Chocolate Date Muffins

This recipe is great as mini muffins or baked into a loaf and sliced. The muffins / loaf have a moist slightly spicy rich chocolate flavor that is amazing to enjoy right away (or enjoy some now and freeze some so you can enjoy more later). I make this as a gluten free recipe but it is also really good using a regular quick bread mix.

Preheat oven:

·       Muffins: 425 Degrees

·       Loaf: 375 Degrees

Prepare loaf / muffin pan: Loaf - (9" x 5" x 3") or muffin pans with cooking spray or paper liners. This recipe makes about 30 – 36 mini muffins or 16 – 18 regular size muffins.

In medium bowl combine:

·       2 cups water

·       1 teaspoon good quality vanilla (if making Gluten Free – be sure to check the label)

·       4 ounces chopped dates

In large bowl combine:

·       16.5 oz. quick bread / muffin mix. I use The Cravings Place – Quick Bread & Muffin Mix – it is gluten, wheat, nut, egg, dairy and bean free and still has an amazing taste and texture. It already has the cinnamon and nutmeg included. You can use any good quick bread mix – but be sure to add the cinnamon and nutmeg if using a different mix.

·       1 teaspoon cinnamon (if using a different quick bread mix)

·       ½ teaspoon nutmeg (if using a different quick bread mix)

·       1/3 cup vegetable oil

·       1 ¼ cups sugar (or sweetener substitute)

·       2 tablespoons dark cocoa (I like Hersheys Special Dark Cocoa)

·       8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (buy a 12 oz. package and use the remaining chocolate chips to top the muffins / loaf just before putting in the oven). 

Mix all ingredients together until well incorporated and pour into prepared pans

Top the loaf / muffins with the remaining chocolate chips

Bake:  Baking times may vary depending on size of pans used and your oven.

·       Muffins: 425 Degrees for 20 minutes

·       Loaf: 375 Degrees for 55 – 60 minutes

Remove from oven when done (check with a toothpick) and let cool for a few minutes in the pan. Remove from pans after a few minutes to finish cooling on a cake rack. If loaf or muffins remain in pans while cooling they will be sticky.

Enjoy!