There is something incredibly comforting about a muffin that combines rich chocolate flavor with the nutty goodness of almond butter. The Chocolate Almond Butter Swirl Muffins Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate. These muffins bring together a perfectly tender crumb laced with cocoa and a luscious almond butter swirl that adds just the right touch of sweetness and creaminess. Whether you are craving a cozy breakfast, a mid-day pick-me-up, or a decadent snack, this recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and inviting color that makes these muffins irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our muffins, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, chocolatey richness without extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives an added lift, making the crumb soft and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for perfect texture.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and keeps the muffins moist; you can substitute with milk plus lemon juice if needed.
- 1/2 cup vegetable or melted coconut oil: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Little bursts of melty chocolate for extra indulgence.
- 1/4 cup almond butter (smooth or crunchy): For the signature swirl that makes these muffins so special.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey: Sweetener to elevate the almond butter’s flavor in the swirl.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the swirl): Adds a lovely depth to the almond butter mixture.
How to Make Chocolate Almond Butter Swirl Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This ensures the muffins release easily once baked and keeps clean-up simple.
Step 2: Make the Almond Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This luscious swirl is what transforms these muffins from delicious to downright dreamy.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Doing this ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a consistent rise.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This mixture brings both moisture and sweetness to the batter.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly OK and keep the muffins tender. If you’d like, fold in the chocolate chips now for some extra chocolate magic.
Step 6: Assemble the Muffins
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Drop a small spoonful of the almond butter mixture onto the center of each muffin cup. Using a toothpick or knife, swirl the almond butter gently into the batter to create an inviting marble effect that will become your signature feature.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch for a few crumbs sticking to the toothpick if you included chocolate chips, but no wet batter should remain.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack so they can cool completely. This step lets the flavors settle and keeps the texture just right.
How to Serve Chocolate Almond Butter Swirl Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top can add an inviting finishing touch. For a little extra delight, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over warm muffins to enhance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a creamy cup of coffee, a latte, or a chai tea latte for a cozy treat. They also go splendidly with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these muffins on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of almond butter and chocolate spread for dipping. They’re also perfect when sliced in half and lightly toasted, revealing the beautiful chocolate swirl and giving a warm, melty almond butter center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed maintains their moistness and preserves the dreamy swirl inside.
Freezing
These muffins freeze beautifully! Place cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months, making them perfect for batch prepping.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover muffins warm, pop them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or heat briefly in a toaster oven. The almond butter swirl will soften, creating an irresistible warm center.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter makes a great substitute and will give a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor to the swirl. Just keep the quantities the same.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. This combination mimics the acidity of buttermilk and helps the muffins stay tender and fluffy.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but the taste will be just as wonderful.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing after baking?
Definitely. These muffins freeze well and can be thawed and reheated effortlessly to enjoy fresh-tasting treats anytime you want.
Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
Yes, the chocolate chips are optional. The almond butter swirl and cocoa batter provide plenty of chocolate flavor on their own, but chocolate chips add a nice melty touch if you like extra chocolate.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Chocolate Almond Butter Swirl Muffins Recipe enough for anyone looking to bake something both simple and extraordinary. The harmony of deep chocolate and rich almond butter creates a sensory experience that delights with every bite. Whip up a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the cozy, joyful moments these muffins bring to your table. You truly deserve to have these in your recipe collection!
Print
Chocolate Almond Butter Swirl Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Almond Butter Swirl Muffins combine rich cocoa flavor with a luscious almond butter swirl for a deliciously moist and decadent treat. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins are easy to prepare and feature a balance of chocolate and nutty almond butter with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup or honey.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Almond Butter Swirl:
- 1/4 cup almond butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing the cups to prevent sticking.
- Make the almond butter swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Prepare the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, vegetable or coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender muffins. If desired, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add bursts of chocolate in each bite.
- Assemble the muffins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each about two-thirds full. Drop a small spoonful of the almond butter mixture onto the center of each muffin. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the almond butter into the batter, creating a marbled pattern.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached (not wet batter).
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring the best texture.
- Serve: Enjoy these moist and flavorful chocolate almond butter swirl muffins warm or at room temperature as a delightful breakfast or snack option.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute and coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Using room temperature ingredients helps to blend the batter evenly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light and tender crumb.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- The optional chocolate chips add extra richness but can be omitted for a less sweet muffin.
- Swirling the almond butter gently creates a beautiful marble effect and prevents it from sinking to the bottom.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
