Craving a warm, gooey chocolate chip muffin but want to keep it plant-based? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the comforting goodness of a classic chocolate chip muffin, completely vegan and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite in your healthy meal repertoire. Get ready to indulge in guilt-free deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plant-based milk (soy, almond, or oat work well)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This thorough mixing ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in fluffy muffins.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, plant-based milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended.
Combine wet and dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Add chocolate chips: Stir in the vegan chocolate chips. Resist the urge to add more – you'll get plenty of chocolatey goodness without overcrowding the batter.
Fill muffin cups: Fill each muffin liner about ¾ full. Don't overfill, as the muffins will rise during baking.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time as ovens can vary.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Muffins:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps them blend more smoothly and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fresh baking powder and soda: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal leavening. Old leavening agents can result in flat muffins.
- Customize your chips: Feel free to experiment with different types of vegan chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a combination!
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting twist.
- Oatmeal surprise: Add ½ cup rolled oats to the dry ingredients for a heartier muffin.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
These easy recipes for delicious vegan chocolate chip muffins are a great addition to your quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!