Name: Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 very ripe bananas; 2 large handfuls baby spinach; 3 tablespoons milk (almond milk or regular milk both work); 1 egg; ½ cup Greek yogurt (full fat); 3 tablespoons oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup sugar; 1 cup white whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ⅔ cup cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup dark chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)

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If you’ve ever wanted to sneak some greens into your treats without sacrificing on flavor, this Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe is nothing short of a delightful game-changer. These muffins merge the rich, comforting taste of chocolate with the subtle earthiness and nutrient boost of fresh spinach, all wrapped up in a moist, tender bite. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a wholesome dessert, these muffins showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create something both nourishing and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear blender from above on a white marbled surface, with three peeled halves of a banana placed on top of a small pile of fresh, dark green spinach leaves inside the blender. The bananas are pale yellow with soft texture and are stacked slightly angled towards the center, while the spinach leaves create a base layer beneath, contrasting with their rich green and slightly crinkled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step to making this recipe a success. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color, making these muffins moist, chocolaty, and a little bit green in the best way possible.

Very ripe bananas: These bring natural sweetness and moisture, acting as a gentle binder for the muffins.
Baby spinach: Adding a vibrant green hue and a nutritional punch without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Milk (almond or regular): Ensures a smooth batter and adds just the right creaminess.
Egg: Helps bind all ingredients while adding richness and tenderness.
Sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and enhances the natural sweetness of banana.
Vanilla extract: Brightens the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Greek yogurt (full fat): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that gives the muffins depth and softness.
Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and gives a tender crumb.
White whole wheat flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture light and wholesome.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully.
Cocoa powder: The star for that rich, chocolate intensity in every bite.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Dark chocolate chips: Melt pockets of indulgent chocolate that make these muffins irresistible.

How to Make Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Blend Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, combine the milk, ripe bananas, and baby spinach in a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth, allowing a few lumps to remain for texture. This base infuses the muffins with moisture, sweetness, and a subtle green twist that’s barely noticeable but nutrient-rich. Once blended, transfer the mixture into a large mixing bowl, ready for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk in the egg to give the batter structure, followed by sugar for sweetness, vanilla extract to brighten the flavor, oil to ensure moistness, and Greek yogurt for a creamy yet tangy undertone. Stir everything together gently, just until combined—overmixing can affect the fluffiness of your muffins.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate small bowl, mix the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and sea salt. These dry ingredients provide the structure, the chocolate flavor, and balance in the recipe. Slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently until just incorporated. Finally, stir in the dark chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on top of the batter for a pretty, glossy finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners. Spoon the batter evenly into each cup, topping with the reserved chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step transforms your batter into irresistible, fluffy muffins bursting with chocolate and a whisper of spinach.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool for several minutes before serving to help them set up and develop their perfect texture. The aroma of chocolate combined with the subtle freshness of spinach will have everyone reaching for seconds in no time!

How to Serve Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of several dark, rich chocolate muffins arranged on a white marbled surface. Each muffin has a thick top layer that looks moist and textured, with a rough, slightly cracked surface. The top of the muffins is dotted with round dark chocolate chips, some embedded deeper and some sitting on the surface, adding a shiny contrast to the matte dark brown cake. The muffins are placed closely together, filling the frame with a cozy and rich feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt create a lovely contrast and boost the nutritional value, turning these muffins into a delightful morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad—this combination elevates the spinach’s presence while keeping the whole meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or add a bit of fun? Serve these muffins in a decorative basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. You could also slice them in half and spread a thin layer of nut butter or cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess. Adding edible flowers or mint leaves as a garnish creates a pretty presentation that’s sure to brighten any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fresh, making them easy to grab for a quick snack or breakfast on busy mornings.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature to retain their delicious texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy muffins warm and freshly-baked in minutes, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or into a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Reheating unlocks the chocolatey aroma and makes the muffins irresistibly soft and melty, just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen spinach before blending it with the bananas and milk. This will prevent extra moisture from affecting the batter’s texture.

Are these muffins suitable for children?

Absolutely. The Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe is a kid-friendly way to add veggies to their diet, offering a sweet treat packed with the goodness of spinach and banana without any bitterness.

Can I substitute the white whole wheat flour?

You can swap it for all-purpose flour in a pinch, though the texture and nutritional profile will be slightly different. Whole wheat flour adds a pleasant nuttiness and more fiber to these muffins.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based yogurt and milk. The oil can remain the same or be swapped with coconut oil for added flavor.

How do I make sure my muffins are moist and not dry?

Using very ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and oil helps keep the muffins moist. Also, be careful not to over-bake them—checking with a toothpick at the 18-minute mark ensures they stay soft and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe that turns a simple snack into a delightful experience. They’re proof that healthy ingredients don’t need to compromise on indulgence. Once you try these, I’m sure they’ll become one of your go-to muffin recipes, perfect for whenever you want to enjoy something that’s both delicious and a little bit good for you. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the joy!