Chocolate Swirl Muffins
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There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and vanilla—two classic flavors swirled together in perfect harmony. Chocolate Swirl Muffins are the ideal balance of rich cocoa and sweet vanilla, creating a beautifully marbled treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Soft, moist, and irresistibly delicious, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert with a cup of tea.
A Beautifully Unique Treat:
Chocolate and vanilla have long been considered the ultimate flavor duo, each enhancing the other in a way that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. These muffins take inspiration from classic marble cakes, where the two batters are gently swirled together before baking, creating a striking contrast in both taste and appearance.
The best part? No two muffins look exactly the same! Each one has a unique swirl pattern, making them feel extra special—just like the treats you'd find in a charming corner bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Two Flavors in One:: The marbled effect makes these muffins visually stunning. A perfect balance of rich chocolate and warm vanilla.
Moist & Fluffy: The tender crumb keeps these muffins soft for days.
Versatile & Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Gathering Ingredients:
Flour.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda.
Salt.
Sugar.
Butter. For this recipe, you will need melted butter. You can also use a neutral cooking oil such as canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil.
Cream Cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing into the batter.
Sour Cream. You can swap out the sour cream for buttermilk or Greek yogurt.
Eggs.
Vanilla Extract.
Chocolate. You will want to use semisweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate for this recipe. Make sure that you use baking chocolate, the kind that comes in a brick!
How to Make Maple Banana Oatmeal:
Step One: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then, add the melted butter, cream cheese, buttermilk or sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until the batter is just combined and there are no longer any dry bits.
Step Two: Pour the melted chocolate over the muffin batter and gently swirl with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Step Three: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling about 2/3 of the way full.
Step Four: Bake the muffins for about 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown and baked through the middle. Use a toothpick to test by poking in the centers of the muffins. It should come out clean or have a few moist crumbles on it.
Step Five: Let the muffins rest for at least 10 minutes in the pan before moving them to a wire cooling rack.
Step Six: To store the muffins, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days.
Tips for Making Perfect Marbled Muffins:
Use High-Quality Baking Chocolate: This enhances the deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Swirl the chocolate gently into the batter with a silicone spatula or knife to keep the marbled effect intact.
Fill Muffin Cups Evenly: For a balanced mix of chocolate and vanilla in every bite. Be careful scooping the batter to prevent the chocolate and batter from over-mixing.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Chocolate Swirl Muffins warm with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with a morning coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar or dip the tops in melted chocolate.
Looking for more muffin recipes? Give these a try!
Final Thoughts:
These muffins are proof that sometimes, the simplest flavors create the most memorable treats. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend breakfast, a special gathering, or just because, Chocolate Swirl Muffins are a delightful way to satisfy both chocolate and vanilla lovers alike. Bake a batch, watch the gorgeous swirls emerge, and enjoy every soft, marbled bite!
xoxo Kayla
Chocolate Swirl Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (282 g)
- 2 tsp (8 g) baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) melted salted butter, slightly cooled
- 4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk or 3/4 cup (180 g) sour cream, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g semisweet baking chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C). Grease and flour a standard 12-cup muffin pan. You can also use muffin liners, if desired. Set this aside for now.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Then, add the melted butter, cream cheese, buttermilk or sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until the batter is just combined and there are no longer any dry bits.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the muffin batter and gently swirl with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake the muffins for about 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown and baked through the middle. Use a toothpick to test by poking in the centers of the muffins. It should come out clean or have a few moist crumbles on it.
- Let the muffins rest for at least 10 minutes in the pan before moving them to a wire cooling rack.
- To store the muffins, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
249
