Healthy Black Forest Muffins With Cherry And Chocolate

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‘Tis the season to indulge in the warmth and joy of Christmas, and what better way to celebrate than with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen? Today, we’re bringing a twist to a classic favourite with our Healthy Black Forest Muffins with Chocolate and Cherry—a delightful fusion of festive flavours that are sure to delight your taste buds. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with the timeless combination of chocolate and cherry, these muffins not only make for a delicious Christmas dessert or snack but also serve as a guilt-free indulgence for those mindful of their health during the holiday season. They’re also dairy-free thanks to swapping butter for nutritional avocado

What are black forest muffins?

Black Forest cake, originating from the Black Forest region in southwest Germany, is a decadent dessert with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and cherries. Its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. Legend suggests it was inspired by the traditional dress of women who lived in and around the Black Forest region of Germany. With its rich flavours and striking appearance, Black Forest cake has become a beloved dessert enjoyed worldwide for special occasions and celebrations, especially during Christmas, when its indulgent combination of chocolate and cherries evokes a sense of warmth and festivity, making it a popular choice for holiday gatherings and dessert tables.

Is black forest cake healthy?

Typically, cake of any kind is not healthy but adaptations can be made to make a much healthier cake or muffin. At the heart of these Healthy Black Forest Muffins lies the star ingredient – avocado. This creamy fruit not only adds a luscious texture to the muffins but also brings a wealth of health benefits. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any recipe. Used in place of butter, avocado contributes to the moistness of the muffins while offering a lower calorie alternative, with approximately one-third of the calories found in butter. Paired with oat milk, eggs, and maple syrup, these muffins are packed with wholesome goodness, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without compromising on health. By incorporating cherries into the mix, we infuse these muffins with a burst of fruity sweetness, elevating them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Plus, cherries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

Do you have a diet restriction?

This black forest muffin recipe is:

Vegetarian
Dairy Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Low Fat
Ultra Processed Food Free

Ultra processed food free recipes are recipes that use ingredients where no additives have been used. This will include ingredients that can be made at home to be UPF free such as stock cubes, sauces and seasonings.

Gluten free? Check out my gluten free avocado muffins and add 1/2 – 1 cup of cherries to make them into black forest muffins!

Gluten Free Chocolate Avocado Muffins

Chocolate avocado muffins are really quite good, in fact I'd prefer my recipe to all other chocolate cakes every time. In avocado muffins you swap out the butter for avocado. Whilst the butter in traditional muffin recipes would come out at about 1000kcal for that one ingredient alone, avocado is just 150kcal. Making the fat source in these muffins just an ⅛ of the calories of traditional muffin recipes, what a great healthy snack idea!

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Step 1: Preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a cupcake tray with 10 cases. This ensures that your black forest muffins bake evenly. Prepare the ingredients for the black forest muffins.

Step 2: Prepare the wet ingredients

In a blender, combine 1 medium mashed avocado, 1/2 cup of your choice of milk (oat/soy/nut/dairy), 2 large eggs and 3/4 cup of maple syrup. Blend until smooth, ensuring that all the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is creamy, any lumps of avocado will likely remain lumps after baking. If you’d like to substitute cacao powder for the less bitter but more refined cocoa powder then you will want to reduce the amount of maple syrup you add to 1/2 a cup.

Step 3: Prepare the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of plain flour, 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda, 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 cup of cacao (if substituting with cocoa, reduce maple syrup to 1/2 cup). Gently fold in 1/2-1 cup of cherries, chopped or whole into the flour, gently stir the cherries into the flour, coating them completely. Coating the fruit in the flour mixture prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking. The unique blend of dark chocolate and and cherry is the essence of black forest cake.

Step 4: Mix the wet and dry ingredients

Pour the blended avocado mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense black forest muffins.

Step 5: Muffin cases

Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake cases, filling each one about three-quarters full. This allows room for the muffins to rise during baking without overflowing from the cases. Top each muffin with a sprinkle of chocolate chips, cacao nibs or extras cherry for decoration. This adds a touch of indulgence to the black forest muffins and enhances their chocolatey flavour.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the black forest muffins are firm and risen. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the centre of a muffin—if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. Once baked, allow the black forest muffins to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy and ensures they cool evenly. Store the muffins in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.

Black forest muffin variations:

Enhanced Chocolate Experience: For those craving extra chocolate richness, consider adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the batter. Opt for UPF (ultra-processed food)-free chocolate options to maintain the wholesome nature of the recipe.
Explore Cherry Varieties: Experiment with different cherry varieties such as dark sweet cherries or sour cherries to add depth to the flavor profile of your muffins while maintaining their wholesome appeal.
Introduce Nutty Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of the muffins before baking. Not only will this add a satisfying crunch, but it will also provide additional nutrients and healthy fats, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your muffins.
Spiced Sensation: Incorporate warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves into the batter for a cozy, festive twist. These aromatic spices complement the chocolate and cherry flavors, adding depth and warmth to your muffins, perfect for the holiday season.
Orange Zest Delight: Grate some fresh orange zest into the batter for a burst of citrusy flavor. The bright, tangy notes of orange complement the chocolate and cherry flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing twist to your muffins.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.

How should I store these muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, these muffins freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I make these muffins vegan

I would not recommend substituting the egg out of these muffins, they will not rise well.

Can I make these muffins gluten free?

Yes! Check out my gluten free chocolate avocado muffin recipe, linked above and below and add 1/2 a cup of cherries.

With their irresistible blend of chocolate and cherry flavours, our Healthy Black Forest Muffins with Chocolate and Cherry are the perfect addition to your Christmas spread. Whether you enjoy them as a festive dessert, a sweet snack, or a guilt-free indulgence, these muffins are sure to spread holiday cheer to all who taste them. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious muffins for a Christmas treat that’s as wholesome as it is delightful. Happy baking and merry Christmas!

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