If you’re searching for a delicious, wholesome treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than these Cherry Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins. Packed with juicy cherries and rich vegan dark chocolate chips, these muffins are as indulgent as they are nourishing. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, they strike the ideal balance between health and flavor. Best of all, they’re vegan, easy to make, and come together with just 12 ingredients.
What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious muffins:
- Whole wheat or spelt flour: Provides fiber and a hearty texture.
- Coconut sugar or maple sugar: A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
- Sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the muffins.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Adds moisture without unnecessary fats.
- Coconut oil or applesauce: Keeps the muffins tender while offering a healthier fat alternative.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Fresh or frozen cherries: Juicy and naturally sweet, they take these muffins to the next level.
- Vegan dark chocolate chips: Rich and decadent for a perfect flavor pairing with cherries.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create fluffy muffins.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the muffins moist.
How to Make
Making these muffins is a breeze!
- Step 1: Start by combining the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.
- Step 2: Gradually mix the two until just combined, then gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chips.
- Step 3: Divide the batter evenly into a prepared muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Step 4: Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!
Tasty Facts: Cherries
Cherries are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help fight inflammation and support the immune system. Their natural sweetness comes with a low glycemic index, making them a diabetic-friendly fruit. Cherries also contain potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. By incorporating cherries into these muffins, you’re indulging in a treat that benefits both your taste buds and your body!
Cherry Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour or spelt flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or applesauce for an oil-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries (chopped)
- ½ cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with coconut oil.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, coconut oil (or applesauce), vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and unsweetened applesauce until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins fluffy.
- Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and dark chocolate chips.
- Portion the batter: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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