If you’re anything like me, I thought you might need a little Monday morning breakfast inspiration to start this week off right- something to help you put down the plate of goliath chocolate chip cookies you intended on polishing off before 8 am. Maybe I’m just projecting here… I’m sure you can make complete sentences on Monday mornings and totally don’t eat cookies for breakfast…but what are friends for?
A few cups of coffee and (cough) 3 cookies later, I whipped up a tin of far more acceptable weekday breakfast treats or mid-day snacks, and sweet chocolateΒ did I score big time in muffin town finding this recipe.
Muffins with chocolate! Muffins with yogurt! Muffins for breakfast!
These moist chocolate pillows are undeniable with their tender bodies and pleasant light chocolate flavor; decadent flavor without intense sweetness makes them ideal for breakfast, or a snack anytime you’re brain is having a chocolate calling.
Make some muffins, and please stop me from eating my 4th one this morning- send help!
Chocolate Yogurt Snack Cakes-Β From David Lebovitzβs The Sweet Life in Paris Via Smitten Kitchen
Makes 12 cupcake-sized snack cakes or 16Β mini-springform ones
7 ounces (200 grams) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) vegetable oil
1/2 cup (125 ml) plain, whole-milk yogurt
1 cup (200 grams) sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups (200 grams) flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (David recommends aluminum-free baking powders, such as Rumford or Bobβs Red Mill, as do I)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1. Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (180Β°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or lightly butter the pan. Or, if youβre Deb and have to beΒ fancy dust off that much-neglectedΒ mini-springform pan and coat it with a nonstick spray.
2. In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate with 1/4 cup of the oil. Once melted and smooth, remove from the heat. (Alternately, you can do this in the microwave on high for 30 seconds, then in 15 second increments, stirring well between each until smooth.)
3. In another bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup oil with yogurt, sugar, eggs and vanilla and almond extracts.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yogurt mixture. Stir lightly a couple times, then add the melted chocolate and stir until just smooth.
5. Divide the batter among the muffin or springform cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes (less for mini-springforms, more for muffins, though your oven may vary) or until they feel barely set in the middle and a tester or toothpick comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before serving with coffee and a nice dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and any berries you can scrounge up in your fridge. Or, you know, as is.
Do ahead: These cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for four days.
Vivienne says
Just discovered your blog and loving all the great recipes I’m seeing…but I’m not sure if you are a good influence on me…hmmm chocolate cake for breakfast…really dont think i can resist this!!
Got all the ingredients ready (altho I’m hoping Greek yogurt would work just as well) and will be making this ‘breakfast’ treat soon hehe.
bakerbynature says
Hi Vivienne! I’m so so so happy you found me, and have enjoyed looking around. As for me being a good influence… well, I will say I had to pat myself on the back for making a chocolate recipe that DIDN’T include butter, so that’s something, right? I am hopping happy you have everything to make these snack cakes; you won’t regret this “breakfast” baking adventure. Let me know how the greek yogurt works out, pretty please? I used non-fat yogurt and they were divine.
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
Yum! These look awesome!
bakerbynature says
Thanks Rachel! They were way too delicious, and totally gone now!
TheCookieBoss says
These look really good! I sometimes use yogurt to replace the butter or oil in baking and it works really well.
bakerbynature says
I was actually nervous about baking without butter, but these came out delightful, and a bit less guilt ridden as a breakfast treat!
Kelly says
I love baking with yogurt! Yum!
bakerbynature says
Hi Kelly! Baking with yogurt is so great- it makes everything so moist, and adds an interesting tang to the overall flavor.
bakerbynature says
Thanks Maris! I just ate a few more for a mid-day energy boost- they go great with coffee!
SofiaRaj says
Great information, It looks awesome delicious & Yummeeeeeeeeee……… Cakes is better option for gift. Send cakes to your loved ones.
bakerbynature says
Cake is a great gift- if only it shipped better!
yummychunklet says
I love using my mini cupcake pan. Great post!
bakerbynature says
Thanks sweetness! I need to get my hands on a mini cupcake pan asap; i cannot get over how cute a product the produce.
Nandini Bagchi says
yum yum… thanks for sharing π
bakerbynature says
Hi Nandini. Thanks for stopping by dear, they were indeed yum yum yummy!
Charles says
“donβt eat cookies for breakfast”
Haha, in fact this very morning I had a great big cookie I’d made and a large glass of gazpacho! Not at all weird π Beautiful looking cakes… I’m loving your description of them as “pillows” π Describes freshly cooked cake really well, doesn’t it?
bakerbynature says
Hi Charles! Your comments always make me smile, you’re too sweet. I’m glad i’m not alone in this cookie for breakfast habit; I love that you washed it down with gazpacho- the trait of a true food lover! Fresh baked cake products really do remind me of fluffy pillows of sweetness; we will be in trouble if chocolate pillows start being mass produced!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Yum! We just made muffins tonight (for breakfast tomorrow) although not quite as delicious looking as these (limited pantry supplies when you’re on vacation!).
bakerbynature says
Hi Gina! You’re too cute whipping up muffins for breakfast on vacation; i’m sure they are delicious, despite the limited supplies.