Craving the classic chocolate peanut butter combo? These healthy chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins are the perfect solution. Packed with flavor, they make a great quick breakfast or snack, all while being low in Weight Watchers points. The swirl of peanut butter on top ensures every bite is bursting with that delicious peanut butter taste.
What sets these muffins apart is their low sugar content, with just two tablespoons used throughout the whole recipe. Compare that to the usual cup of sugar in most muffin recipes, and you’ll see how these flavors truly shine. If peanut butter isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it with almond or cashew butter. Give these muffins a try for a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your chocolate and peanut butter cravings.
Ingredients
Creating these delectable chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins requires specific ingredients for the muffin base, the chocolate swirl, and the peanut butter swirl.
For the Muffin Base
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Low-fat skim milk
- Vanilla
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Lily’s dark chocolate chips
- Melted peanut butter
For the Chocolate Swirl
- Semisweet chocolate squares (such as Baker’s), chopped
- Confectioners sugar (aka powdered and icing sugar)
Required Tools and Equipment
To create these delicious chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here are the items you should have prepared before getting started:
Tools:
- Muffin Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan will be essential for baking the muffins.
- Muffin Liners: These will help prevent the muffins from sticking to the pan and make for easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a couple of mixing bowls on hand for combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: To ensure all ingredients are well mixed and incorporated.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking, so have these on standby.
- Spatula: For folding in the ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Toothpick: To test the doneness of the muffins before removing them from the oven.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature before starting to bake.
- Microwave or Double Boiler: For melting the peanut butter and chocolate chips for the swirl.
- Cooling Rack: To allow the muffins to cool properly once baked.
- Timer: To keep track of baking times and ensure your muffins come out perfectly cooked.
Having these tools and equipment ready will make the baking process a breeze and ensure that your chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins turn out beautifully.
Prep Work
Before diving into the baking process, let’s get everything ready for these delectable chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins.
Preparing Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients: ripe bananas, maple syrup, eggs, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and butter or cooking spray for greasing the muffin tins.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and ensure it reaches the right temperature before you start mixing your batter. A well-preheated oven is key to perfectly baked muffins.
Instructions
Mixing the Muffin Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 12-hole regular-sized muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, for about 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder until well combined.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter and gently fold them in.
- Divide the batter evenly over the 12 muffin cups.
Creating the Swirls
- In a small bowl, melt the peanut butter in the microwave for 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted peanut butter on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick to swirl the peanut butter into the batter quickly before it hardens.
- Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with the prepared batter.
- Optionally, drop small dollops of peanut butter on top of each muffin.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the muffins in the oven at 350F for 20 minutes. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Note: Nutrition information for 1 muffin – Calories: 101, Fat: 4 g, Saturated fat: 1.15 g, Carbs: 14 g, Fiber: 2.4 g, Sugars: 4 g, Sodium: 49 mg, Protein: 5 g.
Cooking
Initial High-Temperature Baking
When baking these delectable chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins, it’s crucial to start off at a high temperature of 425ºF. This initial high temperature creates a rapid rise in the batter, setting the outer surface quickly and producing the sought-after domed shape.
Lowering the Temperature
After the initial burst of heat, lower the oven temperature to 350ºF. This adjustment allows the muffins to bake evenly, ensuring they are cooked through while maintaining their beautifully domed tops. The combination of high and low temperatures in the baking process results in perfectly textured muffins with a delightful peanut butter swirl.
Assemble
Assembling these delectable chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins is as fun as it is rewarding. Here’s how you can put the finishing touches before baking:
Tips for Perfect Muffins
Achieving Bakery Style Texture
To achieve that coveted bakery-style texture in your muffins, make sure to fill each muffin cup no more than 2/3 full. This allows the batter room to rise and creates those beautifully domed tops that we all love. Additionally, starting with a high baking temperature around 425°F helps the muffins rise quickly, while lowering the temperature to 350°F afterwards ensures even baking throughout. These steps guarantee moist, tender muffins with a professional finish.
Achieving the Perfect Swirl
Creating a flawless swirl in your chocolate peanut butter muffins is easier than you think. After filling each muffin cup with batter, add a dollop of melted peanut butter on top. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter for a marbled effect. This step adds a delightful peanut butter taste throughout the muffin, giving each bite a sweet surprise. Remember, a perfect swirl not only enhances the visual appeal but also integrates the flavors beautifully.
Storing and Serving
How to Store
Once your chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container. These muffins stay fresh for up to 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for a couple of months.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful treat, serve these chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins slightly warm. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter makes them a perfect breakfast companion or a delicious snack. Enjoy them on their own or pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a satisfying experience.
Conclusion
These chocolate peanut butter swirl muffins are a delightful treat for any time of day. With their low Weight Watchers points and minimal sugar content, they offer a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed by all. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can create bakery-style muffins with a perfect swirl of peanut butter throughout. Remember to store them properly to maintain their freshness and enjoy them warm for the best experience. These muffins are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to satisfy your sweet cravings. Try making them at home and treat yourself to a tasty snack that you can feel good about.