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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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