Are you craving a delicious treat that doesn't compromise on health? Then look no further! These Kodiak Dark Chocolate Muffins are the perfect answer. Combining the wholesome goodness of Kodiak Cakes with the rich indulgence of dark chocolate, this recipe delivers a guilt-free indulgence that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend baking enthusiast, these muffins are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a decadent dessert. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Kodiak Cakes Muffin Mix (or your favorite whole wheat muffin mix)
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao for a richer flavor and added antioxidants)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for added texture and healthy fats.
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This simple step ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked muffins.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates a smooth base for your muffins.
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Mix Dry & Wet: Gradually add the Kodiak Cakes muffin mix to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough muffins, so be careful not to overwork the batter.
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Add Chocolate & Nuts (optional): Stir in the dark chocolate chips and any optional nuts. Fold them in gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This prevents the muffins from overflowing during baking.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, delicious, and healthy Kodiak Dark Chocolate Muffins!
Tips for Perfect Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the muffins will taste!
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the muffins are baked through. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Cool completely: Let the muffins cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Use different nuts: Experiment with various nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts.
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
- Make them mini muffins: Use a mini muffin tin for smaller, bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fiber: 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Kodiak Dark Chocolate Muffins are a simple yet satisfying addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy this delicious and healthy treat!