Chocolate Spinach Muffins

Looking for a delicious treat that sneaks in some extra greens? These Chocolate Spinach Muffins are a delightful and nutritious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings while adding a healthy twist. Made with ripe bananas, baby spinach, Greek yogurt, and dark chocolate chips, these muffins are moist, rich in flavor, and packed with nutrients. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a snack, or a lunchbox addition, these muffins are a kid-approved favorite that both adults and little ones will love!

Ingredients:

1x recipe (scale as needed)

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 2 large handfuls of baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons milk (almond milk or regular)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners or lightly grease it.
2. Blend the wet ingredients:
   In a high-powered blender, combine the milk, ripe bananas, and baby spinach. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth (a few small lumps are okay). Pour the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the remaining wet ingredients:
   Lightly whisk the egg into the banana-spinach mixture. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
4. Prepare the dry ingredients:
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sea salt.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins. Stir in the dark chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the muffins if desired.
6. Fill the muffin pan:
   Spoon the batter evenly into the lined muffin cups. Add extra chocolate chips to the tops of the muffins for a little more indulgence.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and enjoy:
   Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the muffins will be, which also allows you to reduce the added sugar if desired.
• Sneak in more greens: If you’re aiming for even more spinach, you can add an extra handful without affecting the flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the muffins tough. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep them light and fluffy.
• Customize the mix-ins: You can replace the dark chocolate chips with white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even nuts for different flavor combinations.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Spinach: Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, spinach adds a boost of nutrients without compromising the sweet, chocolatey flavor of these muffins.
• Bananas: Packed with potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness, bananas help keep the muffins moist and flavorful.
• Greek yogurt: Provides protein, calcium, and probiotics, making these muffins more nutritious and creamy.
• Dark chocolate: Contains antioxidants and healthy fats, adding an indulgent yet beneficial touch to the muffins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These Chocolate Spinach Muffins are the perfect balance between indulgence and health. The rich chocolate flavor hides the spinach, making it an easy way to get your greens without anyone noticing! The bananas keep the muffins naturally sweet, while the Greek yogurt adds moisture and protein. Whether you’re making these for picky eaters or looking for a healthier treat for yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian: These muffins are made with all vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute almond milk and a dairy-free yogurt for a completely dairy-free version.
• Refined sugar option: You can use coconut sugar or honey as a replacement for white sugar if you’re looking to avoid refined sugars.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe works because it uses the natural sweetness of bananas and the richness of cocoa to create a delicious, moist muffin while incorporating spinach for an extra nutritional boost. The combination of Greek yogurt and oil keeps the muffins tender, and the use of dark chocolate chips adds a decadent touch. Plus, the recipe is versatile—perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or dessert!

Conclusion:

These Chocolate Spinach Muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy a treat that’s both tasty and nourishing. With the hidden spinach, ripe bananas, and indulgent chocolate, they’re an ideal option for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional muffins. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, these muffins are sure to impress and satisfy!