Of course! “Chocolate Mani Muffins” is a delightful name, and it most likely refers to a wonderfully simple and popular Brazilian treat: Chocolate Muffins made with Manioc (or Cassava) Flour.
Manioc flour (farinha de mandioca) gives these muffins a unique, slightly crumbly texture and a delicious, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. They are naturally gluten-free!
Here is a classic and easy recipe for these irresistible muffins.
Brazilian Chocolate Mani Muffins (Gluten-Free)
These muffins are dense, fudgy, and have an incredible texture thanks to the manioc flour.
Ingredients
· 2 cups (250g) manioc flour (farinha de mandioca) – not tapioca starch
· 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
· 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
· 1 cup (240ml) milk (or water)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the manioc flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and everything is well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix until just combined. Do not overmix! The batter will be thick.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🌟 Success Tips & Notes
· Finding Manioc Flour: Look for it in Latin American grocery stores or the international aisle of large supermarkets. It’s often labeled as “Farinha de Mandioca” (coarse) or “Farinha de Mandioca Fina” (fine). Either will work, but the fine version gives a slightly smoother texture.
· Don’t Overmix: Unlike wheat flour, you don’t have to worry about gluten development, but overmixing can make the muffins a bit tough. Mix until you no longer see dry spots of flour.
· Texture: These muffins are naturally more dense and moist than traditional wheat-flour muffins. That’s part of their charm!
· Add-In Ideas:
· Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the wet ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
· Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
· Add a surprise cream cheese center by placing a small cube of sweetened cream cheese in the middle of each muffin before baking.
What if you meant “Chocolate MANY Muffins”?
If you were simply looking for a recipe to make a large batch of classic chocolate muffins, here’s a quick ingredient list adjustment for a bigger yield:
For “Chocolate Many Muffins” (Makes ~18 muffins):
· 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
· 2 cups (400g) sugar
· 3/4 cup (75g) cocoa powder
· 2 teaspoons baking soda
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 2 large eggs
· 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
· 1 cup (240ml) strong, hot coffee (or water) – coffee deepens the chocolate flavor
· 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 cups (350g) chocolate chips
Instructions: Follow the same method as above, mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes.
No matter which version you choose, you’re in for a delicious chocolate treat! The Brazilian Chocolate Mani Muffins are a unique and must-try experience. Enjoy