We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Moist Chocolate Muffins?

By Eugene P.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,431
References
Share

Making moist chocolate muffins can be difficult, especially if cocoa powder is used, because it tends to cause the muffins to dry out a little quicker than normal. Some of the most classic tips for creating moist chocolate muffins deal with adding ingredients — such as shredded zucchini, carrots or chopped dried fruits — that retain moisture and release it slowly into the batter as it cooks. Another idea is to boost the batter with moist thickeners such as yogurt, buttermilk or sour cream, all of which have the added benefit of being acidic so they interact favorably with the cocoa in the muffins. The type of fat that is used also can help to make moist chocolate muffins, although using something like lard can create a slightly different texture in the final muffin. Avoiding dry muffins largely relies on ensuring that the muffins cook through just enough and removing them from the heat before they start to dry out and become hard, which can ruin even the moistest batter.

One way to keep the inside of a chocolate muffin moist is to add an ingredient that is somewhat wet and will slowly release moisture into the batter while it bakes, usually in the form of steam. Zucchini is a popular choice, because it is mostly water and can be grated into small pieces that will almost completely disappear into the muffin without adding a strong taste. Dried fruits such as apricots and raisins can serve the same purpose. For a very moist muffin with a sweet, lightly fruity taste, mashed bananas can be added.

A popular way to make moist chocolate muffins is to add a thick liquid as a substitute for some of the fat or eggs in the recipe. This includes plain or flavored yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream for a tart taste, or applesauce. The moisture might make the muffins a little heavier, depending on the ingredients, but the texture should be very rich.

The type and amount of fat used may make moist chocolate muffins but might not help their nutritional value. Using extra egg yolks or extra butter can make a softer crumb in the muffin, although care has to be taken because too much fat will prevent the batter from adhering to itself while cooking and might actually weep out of the muffin. Less popular fats, such as lard or suet, can be used in muffins to help them remain moist longer, although they also might make the texture chewier than expected or desired.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Pippinwhite — On Apr 26, 2014

I really do like chocolate muffins, but I've never had much success with them from scratch. I cave and buy a mix. It usually turns out better. There's probably some unpronounceable ingredient that makes them moister, but I don't have them that often.

By Lostnfound — On Apr 25, 2014

I suspect mayonnaise would also create a very moist cake. It's used a lot in chocolate cakes for a moist result, so I think it probably would work in muffins, too. And you can't taste it, so that's not really so much an issue.

I'd find an actual recipe that uses it, though. You could get in trouble if you don't substitute it in the right amount, and for the right ingredients.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-moist-chocolate-muffins.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.