Chocolate Muffins with Apple Sauce (without butter): Light and Tasty!
This recipe allows you to achieve incredibly soft and moist muffins, with a touch of natural sweetness from the apple sauce. The combination of chocolate and apple is a timeless classic that finds its best expression in a light and irresistible dessert.
The Magic of Softness: A Butter-Free Dessert That Will Amaze You
Dear food lovers, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy a delicious dessert for breakfast or a snack without feeling guilty, I have the perfect solution for you: chocolate muffins with apple sauce (without butter)! Forget about heavy butter-laden muffins; these are a real cloud of lightness. The secret ingredient? The apple sauce, which not only cleverly replaces butter but also provides incredible softness and moisture. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with the intense taste of chocolate perfectly blending with the delicate sweetness of the apple. It’s proof that you can indulge without the guilt. The preparation is so simple and quick that it will become your ace up your sleeve for any occasion, from family breakfasts to impromptu snacks.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 12 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Fall, Winter, and Spring
- Energy 224.79 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 32.28 (g) of which sugars 14.02 (g)
- Proteins 4.46 (g)
- Fat 10.39 (g) of which saturated 2.20 (g)of which unsaturated 6.03 (g)
- Fibers 2.32 (g)
- Sodium 105.99 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 237 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.42 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 0.63 cup apple (cooked)
- 1 egg
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips
Tools
- Hand Whisk Fackelmann Kitchen Whisk, Stainless Steel, Silver, 11 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches
- Electric Whisk Moulinex HM450 PrepMix, Electric Mixer, 450 W Power, 5 Adjustable Speeds and a Turbo Button, 2 Stainless Steel Blades, 2 Kneading Hooks, Comfortable Use, White and Gray
- Muffin Pan Lagostina Gustosa 12 Muffin Non-Stick Steel Pan for Oven, Black, 15 x 10.63 inches
- Baking Cups Zenker Set 100 pcs Paper Cups for Muffins and Cup Cakes Resistant to High Temperatures, Disposable Max Recommended Temperature 428°F Dimensions Ø2.75 x 1.18 inches
Steps
Prepare the apple sauce: Peel and cut the apples into cubes. Put them in a saucepan with a little water and cook on low heat until soft. Mash them with a fork or blend to obtain a smooth puree. Let it cool completely.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well with a whisk.
Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg with the sugar. Add the oil, milk, and cooled apple sauce. Mix until smooth.
Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula just until combined. The batter should remain lumpy, do not overmix. Finally, add the chocolate chips.
Bake: Distribute the batter into the muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Test doneness: Do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.
Storage, notes, tips, variations, for chocolate muffins with apple sauce (without butter)
Flavor variations: For an extra touch, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger powder to the batter. You can also substitute the dark chocolate chips with white chocolate, chopped nuts, or raisins.
Storage: The muffins keep perfectly in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For extended freshness, you can freeze them in a food bag and thaw at room temperature when needed.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is the secret of apple sauce in the batter?
When added to the batter, it acts as a natural binder, eliminating the need for butter or large amounts of oil. Cooked apple releases moisture, ensuring that the muffins remain soft and don’t dry out, a common issue in many butter-free recipes. The result is a muffin that remains fresh even after days.
