Name: Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ oz (250g) cooked beets (cooked, canned or vacuum-sealed in water with no oil, vinegar or seasonings); ½ cup (100ml) vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, etc.); 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla paste; ½ cup (120g) plain yogurt; 1 cup (200g) sugar; 1 ¼ cups (170g) all-purpose flour (plain flour); ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a sneaky boost of nutritious beets, you have to try this Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe. These muffins are irresistibly moist, subtly earthy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa intensity. The beets add vibrant color and a natural sweetness that makes these muffins a unique, healthy indulgence perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two side-by-side images show the process of making a smoothie inside a blender jar placed on a white marbled surface. The left image displays three dark purple fruit pieces immersed in a small amount of yellowish liquid at the bottom of the clear blender jar. In the right image, the contents have changed to a thick, foamy pink smoothie mixture filling most of the jar, with two dollops of white creamy substance on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe. Each one plays an essential role in creating the tender crumb, deep chocolate notes, and that lovely moist texture these Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe are known for.

Cooked beets (250g): The star ingredient that adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a gorgeous color to the batter.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the muffins tender and moist without overpowering other flavors.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness for a perfect rise.
Vanilla paste (2 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic undertones that elevate the chocolate flavor.
Sugar (1 cup): Balances the earthiness of beets and bitterness of cocoa for a perfect sweetness.
Plain yogurt (½ cup): Introduces a slight tang and extra moisture, enhancing muffin softness.
All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The base that gives the muffins their sturdy but tender structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup): Delivers deep, rich chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
Baking powder (2 tsp): A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay fluffy.

How to Make Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 355°F (180°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 12-cup muffin tray or line it with paper cases to prevent sticking and make removal smooth and easy.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Place the cooked beets, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla paste into a blender or food processor. Purée until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step guarantees that your beets are fully incorporated, lending the muffins both their moisture and vibrant color.

Step 3: Combine Sugar and Yogurt

Add the sugar and plain yogurt to the blended mixture and give it a quick pulse to combine everything evenly. Pour this luscious wet mix into a large mixing bowl, ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder into the bowl with your wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry into the wet until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep the muffins light and tender.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cases and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cases, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the tray before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling properly prevents sogginess and helps the flavors settle for an utterly delicious bite.

How to Serve Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe

A close-up of a single chocolate muffin with a bite taken from the top left side, showing a moist and crumbly dark brown inside resting on its unwrapped brown paper liner, placed on a wooden surface. In the background, several whole chocolate muffins in dark brown paper liners are stacked softly out of focus, set against a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the texture and richness of the muffins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these muffins are stunning and flavorful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds an elegant touch for special occasions. You can also top them with a spoonful of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an added crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these chocolate beet muffins with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. Fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt complement the natural sweetness perfectly and provide a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing one muffin in half and serving it as a mini sandwich with peanut butter or almond butter for an exciting snack twist. You can also crumble these muffins over vanilla ice cream to make a decadent sundae with a hidden veggie surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator where they will last about a week without losing much moisture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen properly, they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated muffins by warming them gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This restores their soft, moist texture and brings out the chocolate aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use raw beets instead of cooked beets?

It’s best to use cooked beets for this Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe, as raw beets won’t blend as smoothly and could affect the batter’s texture and moisture balance. Steaming, boiling, or roasting beets beforehand is ideal.

What type of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is preferred for a rich chocolate flavor with slight acidity that balances the beet’s earthiness. Avoid Dutch-processed cocoa to keep the recipe’s intended flavor and rise consistent.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?

You can try mild-flavored oils such as light olive oil or melted coconut oil, but avoid strong-tasting oils that might overpower the chocolate and beet flavors. Butter would change the texture and flavor, but can be experimented with in small batches.

Are these muffins suitable for meal prep or snacks?

Absolutely! These Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe are perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, grab-and-go snacks, or even a healthier dessert option. Their moistness and cocoa richness keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips enhances both texture and flavor, making these muffins even more special. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking to distribute evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Beet Muffins Recipe is a wonderful discovery that truly showcases how vegetables and chocolate can join forces for something spectacular. Whether you’re looking to sneak in some veggies or just love luscious, moist chocolate muffins, these are sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. Give them a try, share with friends, and get ready for compliments that’ll warm your heart.