High-protein muffins with dark chocolate
Indulge in our high-protein muffins, a delectable blend of creamy black beans and rich dark chocolate, naturally sweetened with dates and elevated by a zesty touch of orange. Perfect for busy mornings or a decadent addition to the brunch table, these muffins combine bold flavours with a protein-packed boost, making them a versatile and welcome treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
|
Black beans (230 g drained weight)
|
1 can |
|---|---|
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Eggs
|
4 |
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Fresh dates (stones removed)
|
6 |
|
Plain flour
|
50 g |
|
Vanilla sugar
|
2 tbsp |
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Cocoa powder
|
4 tbsp |
|
Baking powder
|
1 tsp |
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Salt
|
½ tsp |
|
Orange
|
Zest from ½ |
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Dark chocolate
|
60 g |
Instructions
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Blend in stages for the best high-protein muffins
For the smoothest batter, blending in stages is key. Start by combining the eggs and drained black beans in a food processor or blender. This step ensures the beans are fully broken down, creating a creamy base free of lumps. Once the base is smooth, add the dates, one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the blender between steps to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated, avoiding any uneven chunks. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients in small amounts, mixing thoroughly each time to prevent clumps. This method not only ensures a balanced batter but also avoids overloading the blender, resulting in perfectly smooth and well-textured muffins.
Zest oranges like a pro
Adding orange zest is a fantastic way to elevate the flavour of this recipe. Start with a clean, fresh orange and use a fine grater or microplane zester. Gently run the fruit across the grater, working your way around the peel. Be cautious not to press too hard, as this can scrape the white pith beneath the zest, which is bitter. To maximise the flavour, zest directly over the mixing bowl to capture the aromatic oils released. If you don’t have a grater or microplane zester, a vegetable peeler works just as well. Simply peel thin strips of the orange skin, ensuring you avoid the pith, then finely chop the strips with a sharp knife to achieve a similar effect.
Monitor and manage browning
Achieving the perfect texture involves careful monitoring during baking. These muffins bake quickly, so set a timer to check them after 15 minutes. If you notice the tops browning too much before the centres are cooked, cover the tray with aluminium foil. This technique allows the muffins to bake evenly without becoming overly dark on the surface. Always use the middle rack of your oven for the most consistent heat distribution.
FAQ: Questions about high-protein muffins
Whether you are an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, our FAQ section tackles common questions about making these muffins. Discover tips on blending, storage, and troubleshooting to ensure your breakfast turns out perfectly every time.
Can I make high-protein muffins without a blender?
Why are my muffins crumbly?
How do I know the muffins are done?
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
977 Kcal
| Fibre | 34.4 gram fibers |
| Protein | 46.5 % |
| Carbohydrates | 123.2 % |
| Fat | 32.5 gram |
Other recipes
Prevent your high-protein muffins from sticking
To ensure they release easily from the pan, consider using silicone muffin trays or lining the tin with high-quality paper wrappers. Silicone trays are naturally non-stick, making them an excellent choice for this recipe, especially since the batter is rich and moist.
If using a traditional tin, let them cool for at least five minutes before attempting to remove them – this helps them set and reduces the chance of sticking. Run a thin knife or offset spatula gently around the edges to loosen them without damaging the shape. A little patience during this step will ensure your muffins come out intact and ready to enjoy!
Coarsely blend for a chunkier texture
If you prefer your high-protein muffins with a bit of texture, try blending the ingredients coarsely instead of aiming for a completely smooth batter. Pulse the black beans and dates in the food processor just enough to leave small chunks for added bite. Similarly, chop the chocolate into slightly larger pieces for gooey pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. This approach adds a delightful contrast between the creamy batter and the chunkier elements, creating a more rustic and satisfying muffin experience.
Choosing the right cocoa powder
Selecting the right cocoa powder can greatly impact the flavour and texture of this recipe. Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure a rich, deep chocolate flavour that balances the natural sweetness of the dates and orange zest. If you prefer a more intense and slightly bitter chocolate profile, go for Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a smoother, less acidic taste. For a bolder chocolate experience, you can also experiment with dark cocoa powder, which adds a deeper, almost fudge-like quality to your muffins.
Optimising ingredient temperatures
Using the right ingredient temperatures can make a significant difference in the texture and consistency of this recipe. Start by ensuring your eggs are at room temperature, as this helps them blend more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother texture and promoting better rise during baking. To bring cold eggs to room temperature quickly, place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes before use.
If your dates or beans were stored in the fridge, allow them to warm up slightly to prevent them from chilling the batter. By keeping your ingredients at a consistent temperature, you’ll achieve a cohesive batter and beautifully textured muffins.
Creative presentation ideas
Elevate the presentation of your high-protein muffins with a few simple yet effective techniques. Arrange them on a tiered serving stand for a visually stunning display, perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions. Add a finishing touch by placing a small piece of orange peel on each to highlight the zesty flavours. If serving individually, wrap each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine for a rustic and portable look.
Feeling inspired? Expand your baking skills with these protein banana muffins which blend ripe bananas, dark chocolate and creamy skyr for a sweet twist. For a savoury option, consider these protein muffins featuring oats, quark, and pumpkin seeds, adding a hearty element to your breakfast spread. Or, mix it up with our high protein egg muffins, made with eggs, cottage cheese, and baby spinach – perfect for a vibrant, protein-rich breakfast on-the-go.
