Craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy? These healthy cacao muffins are the perfect solution! Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, cacao powder, and natural sweeteners, they’re rich in chocolatey flavor without the guilt. These muffins are also gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making them a great option for those looking for a nutritious yet indulgent treat.
Cacao vs cocoa: What’s the difference?
Cacao and cocoa come from the same plant, but cacao is the raw, minimally processed version, while cocoa undergoes higher-heat processing that reduces some of its nutrients. Cacao retains more antioxidants, magnesium, and flavonoids, making it ideal for smoothies and health-focused recipes with a strong, earthy flavor. Cocoa, however, is less bitter and delivers the classic chocolate taste.
For this recipe, we want to maximize nutrition, so we’re going to use cacao—but you can swap it out for cocoa if you prefer!
Why you’ll love these cacao muffins
- Naturally sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup or honey, these muffins are free of refined sugars.
- Rich in flavor: Cacao powder gives them a deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Gluten-free: Made with almond flour and oats, these muffins are perfect for those avoiding gluten.
How to make healthy cacao muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with coconut oil.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, rolled oats, raw cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), almond milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. If you’re using dark chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.
Step 5: Fill the muffin tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Bake the muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the best cacao muffins
- Use high-quality cacao powder: Opt for raw cacao powder for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that’s packed with antioxidants.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so stir the ingredients just until they’re combined.
- Customize the add-ins: You can swap dark chocolate chips for nuts, dried fruit, or seeds to change up the flavor and texture.
Get your chocolate fix without the guilt
These healthy cacao muffins are a perfect guilt-free treat, offering the rich flavor of chocolate in a wholesome, nutrient-dense package. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
