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Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to sneak some greens into your sweet treats without sacrificing flavor, you’re going to love this Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe. I absolutely adore how these muffins come out moist, fudgy, and packed with hidden spinach that you honestly won’t taste—but your body will thank you! Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or something a little indulgent yet guilt-free, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and so easy to pull together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen—bananas, spinach, cocoa—and no need for fancy health food store items.
  • Sneaky Nutrition: Packed with spinach that blends right in, these muffins boost your veggie intake without any leafy taste.
  • Perfectly Moist Texture: The ripe bananas and Greek yogurt keep these muffins wonderfully soft and fudgy every single time.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these—great for school lunches or afternoon treats that you’re happy to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, so it’s worth choosing quality items when you can. Plus, I’ll share a few tips to help you shop smart for the best results.

Flat lay of three very ripe bananas with smooth brown spots, two large handfuls of fresh vibrant green baby spinach leaves, a single whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white full-fat Greek yogurt, a small white ceramic bowl of amber-colored oil, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white whole wheat flour, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth pale beige vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl of shiny semi-sweet dark chocolate chips placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins, healthy muffins with spinach, easy chocolate spinach muffins, nutritious breakfast muffins, fudgy green muffins
  • Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Baby Spinach: Use fresh, not frozen, for a milder flavor and better texture.
  • Milk: Almond or regular milk both work well; choose what suits your diet.
  • Egg: Helps bind the muffins together.
  • Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness; you can replace with coconut sugar if preferred.
  • Vanilla Extract: A small amount enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
  • Full Fat Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the muffin.
  • Oil: I use a mild oil like canola or vegetable for softness without a strong flavor.
  • White Whole Wheat Flour: Gives a lighter texture than regular whole wheat but still adds fiber.
  • Baking Soda: The leavening that helps muffins rise.
  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened, for rich chocolate taste without excess sugar.
  • Sea Salt: Balances and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds melty, gooey surprises in every bite.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe is—you can change it up to fit almost any mood or dietary need. You’ll find that little tweaks make it your own and keep it exciting.

  • Add Nuts or Seeds: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch and extra protein.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and use plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • Mix Up the Sweetness: Try replacing the sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
  • Extra Fruit: I’ve stirred in some fresh or dried berries for a burst of tartness alongside the chocolate.

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Blend Your Greens and Fruit

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, toss the milk, ripe bananas, and fresh baby spinach into a high powered blender. Blend until mostly smooth—you’re aiming for a texture that’s well combined but doesn’t have to be perfectly silky; small lumps are totally fine! This step is where the magic happens: the spinach gets hidden inside, and you only get that beautiful deep green note blending into the chocolate.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Pour your blended mixture into a large mixing bowl, then add the egg. Stir it lightly to whisk it in, making sure everything merges well. Follow by adding sugar, vanilla, oil, and Greek yogurt. Mixing at this stage ensures your muffins come out moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a small bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa powder. Mixing these ingredients first helps you incorporate them evenly into the wet mixture without overworking your batter. Too much stirring at this point can make muffins tough, and that’s the last thing we want.

Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. This folding method keeps your batter light and airy, resulting in muffins with just the right crumb. Once combined, stir in most of your dark chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top for that irresistible melty finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with liners, then spoon the batter evenly into each cup. Top with the remaining chocolate chips. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes—you’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool for several minutes before removing from the tin to avoid breakage.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

  • Spinach Selection: Always choose fresh baby spinach rather than frozen – frozen adds unwanted water and a stronger flavor.
  • Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture without extra sugar.
  • Don’t Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, stir gently to avoid dense muffins—light mixing is key.
  • Check Doneness Early: Start testing your muffins around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.

How to Serve Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping these muffins with a light drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter right before serving—it adds an extra layer of richness and complements the chocolate flavor perfectly. A quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top really amps up the taste, too!

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt with honey on the side for a protein boost. They’re also fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite morning tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these muffins on a pretty platter with colorful fresh berries and edible flowers for a festive touch. Wrapping individual muffins with parchment and tying them with twine makes a cute gift or lunchbox surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They usually stay fresh for up to five days, which means I bake a batch midweek and enjoy them for breakfast or snacks without worrying about spoilage. At room temperature, they’re good for about three days if you’re eating quickly.

Freezing

Freezing these muffins works like a charm. I wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or parchment and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months—great for meal prepping or when you want to stash some away for a rainy day.

Reheating

To reheat, I let the muffins thaw at room temperature or gently microwave them for about 20 seconds for a warm, soft treat. This little trick revives their fresh-baked texture without drying them out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen spinach in this Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe?

    Frozen spinach isn’t ideal for this recipe because it contains more water, which can make the batter too wet and affect the muffins’ texture. Plus, the flavor of frozen spinach is stronger and more noticeable, so I recommend using fresh baby spinach for the best taste and consistency.

  2. Are these muffins suitable for kids?

    Absolutely! Kids love these muffins because the chocolate flavor shines through and the spinach is completely disguised. I often pack them in my kids’ lunches, knowing they’re getting some extra veggies without any fuss.

  3. Can I substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener?

    Yes! You can swap the sugar for natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may slightly change the batter consistency, so you might need to adjust flour quantities or baking time slightly.

  4. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

    Start checking your muffins around 18 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Avoid overbaking, which can dry them out, so it’s better to check a little early and add time if needed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe enough—it’s become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. The blend of chocolatey goodness with sneaky greens makes it a treat that feels indulgent but nourishes your body. Every time I make a batch, my whole family dives in happily, and I feel great knowing they’re getting a boost of vitamins without even realizing it. Give this recipe a try like you’re sharing a sweet secret with a close friend—you won’t regret it.

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Healthy Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Chocolate Spinach Muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with nutrient-rich spinach and rich cocoa powder, creating a moist, flavorful, and healthier muffin option. Enhanced with dark chocolate chips and Greek yogurt for extra moisture, these muffins are perfect for a guilt-free breakfast or snack.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 2 large handfuls baby spinach
  • 3 tablespoons milk (almond milk or regular)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup full fat Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons oil

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅔ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Add-ins

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature by the time your batter is ready.
  2. Blend wet ingredients: In a high-powered blender, combine the milk, ripe bananas, and baby spinach. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has a few small lumps for texture. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add eggs and other wet ingredients: Lightly whisk the egg into the banana-spinach mixture. Then add the sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and Greek yogurt, stirring until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa powder. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Once combined, carefully fold in the dark chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on top of the muffins if desired.
  6. Prepare muffin pan: Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Spoon the batter evenly into each liner. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of each muffin for extra chocolatey goodness.
  7. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use fresh baby spinach instead of frozen, as frozen spinach has a stronger flavor and excess moisture that can affect the muffin texture.
  • Store baked muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or at room temperature for about 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to add other mix-ins like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, raisins, or dried fruit for variety.
  • Serve muffins with a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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