Double-Chocolate Salted Caramel Muffin

What comes to your mind when you think of February??

Chocolate? Valentines Day? Galentines Day? Snow? Hearts? Chocolate? Candy? Did I mention chocolate?

Well the muffin for this month could not be more perfect! These double-chocolate salted caramel muffins are more than enough to make your crush fall in love with you, well maybe not to that extent, but they're the perfect treat for any Valentines Day party. I made these for a co-workers birthday and they were gone before lunch time.

These muffins take a few extra steps, so make sure you pay attention to the cooking instructions! If you ever mess up a recipe (which I have more than once!) just keep having fun with it! Baking should never be a chore, but something you enjoy. Ready to get baking??

Ingredients Needed:

- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chopped semisweet chocolate (about 2oz), plus more for grating
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup jarred thick dulce de leche*
- Flaky salt

*I couldn't find this specific flavor so I bought 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and stirred in 1/2 tablespoon of caramel extract.

Get Your Bake On:

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners.

2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; once combined stir in chopped chocolate. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil and eggs until smooth.  Pour milk mixture slowly into flour mixture and stir until combined.

3. Divide batter evenly among the tins (approx. 2/3 full).  Bake for about 8-9 minutes, you want the edges to be set, but the center still loose and jiggly. Drop 1 heaping teaspoon of dulce de leche in the middle of each muffin (WORK QUICKLY here!). Return muffins to oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean (Don't insert toothpick into the middle of the muffin where the dulce de leche is).

4.  Finely grate the rest of the semisweet chocolate over the hot muffins and sprinkle with the flaky salt.  Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

Make sure to eat one fresh out of the oven--> Delicious!!! To re-warm muffins, toast in a toaster oven for a few minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. Pair with ice cream or with a bowl of yogurt and fresh fruit. If you have any questions comment below!

Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

When you have extremely ripe bananas what do you do with them? Why you make banana muffins of course!

I am currently in the middle of preparing for a bikini competition so I couldn't eat one of these muffins, but you can bet I had my in-home taste tester (aka my boyfriend) give me feedback on them. From the time they came out of the oven to being slathered in butter they looked and smelled so good! Albert was in the middle of an afternoon long en-devour to hang the curtains in the bedroom so as a treat I brought him one of these muffins.  It was the perfect pick me up he needed to finish the curtains (They look fantastic!).

These muffins whipped up super fast with little prep involved. One thing I loved about these muffins is the base mix is very generic so you can make a lot of different flavor combinations! I decided to add peanut butter, chia seeds, and chocolate chips to this batch. You could easily switch out the ingredients and instead substitute in peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, blueberries, almond butter, etc.

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a mid afternoon snack, and store perfectly for those on-the-go days. I would even go as far to warm one up and put a scoop of ice cream on top!

Check out the recipe below and get baking!

Ingredients:

- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1.5 cups of white flour
- .5 cups of melted creamy peanut butter
-1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup of honey (or sugar)
-1 teaspoon of vanilla
-1 teaspoon of baking soda
-2 teaspoons of chia seeds

-1 cup of chocolate chips
-Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Spray muffins tins with nonstick spray (Do not use muffins liners).
3. Mash bananas in a bowl until its a smooth puree.  Add in melted butter and mix until combined.
4. Add honey, egg, and vanilla to bowl and mix until well combined. 
5. Add in salt, baking soda, and flour and mix just enough until everything is combined. Do not over mix!
6. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter.
7. Divide evenly among the muffin tins. Fill each tin about 3/4 full.
8. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. If you see the edges darkening gently place a sheet of aluminum foil over the top to prevent burning.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.  Enjoy!

Carrot-Coconut Muffins

It is time for April's Muffin of the Month!!

Nothing says 'Spring is in the air' like Carrot-Coconut Muffins! Once April comes around we can usually expect that we will get a lot of rain so those flowers will bloom in May. Well I don't know about you, but we got snow in April this year! Yes, snow! Thankfully, Spring weather arrived shortly after!

Well as you know by now I am making a new muffin recipe every month this year based off of the Food Network magazine. When I saw the recipe used REAL carrots I have to admit I was pretty excited because I have never used vegetables in my muffins. You either? Well, let's get to it!



For this recipe you will need:

- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flower
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole-milk yogurt (an individual cup does the trick!)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups grated carrots (3 large ones)
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 teaspoons water

Get your bake on:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. (Don't have liners? Just spray each muffin holder with non-stick spray). 

2. Whisk the flower, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, and salt in a large bow; make a well in the center (see picture).

3. Whisk the brown sugar, yogurt, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla in a small bowl until combined. Then pour into the well of the flour mixture and stir until combined. Fold in the shredded carrot*, shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, and crystallized ginger. (*Note: Squeeze the water out of the shredded carrots before adding to the mixture).

4. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups filling them 3/4 of the way. Bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out of the center clean; approximately 20-25 minutes. (22 minutes did the trick for me!)

5. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

6. While muffins cool off, make the glaze. Stir the confectioners' sugar with 2 teaspoons of water in a bowl. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the glaze on each muffin and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Make sure you let the muffins cool almost all the way or the glaze will melt down the side of the muffin.

Now, what do you do? Enjoy a muffin over a cup of coffee with friends! Stay tuned for May's muffin of the month: Strawberry- Rhubarb Crumble muffins!

Cinnamon Roll Protein Peanut Butter Spread

My Review: Buff Bake Cinnamon Roll Protein Peanut Butter Spread

Review: Loved this flavor!
Rating: A
Tasting Notes: It's a cinnamon roll in a jar, perfect flavor combination, not overly cinnamon

Thanks for joining me as I rate my second peanut butter spread! If you missed my first review of another Buff Bake classic (snickerdoodle), check it out here.

This peanut butter spread caught my attention because of its name, I mean HELLLLOOOO it's called "cinnamon roll!" Who doesn't love a good cinnamon roll? The one thing that did catch me off guard is the little pieces of raisins in it, but it did not hinder the taste is any way. 

If I had a sweet tooth I ate a spoonful of this peanut butter and it did the trick! I also swirled it on a piece of toast with pumpkin cream cheese, OMG! It's so good you need to try it. Don't give me that judgy face---can't knock it until you try it!

Also, I loved the added protein in it and that I could enjoy it without the guilt of all the extra calories a normal cinnamon roll! 


So onto the good part! What should you pair this peanut butter with?!

 1) A dollop on yogurt

 2) Layered with banana on top of pancakes

 3) Toast

 4) Add 1-2 tbsp into a smoothie

 5) Overnight Oats


Lets just say if I got a jar of this for my birthday, I wouldn't be mad. :-) 

Have a funky, delicious peanut/almond/pecan spread you think I should try? Tell me below and I will add it to my list! I am always on the lookout for a new flavor to add to my pantry. 

*Disclaimer: These are my own reviews and I am not endorsed by Buff Bake or anyone else. Just want to share my love of peanut butter with the world!

Snickerdoodle Protein Almond Butter

My Review: Buff Bake Snickerdoodle Protein Almond Butter Spread

Review: Pure Deliciousness
Rating: A+
Tasting Notes: Like a melted Snickerdoodle cookie, well-balanced, not overly sweet

My love of all things peanut butter led me to discover Buff Bake products. I think I stumbled across this at a Vitamin Shoppe and when I saw there was more out there than regular almond butter I jumped at the opportunity to try it!

This was my first go at a "flavored" almond butter spread (Meaning anything other than plain) as well as a protein spread. Well, I have to say my first introduction into this new almond butter spread did NOT disappoint! As soon as I licked the first little bit off the stirring spoon I knew I had found a new obsession. 

Growing up I was not a big fan of snickerdoodle cookies, but as I have gotten older I have a new appreciation for the cinnamon, sweet flavor. This almond spread has only magnified my love for the delicious flavor.

So, I bet you're wondering what you can pair this with?? Well, let me tell you....

My pairing for the Snickerdoodle Almond Spread:

1) A dollop on top of oatmeal (pictured above)

2) Spread on whole wheat toast & dusted with cinnamon

3) Overnight oats with banana, almond milk, & chia seeds

4) Mixed with plain greek yogurt 

5) By the spoonful! 

However, when it comes to almond butter you can really pair it with anything! Try it for yourself & let me know what you like to eat it with. Overall, I will definitely be buying this jar again!

Have a funky, delicious peanut/almond/pecan spread you think I should try? Tell me below and I will add it to my list! I am always on the lookout for a new flavor to add to my pantry. 

*Disclaimer: These are my own reviews and I am not endorsed by Buff Bake or anyone else. Just want to share my love of peanut butter with the world!

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

I have 3 words for you: Easy. Delicious. Sweet tooth curer. 

Okay, so maybe that was more than 3 words, but still! I was so excited to throw these ingredients together the other night during meal prep time. I usually make the same kind of energy balls every time so I decided to scroll through Pinterest for inspiration. I combined a few recipes together these bad boys! Also, this is my first time making them with dried fruit and it did not disappoint.

Can we go off on a tangent for a minute and talk about how delicious dried fruit is? Oh.My.Gosh. I have been missing out! We were at Costco last weekend and of course we had to try the sample and it was so delicious and sweet that I realized it would be the perfect, natural healthy treat for me to have when I have an inkling for something sweet. 

Okay, back to the main topic here. These energy balls are perfect for a pre-workout snack, an afternoon snack, mixed with yogurt, dipped in peanut butter, dessert after dinner, etc. They are the perfect 2-bite treat and I don't feel bad about eating one...or two. 

Ingredients:

1 cup of oats (old fashioned or steal cut oats)

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup diced Sunsweet Dried Plums

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, melted

1/4 cup of honey

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions:

1) Put all ingredients in a bowl

2) Microwave peanut butter for 20-30 seconds or until nearly melted. Pour melted peanut butter over the ingredients

3) Mix everything together with a spatula. If you find the ingredients aren't sticking together, add a little more peanut butter. You want the mixture to be sticking together, but not too sticky that it's a wet mixture.

4) Roll into 1 inch balls and store in an air tight container in the fridge. Good for 1-2 weeks. 

Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? I would LOVE your feedback! Comment below with how they turned out. 

6- Ingredient Peanut Butter Protein Granola Bars

I LOVE granola! I am not kidding when I saw I could sit and eat a whole bag of it.

I enjoy snacking on granola, putting it in my yogurt or oatmeal, or just dipping a few pieces into peanut butter for a sweet treat.

Unfortunately, granola bought from the store can contain high amounts of sugar, fat, and should only be ate a few times a week. However, I like to eat it A LOT more than that!

That is when I decided to make my own granola bars, and they WORKED! 

These granola bars are perfect to break up and put in yogurt, an after workout snack, or to cure a sweet tooth. I always crave a sweet after lunch and this comes in handy!

These 6-ingredient granola bars take less than 10 minutes to make and take a total of 1 hour before they're ready to eat (Don't worry all of that time is them chilling in the freezer!).

Ingredients:

2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup of honey
3/4 cup Vanilla Shakeology (Any Vanilla Protein)
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips 
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1. Add the first 5 dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and combine.
2. Put 1 cup of peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and put in microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir.
3. Pour peanut butter into the mixing bowl and stir until all ingredients are equally coated.
4. Line a rimmed pan with parchment paper. Pour mixture onto parchment paper and spread evenly into a square. Use a spatula to get an even level and to create the square shape.
5. Optional- top with shredded unsweetened coconut.
6. Place pan into freezer for 45 minutes to an hour.
7. Remove pan from freezer and cut into individual bars, about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a gallon zip lock bag in the freezer. They will be good for at least 2 weeks, if you don't eat them all first :-)

Enjoy!