Maxi brioche

Chocolate Muffin: An Irresistible Delight

If you're looking for a simple yet spectacular recipe that will delight your taste buds, you've come to the right place! The chocolate muffin is the ideal dessert for any occasion, from a quick snack between meals to a savory dessert for a party. Making these muffins is a true pleasure, and the intense aroma of chocolate will fill your home with joy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Necessary ingredients:

For the muffins:
- 150 g flour (about 8 heaping tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 100 g dark chocolate (ideally 70% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- ½ packet of baking powder (about 7 g)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 1 egg
- 150 ml yogurt (Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture)

For the glaze:
- 70 g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons liquid cream
- 30 g white chocolate
- 1 tablespoon liquid cream (for the white chocolate)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Grate the dark chocolate with a fine grater, as it will combine more easily with the other ingredients.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps and ensure a fine texture for the muffins. Add the grated chocolate to this mixture and stir gently.

3. Preparing the wet mixture: In another bowl, beat the egg with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the oil and yogurt and continue to mix. These ingredients will provide moisture and a rich flavor to your muffins.

4. Combining ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix until the ingredients are well integrated. Avoid overmixing, as the muffins may become dense.

5. Preparing the baking tray: You can use standard muffin cups or a loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Fill the cups with the prepared mixture, leaving 1-2 cm free at the top to allow the muffins to rise.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the muffins for about 30 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center of one; if it comes out clean, the muffins are baked.

7. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the glaze:

1. Dark chocolate glaze: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and add the liquid cream in a heatproof bowl. You can use a double boiler to melt the mixture slowly, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, let it cool slightly.

2. White chocolate glaze: In a separate bowl, repeat the process with the white chocolate and 1 tablespoon of liquid cream.

3. Finishing the muffins: Pour the dark chocolate glaze over the muffins, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides. Decorate with grated white chocolate for an elegant and appetizing look.

Serving suggestions:

These chocolate muffins are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a fruit sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a cup of coffee or aromatic tea will perfectly complement your dessert.

Tips and useful advice:

- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar amount by up to 20%.
- You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the mixture for extra crunch.
- Replace the yogurt with buttermilk or a plant-based alternative for a vegan recipe.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen to be enjoyed later.

Nutritional benefits:

The chocolate muffin is not just a delicious dessert but also a source of antioxidants from dark chocolate, which can contribute to heart health. Additionally, yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, having about 200 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

I invite you to experiment with this chocolate muffin recipe, put your personal touch on it, and enjoy every bite! You may discover new combinations that you like just as much. Happy cooking!