Decadent Chocolate Vegetable Mini Muffins
These Decadent Chocolate Vegetable Mini Muffins are the perfect blend of indulgence and nourishment, making them an ideal snack for both kids and adults. Packed with whole grains, vegetables, and rich dark chocolate, this recipe turns healthy ingredients into a delightful treat. Developed for a picky eater, these muffins offer a delicious way to sneak in wholesome ingredients like butternut squash or sweet potato, as well as zucchini, while satisfying sweet cravings. With a touch of sweetness and the indulgent taste of chocolate, they are a hit at any gathering or a fun addition to lunchboxes. Enjoy these mini muffins guilt-free—made with 70% cocoa dark chocolate for the ultimate chocolate goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour
2/3 cup
Oat bran
1 cup
Rolled oats
1 cup
Cocoa powder
1/3 cup
Baking soda
1 teaspoon
Sugar
1/4-1/2 cup (depending on desired sweetness)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Yoghurt
1 cup (lightly sweetened vanilla yoghurt preferred)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Cooked and mashed butternut squash or sweet potato
3/4 cup
Medium zucchini
1 (finely grated (about 1 1/2 cups))
Bittersweet dark chocolate
100 g (chopped (about 4 oz) or chocolate chips)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, oat bran, rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly and then add the yoghurt, canola oil, vanilla extract, and the mashed butternut squash (or sweet potato). Mix well until smooth.
4
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
5
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped dark chocolate (or chocolate chips) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Spoon the mixture into each mini muffin cup, filling them nearly to the top. Smooth the tops slightly with the back of a spoon.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, allow the mini muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Vegetable Mini Muffins?
They are a blend of indulgence and nourishment, featuring whole grains, dark chocolate, and hidden vegetables like zucchini and butternut squash.
What vegetables are hidden in these muffins?
This recipe includes finely grated zucchini and cooked, mashed butternut squash or sweet potato.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do these mini muffins need to bake?
They should be baked for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of whole wheat flour.
Can I use sweet potato instead of butternut squash?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of either cooked and mashed butternut squash or sweet potato.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be finely grated, which should yield about 1.5 cups.
Is there a specific type of chocolate I should use?
The recipe recommends 100g of bittersweet dark chocolate (70% cocoa), either chopped or as chips.
What grains are included in these muffins?
The recipe includes whole wheat flour, 1 cup of oat bran, and 1 cup of rolled oats.
Are these muffins suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, they were developed specifically for picky eaters as a delicious way to sneak in wholesome vegetables.
What type of yoghurt is best for this recipe?
A lightly sweetened vanilla yoghurt is preferred for this recipe.
How much sugar should I add?
You can add between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar, depending on your desired level of sweetness.
Should I grease the muffin pan?
Yes, you should spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray before filling the cups.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires one egg, which should be lightly beaten.
How much cocoa powder is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of cocoa powder.
What is the leavening agent used in this recipe?
One teaspoon of baking soda is used as the leavening agent.
How much oil is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
How full should I fill the mini muffin cups?
Fill each mini muffin cup nearly to the top and smooth the tops slightly with the back of a spoon.
When should I add the zucchini and chocolate?
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chopped dark chocolate after the wet and dry ingredients have been just combined.
What is the secret to mixing the batter?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix to maintain a good texture.
How do I cool the muffins?
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
Yes, you can use either chopped bittersweet dark chocolate or chocolate chips.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Are these muffins considered healthy?
Yes, they are described as a guilt-free snack made with whole grains, dark chocolate, and nourishing vegetables.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
The provided ingredient list does not include added salt, though some may be present in the baking soda or other ingredients.
Can adults enjoy these muffins too?
Absolutely, they are designed as an ideal snack for both kids and adults.
What makes these muffins 'decadent'?
The use of 70% cocoa dark chocolate and rich cocoa powder gives them a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor.
What category of food does this fall into?
These are categorized as quick breads or healthy chocolate vegetable muffins.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
How many tags are associated with this recipe?
There are 9 tags, including healthy muffins, vegetable muffins, and snacks for kids.