These flourless Chocolate Protein Muffins pack in the nutrients and can be quickly mixed up in a blender. They even have kale, zucchini, and lots of healthy fats tucked inside—and you’ll love how well they store in the fridge!
Protein Muffins
Protein MuffinsMuffins 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?
Healthy Chocolate Muffins
I don’t advocate sneaking veggies into everything we serve our kids, but this chocolate muffins recipe does have both fruit and veggies in the mix because I realized they help to create a super moist texture. There’s zucchini and kale, and also ripe banana. The cocoa powder makes each bite super chocolatey, so my little taste testers think they are super yummy.
I love these muffins since they are packed with protein and healthy fats, which means that 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.
TIP: Dice the muffin for little ones about 16 months old and younger so it’s easier for them to chew—and to avoid them from stuffing large pieces into their mouths.
Ingredients in this Protein Muffins Recipe
To make this recipe you’ll need:
- Peanut butter or Sunbutter
- Eggs
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Zucchini (or yellow summer squash)
- Kale (or spinach)
- Ripe banana
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
TIP: Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Protein Muffins Step-by-Step
Here’s a look at the process involved in making this recipe. Scroll to the bottom for all of the info.
- Start by gathering your ingredients. Your banana should be super ripe for optimal sweetness.
- 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 one did).
- Divide batter in a greased muffin tin. Top with chocolate chips if using.
- Bake and let cool.
TIP: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to get them out of the pan.
Can I make this protein muffin recipe without a blender?
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.
Protein Muffins Without Protein Powder
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!
Can I make these muffins mini?
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.
What’s the best way to clean a blender?
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 1/2-3/4 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.
Can I make these healthy chocolate muffins nut-free?
You can use Sunbutter to make them nut-free in the case of allergies and the recipe will work the same. They will have a faint taste of Sunbutter though, so do be sure your kids like that flavor.
What’s the texture like in these Gluten-Free chocolate muffins?
I’m always amazed at the texture of these muffins, which is light and moist. They don’t have any flour in them, so they almost can’t turn out dense. I tend to like the flavor better when these are served chilled, but taste them both ways and see what you think.
Tips for Making the Best Protein Muffins
- 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.
- Dice the muffin for little ones about 16 months old and younger.
- 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.
I’d love to know what your family thinks of this recipe so please comment below with feedback if you try it!
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
Method:
Cuisine:
Print
PinDescription
These simple blender muffins pack a serious nutrition punch and are dairy-free, with a nut-free option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter or Sunbutter
- 1 cup roughly chopped very ripe banana
- 1 cup roughly chopped zucchini (or summer squash)
- 1 handful kale (or spinach)
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a mini or standard size muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend until very smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender and/or using the stick that came with it to move the ingredients around if needed.
- Fill muffin cups about 1/2 full using about 1/4 cup batter in each. Top with chocolate chips, if using.
- For regular muffins: Bake 22-24 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly.
- For mini muffins (or a donut pan): Bake 14-16 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, run a knife around the edges, and carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
I use natural unsweetened peanut butter in this recipe.
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.
Dice the muffin for little ones about 16 months old and younger.
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.
I left out the flax seed because I didn’t have any on hand. I am now reading the comments that I should have added a substitute. The texture seemed okay, but the flavor was just blah, and neither of my kids would eat them.
★★★
Not even with chocolate chips? Sometimes kids like them better once they are duly cooled and cold from the fridge.
My little is allergic to eggs…any good substitutes?
I don’t have an egg-free option for this one (it’s harder when there’s no flour) but my Spinach Banana Muffins have a really great egg-free option if you want to check those out!
Can I use frozen bananas and kale? Excited to make this for my toddler, thank you!
Sure! I would thaw the bananas first I think and use about 1/4 cup of the frozen kale.
I don’t have zucchini. Could I use peas or riced cauliflower? If so, how much?
Of those two I think the riced cauliflower would work. I’d do 1/2 cup
I made this recipe and used flour as a substitute for ground flax. Worked perfectly and my hard to please toddler has loved these. I have never left a comment on any page, but this was such a success for our household and I wanted to say thank you for sharing your recipe 😊
★★★★★
I’m so glad to hear that and thank you for letting me know!
I have some grated beets – can I add those? IF yes, what should I omit to balance out the flavor?
I haven’t tried this with beets so I can’t say for sure. Let me know if you give it a shot!
WOW this recipe is amazing, I cannot get over the amount of veggies/fruit/protein in them and they are delicious! My kids and nieces and nephews scarfed them up with no clue as to all the wonderful veggies etc they were consuming! LOVE These!
★★★★★
Has anyone tried this with PB powder? Wonder how to adapt with the change in moisture level?
So good! My toddler cried after they were all gone 😂
★★★★★
These muffins are delicious! My 18 month old is a picky eater and loves them. Keep the hidden veggie recipes coming!
What can I use instead of ground flaxseed? Is chia ok? And if so should I grind it first in a blender or something?
You can use instant oats or flour if that’s a better option for you.
Is the quantity the same if we use oats or flour instead of flax? Thanks!
Yes!
What’s a good substitute for the zucchini? Thank you.
You can use yellow summer squash
Do you suggest using unsweetened or sweetened cocoa powder? Salted or unsalted butter?
unsweetened cocoa powder and unsalted butter (though salted butter would work too if that’s all you have)
Do you have a recommendation on what I can use in place of the banana? My son is allergic. Thanks!
Typically, applesauce or mashed roasted sweet potato are good substitutions for mashed banana.
Is it ok to lower or omit the honey/maple syrup? Thanks!
I haven’t tried it without it and you’d want to use very, very ripe bananas to make sure they are sweet enough. If you do want to omit it, I’d replace it with either plain yogurt or applesauce so the overall volume remains the same. Let me know if you try it!
Can you sub almond butter for peanut? In most Australian schools peanuts are banned so wanted to make these as a treat for school…
Yes, that should be fine
Is there a substitute for the flax meal? Or can I leave it out? I don’t have any and don’t want to buy it for such a small amount. Thank you!
I’ve only made them with flaxseed but I bet that chia seeds or instant oatmeal (or slightly ground up regular oatmeal) or even regular flour would work instead.
Do you need to peel the zucchini or get some of the water of out them before putting them in the blender?
Nope!
I’ve read that many of the cacao powders contain cadmium which makes me worried. Is there a brand you found that doesn’t have cadmium?
Do you remember where you read that?