Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to start your day? These Avocado Double Chocolate Muffins are a perfect healthy breakfast muffin option, combining rich chocolate flavor with the creamy goodness of avocado. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and how satisfying they are to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Avocados: You’ll need these for the creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides that deep chocolate flavor. Unsweetened is best.
- Chocolate Chips: For a double dose of chocolate. Use dark or semi-sweet.
- All-Purpose Flour: Can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free healthy breakfast muffin.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar work well.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe avocado (about 2 medium avocados)
- ½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chocolate chips, plus more for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 healthy breakfast muffins
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 220 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This ensures your healthy breakfast muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe avocado until completely smooth. Stir in the maple syrup, plant-based milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract. You want a well-combined, creamy mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step guarantees chocolate in every bite of your healthy breakfast muffins.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin for an appealing finish.
7. Bake Your Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add a ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
- Berry Good: Fold in a ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries for a tart contrast.
- Spiced: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Avocado Double Chocolate Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will still result in delicious healthy breakfast muffins.
Do the muffins taste like avocado?
No, the avocado flavor is completely masked by the cocoa powder and chocolate. It primarily contributes to the moist texture and healthy fats.
Can I use frozen avocado?
While fresh is best, you can use thawed frozen avocado. Just make sure it’s completely thawed and mashed smoothly.
Are these muffins suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe uses plant-based milk and no animal products, making them suitable for a vegan diet.
How do I know if my avocado is ripe enough?
A ripe avocado will yield gently to pressure when squeezed. It should not be rock hard or mushy.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can slightly reduce the maple syrup, but it might affect the texture and sweetness. You could also use sugar-free chocolate chips.