Chocolate Spinach Muffins (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Batter Base

01 - 3 very ripe bananas
02 - 2 large handfuls baby spinach, fresh
03 - 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
04 - 1 large egg
05 - ½ cup sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
08 - 3 tablespoons oil

→ Dry Ingredients

09 - 1 cup white whole wheat flour
10 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
11 - ⅔ cup cocoa powder
12 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt

→ Mix-ins

13 - ½ cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping if desired

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Combine milk, bananas and spinach in a high-powered blender and blend until mostly smooth. A few lumps is acceptable. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add egg and stir to lightly whisk. Incorporate sugar, vanilla, oil and Greek yogurt, stirring until well combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, sea salt and cocoa powder until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, reserving some for topping if desired.
06 - Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners and divide the batter evenly. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of each muffin if desired.
07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

# Notes:

01 - Use fresh spinach rather than frozen, as frozen spinach has a stronger flavor and excess moisture that can affect the texture.
02 - Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or at room temperature for up to 3 days.
03 - These muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
04 - Consider additional mix-ins such as coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for variety.
05 - Serve with a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter for extra flavor and protein.