These flourless Chocolate Protein Muffins pack in the nutrients but taste like a brownie. They are quickly mixed up in a blender and have so many nutrients tucked inside. Plus: They store so well in the fridge!
Chocolate Protein Muffins
Muffins are one of those foods that we like to have in the house for easy breakfasts and snacks since they store so well in the fridge and are so easy to eat. These protein muffins taste like a moist brownie but have a load of nutrition inside…including veggies!
Honestly, you’d never know they were in there, but it’s nice to get in a little extra nutrition, right?
I don’t advocate sneaking veggies into everything we serve our kids—we want (and need!) our kids to trust us with the food we feed them—so I love making these with my kids and having them help me add the ingredients.
The zucchini, kale, and ripe banana adds moisture and flavor. The cocoa powder makes each bite super chocolatey, which my little taste testers think they is super yummy.
I love these healthy chocolate muffins since they are packed with protein and healthy fats, which means they provide nicely balanced and long-lasting energy for our busy little people. Plus, the texture is super soft and moist, which makes them easy for younger toddlers to chew and swallow.
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe you’ll need the following ingredients so you know what to have on hand or pick up at the store.
- Peanut butter: This provides the base for the muffins. I usually use unsweetened creamy peanut butter. You can use sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free as you like.
- Eggs: I use large eggs in baking, and in this recipe they help the ingredients hold together nicely, which is key since there isn’t any flour.
- Honey (or maple syrup): This is my preferred sweetener here. Avoid honey for kids under age 1.
- Raw zucchini (or yellow summer squash): This veggie is great in the mix since it blends in so well. If you don’t have any, just double the banana.
- Kale (or spinach): I prefer to use greens I’ve frozen to knock down the “green” flavor, but fresh ones will work, too.
- Ripe banana: Use bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Cocoa powder: I use unsweetened cocoa powder and usually buy SACO or Hershey’s Special Dark.
TIP: Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the process involved in making this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the bottom for all of the info.
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend, stopping to scrape down the sides or move the mixture around with the stick that came with it (if you got one).
- Divide batter in a greased muffin tin. Top with chocolate chips if using.
- Bake and test for doneness with toothpick or cake tester. Let cool.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to get them out of the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our kids are usually getting plenty of protein without us worrying too much about it, but it is an essential nutrient for balanced energy. Each regularly sized muffin has 7 grams of protein which is a nice dose!
You can use a food processor though definitely let it process for at least a minute to try to get the greens fully blended. A blender usually makes a more uniform texture, which is why I use it here.
You can bake these as full size muffins or minis, depending on your preference. And this batter also works in a donut pan should you want to go that route. It’s nice that it’s so versatile so you can adjust for the appetites in your household.
I’m always amazed at the texture of these muffins, which is light and moist. I tend to like the flavor better when these are served chilled, but taste them both ways and see what you think.
What’s the best way to clean a blender?
This batter is a little sticky due to the volume of nut butter, so here’s the best way to clean your blender.
- Fill the blender 1/2-¾ full of warm to hot water. Add a squirt of dish soap.
- Put the top on securely and blend, starting on low and working up to high. Keep going until the sides of the blender are clean. (Any stuck on batter will come off from the friction of the water!)
- Rinse out.
How to Store
Store for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Best Tips for Success
- Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
- If your peanut butter has been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for an hour before using OR warm for 15 seconds in the microwave.
- Spray your measuring cup with nonstick spray before measuring the honey to make it easier to pour out.
- Stir a handful of chocolate chips into the batter to make it slightly sweeter.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to get them out of the pan.
- I find that these taste best with greens that have been frozen and once the muffins have been fully cooled (and even chilled in the fridge for a bit!).
- Dice the muffin for little ones as needed.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share!
Chocolate Protein Muffins (With Veggies!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (almond butter or sunflower seed butter)
- 1 cup roughly chopped very ripe banana
- 1 cup roughly chopped raw zucchini (if you don't have zucchini, use 2 cups banana)
- 1 cup kale leaves (lightly packed; or spinach)
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a mini or standard-size muffin tin with nonstick spray or line with paper liners.
- Fill muffin cups about ½ full using about ¼ cup batter in each. Top with chocolate chips, if using.
- For regular muffins: Bake 20-22 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For mini muffins (or a donut pan): Bake 12-14 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, run a knife around the edges, and carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Store for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
- We prefer to eat these cold.
- Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Egg-free: Use a liquid egg substitute such as Just Eggs.
- If your peanut butter has been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for an hour before using OR warm for 15 seconds in the microwave.
- Spray your measuring cup with nonstick spray before measuring the honey to make it easier to pour out.
- Stir a handful of chocolate chips into the batter to make it slightly sweeter.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to get them out of the pan.
- I find that these taste best with greens that have been frozen and once the muffins have been fully cooled (and even chilled in the fridge for a bit!).
Nutrition
This post was originally published June 2019.
My 20 month old is so picky with veggies lately! She only drinks them out of the lower sugar pouches. I LOVE that these are delicious and healthy for her! My husband, out toddler and I all ate these out of the oven when they were finally cool enough! I made them into mini muffins, they are so great to freeze and have a stash ready for snack time! Thank you for another delicious muffin go to!
Yay!
What is the actual serving size for the nutrition facts? 1,2,3 muffins?
1 muffin. (the recipe makes 12 standard muffins)
I made these this morning and can confirm they are delicious, especially straight from the oven. Notes: I had success using food processor, but processed my banana and veggies (spinach and 1 small zucchini) first. Sunbutter tasted great. I added allergen free mini chocolate chips. I’m currently dairy free but will def continue making these when that’s no longer an issue (even though we have no dietary restrictions).
What could I use to substitute some or all of the banana? My toddler deals with chronic constipation and we try to avoid bananas due to their “binding” nature. Thank you!
Usually applesauce and mashed roasted sweet potato works in place of banana in baked goods though I can’t say for sure since I haven’t tried them in this recipe. Let me know if you try it!
I used sweet potato and a little bit of applesauce and they turned out great! They have a slight”health-food” aftertaste from the veggies ? but the cocoa and chocolate chips make it feel like a treat! My 2 year old gobbled hers right up! ? Thank you for the recipe and substitution suggestion!
I just made this and it was a super hit for all ages! I would recommend not putting in the peanut butter first if using a vitamix! Had a hard time getting it all to mix. Next time will blend the veggies first and then add in other ingredients. Will def make this one again!
Great tip, thanks for sharing!
Can you use WOW butter instead of sun butter?
I haven’t tried it but I would think so.
Do you recomm3end a flax or chia egg to substitute?
I prefer chia seeds.
I am always looking to hide veggies and this is an easy way. I think I will add more kale next time, I didn’t know how much to put. They taste very good but the consistency is a bit mushy on the inside.
Hi
Can I use spinach and honey instead of kale or the 2 won’t mix well?
Thank you
Spinach should be fine!
I have been looking for an easy breakfast alternative for my picky little sweet tooth. I might have used too much kale because they had a green tint. I was worried she wouldn’t touch them, but she devoured them!
I will say that I don’t recommend doubling the recipe. They were super hard to blend well in my vitamin because the batter is so thick, but they still came out great!
Thanks for this!
I’m glad she liked them and I could see that being an issue with a double recipe! Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it!
Awesome Recipe! My 3 yr old loved them. Super moist and silky smooth. Didn’t have cocoa powder so we used 100% cacao baking chocolate and blended it a tad longer in the vitamix.We have gluten, dairy, and soy allergies so we used allergy friendly chocolate chips on top. This recipe is a keeper!
I’m so glad that you and your kiddo enjoyed these and I’m glad that the baking chocolate worked out well!
Hi, can these be freezed? How long can i keep frozen? TIA!
You can freeze them, once cooled fully, in an airtight zip top bag for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp!
Can I use spinach instead of Kale? And can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes and yes! Spinach and maple syrup will work great!
is there anything I can use to substitute the 3 eggs? my son has allergies.
I have made them with chia eggs in place of the eggs. If you try it, know that you should do them as minis and they’ll need to bake for at least 10 minutes longer since they are very wet. (It would likely turn out better if you presided the zucchini/summer squash and squeeze all the liquid out before adding to the blender.) Let me know if you have any other questions!
What is the purpose for the flax seed? Would chia seeds work as a substitute?
It helps bind the batter. I haven’t tried it with chia seeds but I bet it would work just as well!
Any suggestions on what to use to bind instead of flax or chia? We have severe flax allergies!