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.
When you say 1 kale, do you mean 1 bag or 1 leaf?!
It says 1 cup kale leaves in the recipe at the end of the post. Hope that helps!
I cannot believe how tasty and healthy this muffins are. My two year old helped me make them and ate 5 mini muffins once they were slightly cooled, and I didn’t feel a single ounce of guilt (I also ate a few ;-)). Will definitely be making these again!
Trying to trouble shoot…. Mine came out almost raw/fudge texture? I sprayed my muffin paper cups because other people said they were sticky and they still stuck? I’m not sure what I did wrong. Is it just the result of no flour or oats to bind properly? I kept putting back in the oven because I assumed they weren’t baked enough but it didn’t help. My older kids didn’t really like them, my 1y isn’t picky so she ate. Idk?
Was the baking powder and baking soda fresh? That’s the usual reason when muffins don’t bake through. I’m sorry you had that result though!
I’ve admittedly never bought kale before but after seeing this recipe show up on your stories, I decided to give it a shot. My 3-yo devoured it so this one is definitely going into regular rotation. I struggle to find ways to give him enough protein and I love that this is packed with all the good things! Highly recommend!
Can I make these without any sunflower or nut butter? I want to make them for my little ones class but I don’t have any sunflower for nut free 😔
Maybe try this recipe instead? https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/fluffy-chocolate-muffins
Hi! might you use frozen bananas? would that work? thanks for your delightful content. –mama of 2 yo and 5 yo chocolate fans
I think it would work similarly as long as they aren’t too icy. If they are, thaw first, drain off the liquid, then use. Enjoy!
These were amazing, wanted to comment because I’m making them for the 2nd time in less than a week. I subbed grated carrots for the zucchini. My 3 year old & 18 mo old (and wife and father in law) loved them. We couldn’t believe they were flourless. Have extra kale on hand, will give that a try instead of the spinach. Thank you!
For being loaded with veggies and flourless, these have no business being this good!!! We adjusted the level of sweet and amount of chocolate to make them a treat and my toddler prefers these over the actual sweets in our house-what a win for a picky toddler!
Thank you so much Amy for such a delicious recipe that is packed with veggies and nutrition!! I was very impressed that it tasted just like a regular chocolate muffin! Definitely adding this to our breakfast/snack rotation!
Came out very well! Sweet, fluffy and great way to feel less guilty of introducing chocolate (cocoa) to my toddler since it’s nutritious, not just empty carbs! Easy to make.
Delicious, super easy and guilt free!
Do you think Almond butter can be used in place of Peanut butter?
Sure, that should work similarly.
My ultimate mom food. My two toddlers love them but truthfully I make them for me! This recipe is incredible. Super easy to throw together and I feel so nourished when I eat them. I never leave out the chocolate chips though. A weekly make in my house. Freeze well.
Picky eater approved! And I prefer if he has more than 1!!
What weight of frozen spinach would you recommend for this recipe? Thanks!