Ready for a delicious and nutritious treat? These Avocado Blueberry Dark Chocolate Muffins are a fantastic twist on healthy blueberry muffin recipes, offering a moist texture and satisfying flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to make, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Avocado: Provides healthy fats and moisture. If you don’t have ripe avocado, a small amount of unsweetened applesauce can work, but the texture will differ.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber. All-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend can be used.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen work well.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: For a touch of sweetness. Use dairy-free chips for a vegan option.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener. Agave nectar or honey can be substituted.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Spices & Leavening:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This ensures your healthy blueberry muffin recipes come out easily.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth. Add the plant-based milk, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until well combined.
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute them evenly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient mixture. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
5. Fold in Blueberries and Dark Chocolate
Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries and dark chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is key for delicious healthy blueberry muffin recipes.
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Avocado Blueberry Dark Chocolate Muffins!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Boost: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Include 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a brighter flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Seed Power: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for added nutrition.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Avocado Blueberry Dark Chocolate Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries without thawing them?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly. Just fold them into the batter.
Q: How do I know if my avocado is ripe enough?
A: A ripe avocado will feel soft when gently squeezed and the stem will easily come off.
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: What if I don’t have maple syrup?
A: You can use agave nectar or honey as a 1:1 substitute for maple syrup.
Q: Are these muffins suitable for a vegan diet?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan, just ensure your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Q: Why shouldn’t I overmix the muffin batter?
A: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough and dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
