Thursday, September 13, 2012

Vegan Double Chocolate Muffins (An After-School Snack)


It's just week two of back-to-school for my kids, and I'm already running out of good ideas for healthy (to reasonably healthy) after-school snacks. The kids come home from school super hungry and don't want to wait even a second longer for something to munch on. If their snack isn't on the table when they get in, they start pulling random things from the fridge and the cupboards - and that probably won't turn out to be the most nourishing option. In fact, as soon as my son gets off the bus, he says, "What are we having for snack?"
With this in mind, yesterday I created this seemingly quite decadent recipe for vegan double chocolate muffins. I am of the belief that homemade equals healthy, even if it's homemade with sugar and chocolate chips. At least you get good quality, natural ingredients and no unknown and possibly frightening ingredients. I also added oatmeal to boost the healthiness factor. And I added shredded coconut just for fun. The recipe calls for egg replacer powder, but you can also use a flax "egg" by combining a tablespoon of ground flax with three tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture together in a little bowl and let it thicken for a few minutes before adding it to the recipe.

These muffins call for simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. And they are fast and easy to whip together.

Turns out, I think my husband and I enjoyed the tasty, chocolatey goodness of these dairy-free, egg-free muffins even more than the kids did. We marked the end of a long day by sampling a couple of muffins along with a hot cup of tea after the kids were tucked in their beds.

What snacks do your kids enjoy having after school? Are you a fan of homemade muffins? What's your own favourite snack?


Vegan Double Chocolate Muffins



by Joann MacDonald
Bake Time: 20 to 25 minutes







Ingredients (10 to 12 muffins)
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy or coconut)
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 1 cup flour (I use light spelt)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 5 Tbsp cocoa
  • 3 Tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1 cup semi-sweet (non-dairy) chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp egg replacer powder mixed with 2 Tbsp water or a flax egg
  • ¼ cup light oil (olive or grapeseed)
Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a small bowl, stir together the non-dairy milk and the oats. Put aside.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cocoa, shredded coconut and chocolate chips.

Stir in the egg replacer, oil and the oat mixture.

Line a muffin tray with paper cups or spray with cooking spray. Divide batter among 12 muffin cups.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until top looks dry or knife in the centre comes out clean (aside from melted chocolate chips).

16 comments:

  1. Those look deeelicious! I should do this printable recipe thing that you do. Makes it so nice and convenient!

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    1. It IS very convenient. I like that it prints with a photo too. I even print my own recipes this way, and keep them in a file folder. :)

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  2. Chocolate and oatmeal and coconut in a muffin sound awesome! That just what I want right now (instead of dinner).

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    1. Sometimes you just gotta skip dinner and eat what you want. ;)

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  3. Those look delicious {as always}! Love muffins, though lately my preferred snack has been Cheddar Nut-Thins... they are cheese & crackers in one yummy bite lol

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    1. Variety is good when it comes to snacks. The more the better! ;)

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  4. I think that homemade is better too even if it does contain sugar, cocoa and chocolate chips. Store bought contains so much other stuff. I drink a lot of tea and it is nice to have a cup in the evening with a sweet treat.

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    1. You are so right! I like to know what's in my food. And it better not be MSG. I am with you on the tea and treat in the evening. Totally. Every evening!

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  5. Just one word for these...YUM!

    I know my kids would die for them after school. I will have to get crackin' and make some for them.

    Happy Monday Joann :)

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    1. Thanks Rachel. We have lucky kids, if I do say so myself. ;)

      Happy Monday to you too!

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  6. Replies
    1. You can never have too much chocolate right? Okay, maybe you can. ;)

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  7. We are women in real life aren't we! How could one pass up Chocolate Chocolate Chip muffins, seriously! Looking so good and yummy! Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!

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  8. These look awesome Joann! I could definitely make these gluten free!

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    1. I bet you could. If you do, I would like to try your recipe too! :)

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