Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, these Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins are going to steal your heart. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy muffin with a swirl of gooey chocolate and a hint of espresso that gives you that perfect pick-me-up. It’s the kind of muffin that’s perfect with your morning coffee, or as an afternoon treat when you just need something a little extra special.

The beauty of these muffins is that they have all the comforting, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional babka but in a muffin form, so they’re easy to grab and enjoy on the go. The combination of chocolate and espresso? It’s a match made in baking heaven—rich, decadent, and just the right amount of boldness.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

Here’s why these muffins are going to be your new favorite treat:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The deep, rich chocolate and the smooth, slightly bitter espresso create a flavor explosion that’s sophisticated yet comforting.

Soft and Fluffy: These muffins are light, fluffy, and moist on the inside, with a slightly crisped exterior that’s so satisfying.

Perfect for Any Time of Day: Whether you’re having them with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as an indulgent dessert, these muffins will always hit the spot.

Sweet Yet Subtle: The espresso flavor isn’t overpowering, just enough to enhance the chocolate and give it an extra depth of flavor that makes these muffins truly special.

Babka-Inspired: If you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating babka, you know how delicious the chocolate swirls are—these muffins capture all that goodness in an easy-to-make, muffin form.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

Let’s get to the ingredients that make these muffins a delicious treat:

All-Purpose Flour

The base of these muffins. It gives them that soft, fluffy texture that’s perfect for holding all the sweet swirls of chocolate and espresso.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

This is where the chocolate flavor comes from. It adds a rich, deep chocolatey taste to the muffin batter.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda

These leavening agents help the muffins rise to their perfect fluffy height, giving them that soft texture.

Salt

A little pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Butter

Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the batter, making these muffins extra tender.

Sugar

Both granulated and brown sugar bring sweetness and a bit of depth to the flavor. Brown sugar also adds moisture to the muffins.

Eggs

Eggs give structure and richness, helping to create that perfect soft crumb.

Milk

Milk adds moisture to the batter, making it smooth and creamy.

Strong Espresso

The espresso flavor is the secret ingredient that elevates these muffins. If you don’t have espresso, you can use strong brewed coffee as a substitute.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Melted into the batter and swirled through the muffins for pockets of gooey chocolate goodness.

Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract

A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and spice, while vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile with its sweetness.

Instructions

Ready to bake these decadent, chocolatey espresso muffins? Here’s how to make them:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter or oil.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then, whisk in the sugar, eggs, milk, and espresso (or brewed coffee) until everything is well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating beautiful swirls throughout the batter.

Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Swirl the Chocolate

Take a small spoonful of additional melted chocolate and swirl it through the top of the muffins for that signature babka look. You can also sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for a sweet crunch!

Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy!

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the chocolate is still slightly gooey and melty. But they’re also delicious the next day with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280 kcal (estimate)
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 115mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 21g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

These muffins are amazing on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas to elevate your experience:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Espresso: You’ve got to pair these with your favorite cup of coffee or espresso for the ultimate flavor combo!
• With Whipped Cream: Top your muffin with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special dessert.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze for Later: These muffins freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.
• Customize the Chocolate: Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different twist on the flavor. You can even fold in chopped chocolate bars for larger chunks.
• No Espresso? No Problem! If you don’t have espresso powder or brewed espresso, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee for a similar flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these muffins without espresso?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have espresso, strong brewed coffee will work just as well. It will still give that lovely coffee-chocolate combo.

Q2: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! These muffins are great for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q3: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
A3: For the best results, unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended, but you can use regular cocoa powder as long as you adjust the sugar to balance the sweetness.

Q4: What can I use to substitute eggs?
A4: If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water for each egg), or you can try using yogurt or applesauce for a similar binding effect.

Q5: Can I use a different type of flour?
A5: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser muffin, or try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Q6: Do I need to refrigerate the muffins?
A6: No need to refrigerate them unless you want to extend their shelf life. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the batter?
A7: Yes! Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts would be a great addition to the batter for some crunch and extra flavor.

Q8: Can I make these muffins without chocolate chips?
A8: If you prefer a lighter muffin, feel free to skip the chocolate chips, though they do add a lot of flavor. You can also use chopped chocolate or even dried fruit for a fun twist.

Q9: How do I get a swirl effect with the chocolate?
A9: Just take a spoonful of melted chocolate and swirl it into the batter with a toothpick or knife before baking for a beautiful, swirled finish.

Q10: How can I make these muffins even richer?
A10: For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of brown butter to the batter or top the muffins with a drizzle of chocolate ganache after baking.

Conclusion

Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins are a perfect treat for any chocolate lover. They’re indulgent yet comforting, sweet yet just the right amount of bitter. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, they’re sure to become a new favorite! Grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these decadent muffins with a warm cup of coffee.

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