Muffins with a Heart of Chocolate
Category: Desserts
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 180g |
| Granulated Sugar | 200g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 400g |
| Baking Powder | 16g |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp |
| Whole Milk | 250g |
| Vanilla Bean | 1 |
| Pinch of Salt | 1 pinch |
| Dark Chocolate (for filling) | 120g |
| Dark Chocolate (for ganache filling) | 60g |
| Fresh Cream | 60g |
Directions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
To begin preparing these decadent muffins with a sweet surprise inside, start by melting the butter. You can do this using a double boiler, or simply melt the butter in the microwave. Once it’s fully melted, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate jug or bowl, combine the milk with the two eggs. Lightly whisk the eggs with a fork or a whisk until just combined, then set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt through a fine sieve to ensure they are well combined and free of any lumps. Add the sugar to the dry ingredients and mix everything together.
Step 4: Extract Vanilla Seeds
Carefully slice the vanilla bean down the center and scrape out the tiny, fragrant seeds using the back of a knife. Add these seeds to your dry ingredient mixture, infusing the batter with a warm, natural vanilla flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix the wet and dry ingredients. Using electric beaters on a very low speed, gradually pour in the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Continue mixing slowly to avoid splattering, and stop when the batter becomes smooth and homogenous.
Step 6: Prepare the Muffin Pans
Place muffin paper liners into a 12-cup muffin tin. Use a pastry bag or a spoon to fill each liner halfway with the batter. It’s important to leave enough room for the chocolate center and to avoid overfilling.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Heart
Take the 120g of dark chocolate and cut it into small pieces, roughly 10g each. Place one piece of chocolate in the center of each muffin, ensuring it sits in the middle of the batter. Do not push the chocolate down; simply let it rest in the batter to ensure it melts properly during baking.
Step 8: Add the Rest of the Batter
Top the chocolate-filled center with the remaining muffin batter, ensuring the chocolate is sealed within the batter. Fill each muffin liner almost to the top, but be careful not to overflow.
Step 9: Bake the Muffins
Place the filled muffin tin into a preheated static oven at 190°C (375°F). Bake the muffins for about 25 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes in the tin. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool further. The muffins should be lightly golden on top, with a moist and gooey chocolate center.
Optional Ganache Heart Filling
If you want to elevate the chocolate surprise in your muffins, you can make a homemade ganache filling instead of using chocolate bars. While the muffins are baking, gently heat the 60g of cream in a small saucepan until it’s warm (not boiling). Meanwhile, chop the 60g of dark chocolate into small pieces. Once the cream is warm, pour it over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and combined with the cream. This mixture should be smooth and runny.
To create the ganache centers, pour the ganache into small silicone chocolate molds. Once filled, place the molds in the fridge to set. Once firm, you can add a ganache heart in the center of each muffin, following the same process as the chocolate bar heart.
Baking Tip
For a consistent, soft texture, be sure not to overmix your muffin batter. The key is to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough muffins.
Storage
These muffins with a gooey chocolate heart are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and gently warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
These muffins are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover, offering the rich flavor of dark chocolate combined with a fluffy, moist base. Whether you choose to surprise your family with a classic chocolate center or opt for the silky ganache filling, these muffins are guaranteed to impress! Enjoy them as a special dessert or for a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
