These healthy muffins have a hidden vegetable: spinach! It adds extra nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants without changing the taste. The matcha adds a beautiful flavor and green color so no one will guess the secret ingredient!
I usually sneak zucchini in my desserts when I want to add some veggies, but spinach is another that deserves more attention. Like zucchini, you add an extra serving of vegetables to your sweets, and you don't even notice a difference!
It's also super easy to incorporate. Just blend it in with the rest of the ingredients and you'll forget it's even there!
Spinach is part of the reason for the beautiful green color, but there's also another green ingredient: matcha!
Matcha is one of my favorite ingredients for desserts, breakfast, tea...you name it! I've already posted Gluten Free Matcha Pancakes, Vegan Matcha Almond Cookies, and even a matcha oatmeal recipe on my Instagram!
I'm now adding a muffin recipe to the collection and I have to say it's one of my favorites. These muffins aren't exactly the fluffiest, but they're super moist and packed with flavor!
And in case anyone asks, you can tell them that the green color comes from matcha. They won't guess that there's any vegetables in it (unless you bake with veggies all the time like me😂)
Health Benefits of Matcha Spinach Muffins
Spinach isn't the only healthy part of these muffins! There are plenty more ingredient swaps to make these both nutritious and satisfying.
Matcha packs in a lot of health benefits, but one of the most important is that it's full of antioxidants. These antioxidants include catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
Another healthy swap made in this recipe is whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Whole wheat has much more fiber, which keeps you full for longer and you'll be satisfied eating less.
This recipe uses white whole wheat flour--make sure you don't use regular whole wheat (I mean, you can, but it won't taste as good). White whole wheat has a lighter taste and texture, but with the same amount of fiber!
For the sweetener, there is no refined sugar! The only added sugars are a mere ¼ cup of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar--both natural sugars with antioxidants. It's important to take note that these are still added sugars and should be used sparingly. That's why the amounts are small!
To make up for the rest of the sweetness (you can't reduce and expect it to taste the same!), we're using one of my favorite sweeteners of all time: medjool dates! Dates are a fruit, not added sugar, but they are just as sweet, if not sweeter than regular sugar! They contain a good amount of fiber and nutrients, making them the perfect sugar substitute.
And finally, the moisture comes from not butter, but healthy fats and protein! The protein is greek yogurt and eggs--they really create an amazing texture with lots of protein! The healthy fat is avocado oil--packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and it'll help keep you full and satisfied!
I really hope you like this recipe! If you decide to make it, be sure to post a picture/story (or dm me!) and tag me @nutritiousdelights on Instagram--I'd love to see it!💗
More recipes you might love:
Healthy Vegan Zucchini Cinnamon Rolls
Flourless Lemon Almond Muffins
Healthy Matcha Spinach Muffins
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs separated
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 cups spinach uncooked
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup medjool dates pitted and soaked
- 3 tablespoons matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a muffin tin or prepare silicone muffin liners. Set aside.
- In a blender (not a food processor), blend the dates, spinach, oil, vanilla, maple syrup, and yogurt until very smooth.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with an electric mixer for about a minute until airy. Add the date mixture and whip until combined. Manually whisk in the flour, salt, matcha powder, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, add the egg whites and coconut sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold it into the rest of the batter until fully combined. Pour into the prepared liners and bake for about 15 minutes (time varies with each oven). Enjoy right away or cool on a rack.
[…] Healthy Matcha Spinach Muffins […]