Looking for a recipe that’s delicious, comforting, and nutritious? These chocolate muffins with green smoothie are exactly what you need! Perfect for starting your day with energy and flavor, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and packed with an extra dose of nutrients thanks to the secret ingredient—spinach! The texture is incredibly soft, and the intense chocolate flavor makes these muffins irresistible.
Ingredients for Green Smoothie Chocolate Muffins
These muffins are light, fluffy, and satisfying—perfect for a balanced breakfast. The ingredients are simple yet bring a burst of flavor and nutrition!
- Bananas – ripe, to add sweetness and moisture.
- Peanut butter or tahini – adds creaminess.
- Coconut sugar – a more natural and less processed sweetener.
- Oats – ground into flour, adds fiber and makes the muffins gluten-free.
- Cocoa powder – the perfect chocolate touch.
- Almond flour – for a soft, light texture.
- Fresh spinach – the nutritious secret hidden in the recipe!
How to Make Spinach Muffins
Prepare the Green Smoothie: Start by blending the bananas, peanut butter, plant-based milk, coconut sugar, spinach, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oats (already ground into flour), cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Mix and Divide into Muffin Cups: Add the green smoothie mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms. Divide the batter into muffin cups, filling to the top for tall, fluffy muffins. Add a few vegan chocolate chips on top for an extra touch.
Bake the Muffins: Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 5 minutes; then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes. Test with a toothpick in the center—it should come out almost clean.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for a sweeter, natural flavor. If you like banana chunks, mash one banana separately and fold it into the batter.
- Spinach Quantity: Up to 3 cups can be used, but remember to reduce the plant-based milk slightly to avoid a runny batter.
- Fill Cups to the Top: This ensures tall, beautiful muffins.
- Storage: To keep the muffins fresh, freeze them after they’ve cooled completely, preserving them for up to 3 months. For room temperature storage, place a paper towel under and over the muffins in an uncovered container.
Conclusion: These green smoothie muffins are a delicious and healthy way to start the day! Try them with a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy the energy boost. Small pleasures make all the difference and brighten up your routine.
