Name: Chocolate Protein Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup smooth, runny peanut butter ((about 260g)); ½ cup Greek yogurt ((about 188g)); ½ cup almond milk ((about 120ml, or a milk of your choice)); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup golden monk fruit sweetener ((about 110g, or granulated sweetener of choice)); ½ cup lupin flour ((about 60g)); ½ cup cocoa powder ((about 45g)); 2.5 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt ((if your peanut butter is unsalted)); ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Looking for a delicious way to pack in some extra protein while satisfying your chocolate cravings? Look no further than these Chocolate Protein Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these muffins are rich, moist, and filled with wholesome ingredients. They’re easy to whip up and are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

These Chocolate Protein Muffins are not your average baked goods. They combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the goodness of protein, making them a perfect option for a pre- or post-workout snack. The use of peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats, while Greek yogurt keeps them moist and fluffy. With the added sweetness from monk fruit sweetener, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without loading up on sugar.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create these delicious Chocolate Protein Muffins, you will need the following ingredients:

3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup smooth, runny peanut butter (about 260g)
½ cup Greek yogurt (about 188g)
½ cup almond milk (about 120ml, or a milk of your choice)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup golden monk fruit sweetener (about 110g, or granulated sweetener of choice)
½ cup lupin flour (about 60g)
½ cup cocoa powder (about 45g)
2.5 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt (if your peanut butter is unsalted)
½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Hardware & Gadgets

To make your muffin-making experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools:

Muffin tin – A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly.
Mixing bowls – You’ll need a large bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry.
Whisk – For combining your ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to perfect muffins.
Rubber spatula – Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding batter.

Directions: Chocolate Protein Muffins

Follow these simple steps to create your very own Chocolate Protein Muffins:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Lightly grease your muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature eggs, smooth peanut butter, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the lupin flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, golden monk fruit sweetener, and sea salt. Make sure there are no clumps in the dry mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This allows room for the muffins to rise.

Step 8: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Chocolate Protein Muffins warm or at room temperature!

Make It Diet-Friendly

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some easy modifications you can make:

Nut-Free: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free spread.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt or any dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Low-Carb: Replace lupin flour with almond flour for a low-carb option.
Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water for each egg).

Steer Clear of These

When making your Chocolate Protein Muffins, consider avoiding the following:

Using firm peanut butter, as it may affect the texture of the muffins.
Substituting cocoa powder with chocolate syrup or other liquids that may alter the batter consistency.
Overmixing the batter, which can lead to dense muffins.
Skipping the cooling step; muffins are best when allowed to cool slightly before enjoying.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your Chocolate Protein Muffins fresh, follow these storage tips:

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freeze muffins for up to 3 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for a quick treat.

Handy Q&A

Can I use another type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute lupin flour with almond flour or whole wheat flour. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Can I make these muffins without sugar-free chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can replace them with regular chocolate chips or omit them entirely for a less sweet muffin.

How can I make these muffins more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can increase the cocoa powder to ¾ cup or add in some chocolate protein powder.

What’s the best way to enjoy these muffins?

These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also spread a little extra peanut butter on top or serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced snack.

Desserts to Finish

If you love these Chocolate Protein Muffins, you might enjoy trying these other delightful recipes:

Banana Muffins – Moist and fluffy, perfect for breakfast.
Chocolate Banana Bread – A sweet twist on a classic favorite.
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies – Chewy cookies with a healthier spin.

See You at the Table

Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in these fabulous Chocolate Protein Muffins. They’re not only a nutritious option but also a delightful treat that brings joy to your day. Happy baking!