If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously unique treat that sneaks in some greens without compromising on flavor, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe. These muffins are the perfect blend of moist, rich chocolate with a subtle hint of spinach, giving you a moist texture and vibrant color that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Whether you’re looking for a nutrient-packed snack or a sweet breakfast treat, these muffins bring together wholesome ingredients in a way that’s both surprising and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blender jar with three peeled bananas placed on top of a small bunch of fresh spinach leaves. The bananas are light yellow and smooth, lying horizontally in the center. The spinach leaves underneath are dark green with a fresh, slightly wrinkled texture, mostly covering the bottom of the blender. The blender sits on a white marbled surface, shown from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a muffin that’s dense, chocolaty, and packed with subtle nutrition. Each item plays a crucial role: the bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, the spinach brings a beautiful green tint and nutrients without overpowering the chocolate, and the Greek yogurt ensures a tender crumb.

Very ripe bananas (3): Naturally sweet and perfect for moistening your muffins without added fat.
Baby spinach (2 large handfuls): Adds vibrant color and a nutrient boost, blending seamlessly into the batter.
Milk (3 tablespoons): Use almond or regular milk to help blend everything smoothly.
Egg (1): Binds the ingredients while contributing to fluffiness.
Sugar (½ cup): Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Greek yogurt (½ cup, full fat): Keeps muffins moist and tender with a subtle tang.
Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and soft texture without weighing them down.
White whole wheat flour (1 cup): Offers a slightly nuttier flavor with more fiber than all-purpose flour.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your muffins rise beautifully.
Cocoa powder (⅔ cup): Gives that deep, chocolatey taste you crave.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Amplifies flavors and balances sweetness.
Dark chocolate chips (½ cup): Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate for extra indulgence.

How to Make Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with your favorite muffin liners to make cleanup easy and to keep those muffins intact after baking.

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a high-powered blender, combine the milk, ripe bananas, and baby spinach. Blend until mostly smooth; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. This mixture forms the flavorful, healthy base of your batter and infuses each muffin with natural sweetness and moisture.

Step 3: Mix in Additional Wet Ingredients

Transfer the banana-spinach blend into a large mixing bowl. Add the egg and whisk lightly to incorporate. Then stir in the sugar, vanilla, oil, and Greek yogurt until the mixture is evenly combined. This step ensures your batter has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa powder. These dry ingredients are crucial for the structure, rise, and that unmistakable rich chocolate flavor. Slowly add them to the wet ingredients, folding gently to combine without overmixing.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in half of the dark chocolate chips into the batter, saving the rest to sprinkle on top of your muffins for an extra chocolatey finish. This mix-in adds delightful pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan. Top each muffin with the remaining chocolate chips for a luscious appearance. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your muffins are perfectly baked.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps set their texture and prevents them from becoming too fragile when served.

How to Serve Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

The image shows several dark brown chocolate muffins with a rough, slightly cracked surface. Each muffin has multiple round chocolate chips on top, adding a glossy texture and a lighter brown color contrast. The muffins are close together on a smooth white marbled surface, creating a simple and clean background. The focus is on the textured tops of the muffins and the scattered chocolate chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these muffins are delicious straight from the oven, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of creamy nut butter can elevate them to a special treat. Fresh berries on the side also add a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a cup of your favorite coffee or a warm chai latte for a cozy snack. They also complement a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt bowl, making for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the muffins warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. For a fun twist at parties, set up a muffin bar with toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and fresh mint leaves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Spinach Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their freshness and moistness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a safer option.

Freezing

To enjoy these muffins later, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap for extra protection, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat muffins gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and delightful chocolate aroma.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of white whole wheat flour?

Absolutely! While white whole wheat flour adds a slight nuttiness and extra fiber, all-purpose flour will work just fine. Your muffins may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

Is it necessary to use fresh spinach, or can I use frozen?

Fresh baby spinach is best for this Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe as it blends smoothly and provides vibrant color. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.

Can I substitute the bananas with applesauce or another fruit?

Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture in this recipe. While applesauce can be used, it will alter the texture and flavor slightly, so expect a less dense muffin with a milder taste.

Are these muffins suitable for vegan diets?

This recipe contains eggs and Greek yogurt, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you could try substituting the egg with flax or chia seed egg replacer and use plant-based yogurt to make it vegan-friendly.

Why include spinach in chocolate muffins?

Spinach adds valuable nutrients like iron and vitamins without changing the flavor drastically. It also enhances the color and moisture content, making these muffins a sneaky way to enjoy both veggies and chocolate.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve discovered this amazing Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe, I encourage you to give it a go! It’s such a rewarding way to sneak some greens into a delightful chocolate treat that the whole family will love. Baking these muffins not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also fills your heart with joy knowing you’re serving something healthy and delicious. Happy baking!