Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

If you’ve never thought to combine the richness of chocolate with the vibrant nutrition of greens, then these Chocolate Spinach Muffins are about to become your new favorite surprise. These muffins beautifully blend ripe bananas, fresh spinach, and cocoa into a moist, tender treat that’s perfectly sweet with just the right hint of chocolatey goodness. Bursting with flavor and packed with nourishing ingredients, these muffins are a fun way to sneak in greens while indulging your sweet tooth any time of the day. Trust me, once you try these Chocolate Spinach Muffins, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients that come together to create a chocolatey, moist muffin with a hidden nutritional boost. Each element plays a crucial role, from the bananas that naturally sweeten and add moisture, to the spinach that brings a subtle earthiness and vibrant color without overpowering the chocolate.

• 3 very ripe bananas: Perfectly ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moist texture.
• 2 large handfuls baby spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrients and a subtle green undertone without a strong veggie taste.
• 3 tablespoons milk (almond or regular): Adds moisture and helps blend the spinach and banana mixture smoothly.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep the muffins tender and structured.
• ½ cup sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and enhances the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
• ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt: Boosts moisture and adds a slight tang for richness.
• 3 tablespoons oil: Keeps muffins soft and adds healthy fats.
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour: Provides structure while keeping the muffins light.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor, choose unsweetened for best results.
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a balanced taste.
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of indulgent chocolate throughout each muffin.

How to Make Chocolate Spinach Muffins

Step 1: Blend the Bananas and Spinach

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then toss the ripe bananas, fresh baby spinach, and milk into a high-powered blender. Blend until mostly smooth — a few small lumps are fine, as they won’t affect the texture negatively. This blend creates a vibrant, nutritious base that’s surprisingly mild in flavor once baked.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Pour your blended mixture into a large bowl. Crack in the egg and give it a light whisk to incorporate. Add sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and creamy Greek yogurt. These ingredients together form a tender muffin batter that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, rich, and moist.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together white whole wheat flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures the cocoa and leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture throughout your muffins.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Add Chocolate Chips

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding them in gently to preserve the lightness. Then stir in most of the dark chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top right before baking for that perfect, glossy chocolate crown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners, then spoon the batter evenly into each cup. Add a few chocolate chips to the top of each muffin for extra chocolatey allure. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the pan to keep them intact and ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Chocolate Spinach Muffins

Garnishes

These muffins shine on their own but feel free to garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra special touch. A smear of nut butter or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top can also add a nice texture contrast and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Spinach Muffins with a cup of warm tea or coffee for a perfect morning or afternoon snack. They also go well with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side to round out the experience and add refreshing balance to the luscious muffins.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch or kids’ party, serve these muffins topped with whipped cream and fresh berries. Alternatively, slice them and turn them into mini chocolate spinach sandwich cakes layered with cream cheese frosting or your favorite spread for a decadent treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep them fresh by sealing the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days, making for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for later? These Chocolate Spinach Muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the muffin for about 20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This helps revive their softness and enhances the melty chocolate experience like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

It’s best to stick with fresh spinach for these muffins. Frozen spinach often carries excess water and a stronger flavor that can affect the texture and taste negatively in the final muffins.

Are Chocolate Spinach Muffins healthy?

While they do contain sugar and chocolate, these muffins pack a nutritional punch thanks to the spinach, bananas, and Greek yogurt, making them a more wholesome treat compared to traditional chocolate muffins.

Can I make the recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg, use plant-based yogurt, and almond or other plant milk to keep it vegan without losing the moist and tender texture.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a smoother taste, while natural cocoa powder is more acidic and robust.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit like raisins for added texture and flavor variations that complement the chocolate and spinach base perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious, nourishing way to enjoy baked treats, these Chocolate Spinach Muffins are an absolute game changer. Their perfect balance of rich chocolate and hidden greens makes them a delightful surprise that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try — I promise it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!

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