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Sugar Free Cocoa Muffins Recipe

4.5 from 124 reviews

These Sugar Free Cocoa Muffins are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional muffins, using a sugar substitute and unsweetened cocoa powder to deliver rich chocolate flavor without the added sugar. Perfect for those looking to reduce their sugar intake or seeking a guilt-free treat, these muffins are moist, tender, and easy to make, featuring common pantry ingredients and versatile options for dietary adaptations including gluten-free and keto-friendly versions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups Flour (see post for alternatives such as gluten free flour or low carb Carbalose flour)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Splenda (or preferred sugar alternative)
  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Yogurt (see post for alternatives)
  • 8.66 tbsp Milk (½ cup plus 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 Egg, whisked
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your muffin pan by greasing it or lining with nonstick muffin liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk or sift together the flour and baking soda. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly and set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar alternative (Splenda) and vegetable oil until well combined. Then stir in the yogurt and milk until smooth.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and cocoa mixture from the first bowl into the wet ingredients half at a time, stirring gently after each addition to combine without overmixing.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the whisked egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is blended. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender muffin texture.
  6. Optional Add-ins: If using, gently fold in any optional chocolate chips or add-ins now.
  7. Fill Muffin Cups: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center (avoiding chocolate chips) comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan before removing to prevent breakage and to maintain moisture.

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense muffins; mix until just combined.
  • Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder, not chocolate milk mix, for authentic cocoa flavor without added sugars.
  • To make gluten free, substitute with gluten free flour; for keto-friendly or low-carb variations, use keto-friendly or low carb Carbalose flours and adjust with a binder like an extra egg if needed.
  • Check nutritional labels on all sugar alternatives and flour substitutes to ensure compatibility with your dietary restrictions.
  • Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven; begin checking doneness around 25 minutes.

Keywords: sugar free muffins, cocoa muffins, healthy muffins, low sugar dessert, gluten free muffins option, keto friendly muffins, diabetic friendly, chocolate muffins