. Best of all, they’re easy to make and family-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a little healthy indulgence!

Print