Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cherry Bliss Muffins
Indulge in the rich and delightful combination of chocolate and cherries with these Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cherry Bliss Muffins! Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, these muffins are not only completely free from common allergens, but they're also low in calories and packed with wholesome ingredients. Combining whole wheat and all-purpose flour with nutrient-rich oat bran, cocoa powder, and sweetened with sugar-free cherry pie filling and applesauce, these muffins are as nutritious as they are delicious. The addition of sugar-free chocolate chips gives you a chocolaty burst in every bite. Treat yourself and share these easy-to-make muffins with your friends and family – they won’t even guess they’re vegan and everything-free!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat flour
1/2 cup (unbleached and sifted)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (unbleached and sifted)
oat bran
1/3 cup (preferably organic)
cocoa powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (gluten-free if needed)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure or organic)
salt
1 pinch (sea salt recommended)
sugar-free cherry pie filling
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
applesauce
1/2 cup (unsweetened)
apple juice
1/2 cup (100% pure and unsweetened)
sugar-free chocolate chips
1 tablespoon (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oat bran, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar-free cherry pie filling, applesauce, apple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are fine.
5
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
6
Sprinkle sugar-free chocolate chips on top of each muffin for an extra indulgent touch.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8
Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cherry Bliss Muffins?
These are rich, healthy muffins that combine chocolate and cherries, making them perfect for breakfast or snacks while being vegan and low in calories.
Are these muffins suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, these muffins are completely vegan and contain no animal products like eggs or dairy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe contains wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the whole wheat and all-purpose flours with a gluten-free blend.
What flours are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup unbleached whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.
What is the purpose of oat bran in these muffins?
Oat bran is used to add nutrient-rich fiber and a wholesome texture to the muffins.
How are these muffins sweetened?
The sweetness comes from sugar-free cherry pie filling, unsweetened applesauce, and apple juice.
Can I use regular cherry pie filling instead of sugar-free?
Yes, you can use regular cherry pie filling, though it will increase the sugar and calorie content of the muffins.
What acts as a fat replacement in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce is used instead of oil or butter to keep the muffins moist and low in fat.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do these muffins need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the muffins are finished baking?
The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, 100% pure unsweetened apple cider can be used as a substitute for apple juice.
How many chocolate chips are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate chips specifically for topping the muffins.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended for this recipe, though a standard pinch of salt will suffice.
Should I use liners or grease the muffin tin?
The instructions recommend lining the muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch, though it will change the calorie count.
What is the role of apple juice in the recipe?
Apple juice provides liquid for the batter and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe suggests using unbleached and sifted flour for the best muffin texture.
Are these muffins low in calories?
Yes, by using sugar-free filling and applesauce instead of oil, these muffins are designed to be low-calorie.
Can I use vanilla bean paste?
Yes, you can substitute pure or organic vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste.
What is the best way to mix the batter?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them gently until just mixed to avoid overworking the flour.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full to allow room for the muffins to rise.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes, both store-bought or homemade sugar-free cherry pie filling work well in this recipe.
Is baking powder or baking soda used?
Both are used: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda help the muffins rise without eggs.
Are these muffins suitable for children?
Absolutely, they are a healthy, kid-friendly snack that tastes like a decadent treat.
How should I store these muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. Ensure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
What makes these 'everything-free'?
They are free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, and refined sugars, making them inclusive for many dietary needs.
Do I need to let them cool in the pan?
Allow them to cool slightly in the pan for stability before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.