Chocolate Zucchini Protein Muffins

This is the recipe I’m leading with because well… chocolate. These muffins are rich and definitely taste like a treat even though they are fairly low in fat (as far as muffins go) and have almost 10 grams of protein. The zucchini keeps them moist and adds a touch of fibre and nutrients.. Love! Some of the boys in this house can be pretty picky when it comes to baked goods but these are a big crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is based off of Greta Podleski’s recipe in Yum & Yummer. I seriously love this cookbook and recommend it to everyone! Simple recipes, easy to read, super delicious, pretty pictures and the nutritional information included… a nutritionists dream come true!

I have made these muffins a number of different ways but adding protein was a goal of mine to help the many people out there who say it’s too hard to reach their protein goal and/or they don’t know what to snack on. Slow down and enjoy one of these with a coffee or tea… you’ll feel like you’re indulging!

Dry Ingredients

½ cup whole wheat flour

½ cup all purpose flour

½ cup cacao powder

2 scoops chocolate protein

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup plain greek yogurt (I have used both 2% and 0% and both worked!)

½ cup brown sugar

2 large eggs beaten

2 tbsp safflower oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tbsp ground chia seeds (optional)

1 cup grated zucchini

½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips (I also enjoy this recipe with half this amount - but the boys prefer a little extra)

Preheat oven to 350ºF

Spray muffin tin lightly with oil

Whisk together dry ingredients and stir in chocolate chips.

Whisk together wet ingredients and zucchini.

Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until moistened.

Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.

Makes 12 Muffins

Notes:

I skip the muffin lines with this one because I hate when the muffin sticks to the liner and I want to enjoy ALL of this goodness. For that reason I usually gently run a butter knife around the edge of each muffin before popping them out.

Nutritional Information

Based on 1 Muffin

Calories 197

Fat 7g

Carbohydrates 26.8g

Protein 9.6g

*Nutritional information is based off a web-based nutrition application and results may vary depending on the brands and products used