Description
Sweet Spinach Muffins are a delightful blend of wholesome spinach and a touch of sweetness, offering a unique yet delicious twist on the traditional muffin. These muffins are soft, moist, and naturally colored by spinach, making them a fun and nutritious option for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. With a subtle sweetness from ingredients like honey and vanilla, these muffins are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of green to their day without sacrificing flavor. They’re a great way to sneak in some vegetables while still enjoying a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach (about 3 cups before chopping)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra moisture)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
Ingredient Highlights
- Spinach: The main ingredient in these muffins, spinach adds nutrients like iron, fiber, and vitamins, while also contributing moisture and a slight earthiness.
- Honey: Naturally sweet, honey helps to sweeten these muffins while maintaining a healthier profile.
- Greek Yogurt: Adding Greek yogurt gives these muffins extra moisture and protein, making them even more filling.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the muffins stay soft and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to the flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Blend the Spinach: Place the fresh spinach in a blender or food processor with a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons). Blend until smooth and the spinach is finely pureed. This ensures that the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the muffins.
Make the Muffin Batter:
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, vanilla extract, milk, melted butter, and Greek yogurt (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- Add Spinach Puree: Stir the spinach puree into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Muffins:
- Scoop the Batter: Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops of the muffins should be slightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-160 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 4g