Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins Recipe

If you love the rich aroma of coffee and the indulgent taste of chocolate, then these Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins were made just for you. Moist, tender, and filled with luscious chocolate and bold espresso swirls, these muffins combine the classic babka swirl concept into a delightful handheld treat. Whether you’re craving a special morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, these muffins deliver a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chocolate and espresso creates a deep, satisfying taste that coffee lovers and chocolate fans will adore.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: These muffins stay tender and soft thanks to balanced ingredients and careful baking, avoiding dryness often found in similar recipes.
• Swirled Babka Design: The beautiful chocolate and espresso ribbons inside every muffin not only taste great but look stunning, adding an artistic touch.
• Easy to Make: Despite the elegant swirl, these muffins come together quickly with straightforward steps, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins fit seamlessly into any occasion or menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients but packs incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s enriching the batter, creating the swirl, or giving structure to the muffin.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the batter that provides structure and softness when combined properly.
• Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the swirl mixture for that classic babka feel.
• Espresso powder: Intensifies the coffee flavor without overpowering and blends seamlessly with the chocolate.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins perfectly while helping with tenderness and moisture retention.
• Butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the muffins’ soft, airy texture.
• Milk or buttermilk: Hydrates the batter and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents to make muffins rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• Chocolate chips or chunks (optional): For extra bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.

Variations for Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

Feel free to personalize these muffins to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. The base recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to experiment with new additions or substitutions.

• Nutty twist: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid amounts to maintain a tender texture.
• Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs and dairy-free butter or oil, and choose a plant-based milk like almond or oat.
• Spiced flavors: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to the swirl for a warm, surprising twist.
• White chocolate and espresso: Swap the cocoa powder with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier babka experience.

How to Make Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the swirl filling

Start by mixing together cocoa powder, espresso powder, sugar, and melted butter until you get a smooth, spreadable paste. This will be swirled into the batter to create beautiful ribbons of flavor in the muffins.

Step 2: Make the muffin batter

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring until just combined to keep the batter light and tender.

Step 3: Layer and swirl

Divide the batter into two portions. In your muffin tins, alternate spoonfuls of plain batter and the chocolate-espress swirl filling, then use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the two together, creating those signature babka ribbons.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Bake the muffins at the recommended temperature until they’ve puffed up beautifully and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool slightly before removing from the tin.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

• Use fresh espresso powder: Quality coffee powder makes all the difference in achieving that bold espresso flavor without bitterness.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients combine to avoid dense muffins and keep them tender.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for better emulsification and smoother batter.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent baking temperature for even muffin rise.
• Swirl gently: Too much swirling can deflate the batter; a few gentle turns give the best visual effect.

How to Serve Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

Garnishes

Sprinkle the tops with pearl sugar before baking for a crunchy, sweet finish or dust with powdered sugar after cooling for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to transform them into a more indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange muffins on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs or coffee beans for a cozy café vibe, or serve alongside a steaming cup of cappuccino to amplify the espresso notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the muffins airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days or wrap tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Instant coffee can work in a pinch, but espresso powder delivers a richer, more concentrated coffee flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.

Are these muffins gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins with a few adjustments for texture.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Using plant-based milk and dairy-free butter or oil in place of dairy ingredients works well without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

How long do the muffins stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these muffins stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 1 week refrigerated.

Can I add other flavors to the swirl?

Absolutely! Adding cinnamon, chili powder, or nuts to the swirl mixture lends an exciting twist to keep the recipe fresh and personalized.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about biting into a beautifully swirled Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffin, where the deep richness of chocolate meets the energizing pull of espresso. These muffins are an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during a cozy moment alone. So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy every delicious swirl and crumb of this delightful recipe!

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Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins

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• Author: Maria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Chocolate and Espresso Babka Muffins are moist, tender handheld treats featuring luscious chocolate and bold espresso swirls. Perfect for coffee and chocolate lovers, these muffins combine a classic babka swirl design with an indulgent flavor profile. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are easy to make and deliver a rich, satisfying taste with an elegant look.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Muffin Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate and Espresso Swirl Filling

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Additions

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
• Chopped toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the swirl filling: In a small bowl, mix together cocoa powder, espresso powder, sugar, and melted butter until smooth and spreadable. This mixture creates the signature chocolate and espresso ribbons inside the muffins.
2. Make the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a light batter.
3. Layer and swirl: Divide the batter roughly in half. In prepared muffin tins, alternate spoonfuls of plain batter and the chocolate-espress swirl filling. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating artistic babka ribbons.
4. Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes or until they are puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from the tin.

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Notes

• Use fresh espresso powder for rich, balanced coffee flavor without bitterness.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and avoid density.
• Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for smooth batter emulsification.
• Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate and consistent baking temperature.
• Swirl gently to achieve the best visual marbling without deflating the batter.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg