I would seriously consider calling these cupcakes instead of muffins! Although one does not consider cupcakes to be nutritious, these babies are packed with healthy ingredients! Using a blend of whole grain flour, lightly sweetened with raw honey and hidden chocolate gems, it takes a lot of will power to stop with one muffin! (whoops, I mean cupcake!)
SunSpire’s own naturally sweetened chocolate chips use malted grains (barley and corn) for a delicious alternative to refined sugars. This specially formulated grain sweetener allows the chocolate’s taste to be enjoyed more fully, rather than being masked by sugar and flavorings.
Ingredients: Whole grain malted barley and corn, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (a non-GMO emulsifier), and pure natural vanilla.Whisk together 1 c. whole wheat flour, 1/2 c. almond flour, 1/2 c. brown rice flour, 2 t. baking soda, and 2 t. cinnamon. (you can use flours of choice)
In a separate bowl whisk together 1 egg, 1/4 c. grapeseed oil (or oil of choice) 1/2 c. raw honey, 3/4 c. unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) and 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce.
Fold into dry ingredients, add 1 c. chocolate chips and stir until just mixed. Spoon into sprayed muffin tin.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, until touched on top and muffin springs back. Remove from oven and cool on rack.
I chose to use these chocolate chips because they do not have refined sugar in them. They are hard to find in our area but you can order them online. They are delicious and you are not forfeiting any taste when you use them. They are a bit pricier than regular chocolate chips, but since I seldom use them, they are considered a treat! You can order them here.
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Muffins
2 c. flour (I used whole wheat, almond and brown rice)
2 t. baking soda
2 t. cinnamon
1 egg
1/2 c. honey (I used raw honey)
3/4 c. milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/4 c. oil (I used grapeseed)
1 c. chocolate chips (I used grain-sweetened chocolate chips)
Whisk dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl whisk egg, milk, honey, applesauce and oil. Add to dry ingredients along with chocolate chips and stir until just mixed. Spoon into sprayed muffin tin. Bake in 350 oven for 15-20 minutes, until top springs back when touched. Remove from heat and cool on rack.
You could tweak this recipe many ways…using agave or brown rice syrup in place of honey. Instead of applesauce, use mashed ripe bananas or baby food sweet potatoes. You could also add 1/2 c. chopped nuts for a bit of a crunch factor. I think muffins are fun to play with, so be creative!
