Muffins your kids will love with a sneaky nutritional addition tucked away inside

If you’ve been searching for healthy chocolate muffins or extra ways to get protein into your kids’ diets, this recipe is for you. I wanted a snack that was versatile—something my kids could eat for breakfast, pack in their school lunches (nut-free!), or grab after school as a quick bite. Most of all, I needed something that felt like a treat but was secretly packed with protein and nutrition. This recipe also came in super handy when our egg laying hens were at their peak production!

These double chocolate protein muffins check all the boxes. They’re moist, rich, and satisfying, while still being a wholesome option I can feel good about serving. They’re sweet enough to pass as dessert but balanced with nourishing ingredients that support energy, focus, and growth. The best part? I figured out a way to also sneak in some blended greens for extra nutrition without anyone noticing.

does it taste like a salad?!

Leafy greens like spinach or kale disappear completely into the batter. The chocolate flavour covers them up, but their benefits are still tucked inside. Greens are full of vitamins and minerals that help support strong bones, healthy eyes, and a resilient immune system. They also add a little fibre, which keeps kids feeling full and satisfied. Around here, I think of it as a simple way to get one more serving of veggies into the day without a battle at the dinner table.

Oats are another quiet hero in this recipe. They bring a comforting, hearty texture to the muffins and make them feel extra satisfying. Oats are naturally high in fiber, which helps with digestion and gives steady energy (instead of that sugar rush and crash kids sometimes get from other treats). They also add important nutrients that support growing bodies, making these muffins a snack that fuels playtime just as well as it does schoolwork.

an added bonus of a healthy cupcake base

I first created this recipe for my picky five-year-old, tailoring it to her favourite flavours, and it quickly became a family staple. Now I share it with friends often, and it even doubles as a healthy cupcake base—just add a swirl of frosting if you want to dress them up for birthdays or celebrations. It’s always fun to see people’s faces when they find out these “cupcakes” are actually full of protein and hidden greens.

This recipe makes 24 muffins, but I always recommend doubling the batch and freezing extras. They disappear fast! Having a freezer stash means you’ve always got a quick breakfast, snack, or lunchbox treat ready to go.

So, whether you’re trying to sneak in more veggies, add a boost of protein, or simply want a chocolatey snack you feel good about serving, these double chocolate muffins are here to help. They’re proof that healthy food can taste like a treat—and that’s a win for the whole family.

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