Indulge in the decadent fusion of rich dark chocolate, juicy cherries, and fluffy muffins with my vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins recipe. These delightful treats are a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
By incorporating pureed dark cherries into the batter, I’ve crafted a moist and light muffin that doesn’t rely on heavy oils or butter. The substitution of oil with applesauce offers a healthier twist without compromising on taste. This recipe’s evolution from a higher fat content to a lighter, more wholesome version showcases that healthier alternatives can be just as delicious, if not more so.
Elevate your baking experience with these nutfree, vegan chocolate chip cherry muffins that are sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy the perfect harmony of chocolate and cherries in every bite, and savor the guilt-free pleasure of a treat that’s as delightful as it is wholesome.
Ingredients
In crafting these vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins, here are the key components that bring together the rich, fruity flavors with a touch of indulgent chocolate.
Vegan Cherry Dark Chocolate Chip Muffin Ingredients
- 360g Sour cherries (195g drained weight)
- 75g Margarine
- 90g Raw cane sugar
- 2 Flaxseed eggs
- 200g Spelt flour (alternatively gluten-free flour mixture)
- 2 tbsp Baking powder
- 15g Cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 30ml Plant milk
- 90g Dark vegan chocolate drops
- Instead of sour cherries, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
- Substituting spelt flour with a gluten-free flour blend can cater to gluten-sensitive individuals.
- If avoiding margarine, consider using coconut oil or vegan butter as alternatives.
- To enhance the chocolate burst, you can mix in additional chocolate chips or chunks for extra indulgence.
Equipment Needed
To make these delicious vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins, you’ll need to gather some basic kitchen equipment and tools. Having the right tools ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here are the essential items you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for blending all the ingredients together smoothly. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the batter comfortably.
- Utensils: Prepare your standard kitchen utensils such as measuring cups, spoons, a whisk, and a spatula for mixing and scooping the batter.
- Wire Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack is necessary to cool the muffins evenly once they come out of the oven. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Muffin Baking Pan: Use a muffin baking pan to shape the muffins into perfect portions. Make sure the pan is greased or lined with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Ice Cream Scoop: An ice cream scoop is a handy tool for evenly portioning out the muffin batter into the muffin cups. This ensures uniform muffins with consistent sizes.
Preparation
Preparing the Ingredients
To start making these delicious vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins, gather the following ingredients:
- 360g stoned cherries (frozen dark sweet pitted cherries work well)
- 100g good-quality dark chocolate
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking these delightful muffins.
Instructions
In creating these vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins, the key lies in the harmonious mixing of dry and wet ingredients, followed by the gentle folding of cherries and dark chocolate chips into the batter. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to achieve these delectable treats.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for the perfect baking environment.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of spelt flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and cocoa powder.
- Stir the dry ingredients together until well blended, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and flavors.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix together 75g of margarine, 90g of raw cane sugar, and 2 flaxseed eggs until creamy.
- Pour in the measured 200g of non-dairy milk and oil mixture, stirring gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Check for a smooth and creamy consistency before proceeding.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter without any lumps.
- The dark cherries and approximately three-quarters of the dark vegan chocolate drops should be carefully folded into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the thick batter into your prepared muffin liners, filling each cup nearly to the top for beautifully risen muffin tops.
- If desired, add a final touch by sprinkling extra dark chocolate chips and cherries on top of each muffin before they head into the oven.
- Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and have a lovely golden-brown color.
- Allow the muffins to cool slightly before indulging in the irresistible combination of juicy cherries and rich dark chocolate in each bite.
By following these detailed steps, you will soon be savoring the delightful outcome of these vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins.
Baking
After preparing the muffin batter, the next steps involve filling the muffin tin and setting the ideal baking time and temperature for perfectly baked vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins.
Filling the Muffin Tin
Scoop the prepared muffin batter into a greased muffin tin to ensure even and consistent muffins. Using an ice cream scoop can help maintain uniformity in size, making the baking process easier and cleaner. Fill each muffin mold about ¾ full to allow the muffins to rise correctly during baking.
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) for optimal baking conditions. Once the muffin batter is evenly distributed in the muffin tin, place it in the preheated oven. Bake the muffins for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time and temperature will yield perfectly risen muffins with a golden-brown hue, ready to be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving and Presentation
Cooling and Serving
Once the vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins are out of the oven, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. This short resting period helps prevent the muffins from getting soggy bottoms. Afterward, transfer the muffins onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Serving these delights warm or at room temperature enhances their flavors.
Presentation Tips
For an attractive presentation, consider sprinkling a few extra dark chocolate chips and cherry halves on top of the batter before baking. This not only adds a pop of color but also makes the muffins visually appealing. Another presentation tip is to serve the muffins on a decorative platter or wooden board. Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate the visual appeal further. Remember, presentation plays a significant role in enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage Tips
When storing vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins, ensuring proper storage methods helps maintain their freshness and flavor.
Short-Term Storage
For short-term storage, allow the muffins to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the muffins at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To retain moisture, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container.
Freezing and Long-Term Storage
To freeze the muffins for long-term storage, individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, the muffins can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the muffins at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Conclusion
In crafting these vegan cherry dark chocolate chip muffins, I’ve discovered a delightful fusion of flavors that cater to both the sweet tooth and the health-conscious. By embracing wholesome ingredients like cherries, applesauce, and dark chocolate, this recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste. The versatility of this recipe opens doors to endless possibilities, allowing for personal touches and creative adaptations. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a midday snack, these muffins are sure to satisfy cravings while nourishing the body. With a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, anyone can whip up a batch of these scrumptious muffins to share with loved ones or savor on their own. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of vegan baking at its finest.