Date-Sweetened Chocolate Muffins - Sweet, Soft & Nutritious

Looking for a delicious and nutritious treat? Date chocolate muffins might just be the perfect solution. These delectable baked goods offer a rich, indulgent flavor while also providing a dose of natural sweetness and fiber from the dates. Let's dive into the world of date chocolate muffins and discover what makes them so special.

What are Date Chocolate Muffins?

Date chocolate muffins are a delightful combination of moist, fluffy muffins infused with the deep, complex flavor of chocolate and the natural sweetness of dates. Dates, a fruit grown on the date palm tree, are often used as a healthier alternative to refined sugar in baking. When paired with chocolate in a muffin batter, they create a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why Choose Date Chocolate Muffins?

Not only are date chocolate muffins a delicious treat, but they also offer several nutritional benefits whilst satisfying any sweet tooth! Dates are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. By incorporating dates into your muffins, you are adding a natural sweetener that also provides some key nutrients. Plus, the combination of dates and chocolate creates a rich, indulgent flavor profile that is hard to resist.

Enjoying Date Chocolate Muffins

Date chocolate muffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the aroma fills the kitchen. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or breakfast treat. These muffins also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever a craving strikes. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, date chocolate muffins are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and natural sweetness.

 

Ingredients (Makes 12 muffins)

• 90 g Sukari dates, pitted
• 90 g Kholas dates, pitted
  (plus 12 extra for topping)
• 200 ml milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• 3 eggs, separated
• 4 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 100 g flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 80 g butter, softened (or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative)

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven

• Preheat your oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin cups or butter lightly if baking directly in the muffin tin.

2. Blend the dates

• In a blender or food processor, combine the pitted Sukari and Kholas dates with the milk and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth.

3. Add Egg Yolks and Butter

• Add the egg yolks and softened butter to the date mixture. Blend again until the mixture is creamy.

4. Beat Egg Whites

• In a seperate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. 

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

• Stir the flour and baking soda into the date-cocoa mixture.

6. Fold in Egg Whites

• Gently fold the beaten egg white into the batter.

7. Fill and Decorate

• Divide your batter into the prepared muffin tin. Top each muffin with a Sukari or Kholas date for an extra touch of sweetness. After baking, the dates will have a delicious little crunch!

8. Bake

• Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Alternatively, to eating them on their own, these muffins pair wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. For extra sweetness, drizzle a fair amount of date syrup before serving.

Storage Tips

Store your date chocolate muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. These muffins also freeze well, just pop in the oven for a fresh-baked taste and serve with your favorite toppings!

Variations

• Add 50g of chopped nuts of choice to the batter for extra crunch.
• Mix in 50g of chocolate chips for double-chocolate muffins.
• You can also tweak the Sukari to Kholas ratio, just make sure it adds up to about 180 grams.

Nutrition Information (Per Muffin)

Calories: ~ 177 kcal

Protein: ~ 3.8 g

Fat: ~ 7.5 g

Carbohydrates: ~ 24.5 g

We'd love to see your creations! Share your chocolate date muffins with us on Instagram @dattelmond or tag us using #dattelmond! Date good, all good!