Indulge Guilt-Free: Delicious Chocolate Cherry Greek Yogurt Muffins (Only 2 Smart Points!)
For those of you who adore my Greek yogurt muffin creations – like the incredibly popular Strawberry Banana and Lemon Blueberry Banana varieties – get ready to fall in love all over again. I’ve heard your requests for new, exciting flavors, and I’m thrilled to introduce what I believe will be your next favorite: these absolutely irresistible Chocolate Cherry Greek Yogurt Muffins. And yes, you read that right – they’re only 2 Smart Points each, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence for any time of day!
Muffins are a staple in many households, offering a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dessert. But often, traditional muffin recipes come packed with calories and sugar, making them less ideal for those focused on a healthier lifestyle. That’s where these Greek yogurt muffins shine. By incorporating the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt, we achieve an incredibly moist and tender texture without relying on excessive fats, transforming a classic treat into a smart choice.
The combination of rich chocolate and tart, juicy cherries is a culinary match made in heaven. The deep cocoa flavor perfectly complements the bright burst of cherry, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and refreshing. Each bite of these muffins delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, ensuring you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything, even while sticking to your health goals.
Making smart food choices doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and this recipe is a testament to that. Greek yogurt is a fantastic secret ingredient in baking, known for adding moisture, protein, and a lovely tang. In these muffins, 0% fat cherry-flavored Greek yogurt contributes to their tender crumb and boosts the protein content, helping you feel fuller for longer. Coupled with unsweetened applesauce, which adds natural sweetness and further reduces the need for oil, these muffins are truly a masterpiece of healthy baking.
Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go breakfast, a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, or a light dessert, these chocolate cherry Greek yogurt muffins fit the bill. They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal baking experience. Plus, they make your kitchen smell absolutely divine as they bake!
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about some key ingredients and why they make these muffins so special. The use of both a whole egg and egg whites ensures a light yet sturdy structure. Brown sugar provides a subtle caramel note, enhancing the chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial for that deep, rich chocolate taste without added sugars. And of course, the frozen cherries, cut in half, distribute their fruity goodness throughout each muffin, providing a wonderful contrast to the chocolate base. If cherry-flavored yogurt isn’t available, don’t fret! Vanilla Greek yogurt works beautifully and still allows the natural cherry flavor to shine through.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a bowl and an electric mixer to combine the wet ingredients. The dry ingredients are then gently folded in, followed by the star of the show – the cherries. A common mistake in muffin making is overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough muffins. For a perfectly tender result, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Lumps are perfectly fine, even desirable!
These muffins are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. While the chocolate cherry combination is a classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit and chocolate pairings. You could try adding a touch of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips (just remember to adjust your Smart Points accordingly). They’re also a great way to use up fresh cherries when they’re in season, though frozen cherries work wonderfully and are convenient year-round.
Chocolate Cherry Greek Yogurt Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites, I use liquid egg whites for convenience
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 0% cherry flavored Greek yogurt, if cherry is unavailable, vanilla works perfectly
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened apple sauce
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup frozen cherries, pitted and cut in half
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a regular-sized 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the whole egg, egg whites, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, stir in the Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
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Gently fold in your pitted and halved frozen cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Divide the batter evenly among 10 muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
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Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe makes 10 delicious muffins, each at 2 Smart Points (2PP). For best results, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for the first day, then transfer to the refrigerator for longer storage.
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Nutritional information per muffin (excluding cherries): Calories 80, Fat 0.7g, Saturated Fat 0.2g, Carbohydrates 14.5g, Fiber 0.7g, Sugars 3.4g, Protein 4.2g.
Additional Info
Once your delightful chocolate cherry Greek yogurt muffins have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! They’re perfect on their own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. These muffins are also fantastic for meal prepping – bake a batch at the beginning of the week and have a healthy, portion-controlled snack ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. While they can sit on the counter for a day, refrigerating them will extend their deliciousness even longer, making them a treat you can savor throughout the week.
Making healthier choices in your baking doesn’t mean compromising on taste or satisfaction. These muffins prove that with a few smart swaps, you can create a treat that’s both incredibly flavorful and aligns with your wellness goals. The blend of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and the moistness provided by Greek yogurt makes for an irresistible combination that everyone will love, regardless of whether they’re counting Smart Points or not.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these amazing Chocolate Cherry Greek Yogurt Muffins. They’re quick, easy, and sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media!