Cherry Chocolate Chip Wheat Germ Muffins

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brunch

Well, it finally snowed here in Northern Virginia! My cozy little cottage looks so adorable spruced up with some fresh white powder. I just love it. I’ve been dying for a real winter since the snowpocalypse so this is quite refreshing. And, nothing goes better with snow (or brunch for that matter) than a big cup of French Toast Coffee (your life will forever changed) and a batch of these cherry chocolate chip wheat germ muffins!

Cherry choc. wheat germ muffins

Okay, so I get it. Wheat germ doesn’t sound…appetizing. It sounds like germ, which is not something you want associated with food. And that’s totally fine since that was my first reaction too when I received a few samples to try from Kretschmer. However, after some research, I found out some important things about this super-food!

wheat germ

For one, wheat germ is actually a GOOD thing for food and you! Two tablespoons of raw wheat germ have 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, no cholesterol and a mere 60 calories. That’s a lot of protein for something so tiny, don’t you think? I always love trying new healthy ingredients, so I immediately starting thinking of ways I could use the Kretschmer wheat germ in some of my baking. And then, one day it just hit me. I’ll make muffins! With chocolate chips and cherry! By Golly Gee!

muffins

Best. idea. ever. All you taste is the gooey melted chocolate, the sweet cherries and a slight nuttiness from the almond extract and wheat germ. Be sure to ONLY USE fresh wheat germ. You’ll be able to tell by the smell. It should smell slightly sweet, not bitter or sour. Because of the germ, you get an added 2 grams of protein in each muffin. More protein = fuller longer = less need for fat pants. Real scientist right here, guys.

Healthy chocolate chip muffins

These little muffins make the perfect side sweet for your traditional brunching fare or work just as delicious standalone (with a giant mimosa, of course). Although I’m sure Dr. Oz would scold me for eating something healthy and then downing empty calories in champagne. But brunch without cocktails is sacrilegious (and I’m sure illegal in some establishments), so I think I’ll take my chances with OZ (and his frightening botox).

Cherry Chocolate Chip Wheat Germ Muffins

cherry chocolate chip muffins

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Yields about 12 muffins. Recipe adapted from Cooking Light.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: About 13 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ (I used Kretschmer)
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • dash of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup milk (I used skim)
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh cherries*
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

*Dried works just as well!

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir the flour, wheat germ, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together. Make a well in the center.
  3. In another bowl, mix the egg,  skim milk, canola oil, applesauce and egg together. Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry mixture and stir to combine. Gently stir in cherries and chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
  4. Fill muffin liners about 2/3 – 3/4 the way full with batter. Bake for about 13 – 15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Nutritional information per muffin: 

Calories: 203
Fat: 6.1 grams
Carbohydrates: 33 grams 
Fiber: 2.5 grams
Protein: 4.2 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 5

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Comments

  1. Posted by Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection on
    Thursday, January 24th, 2013
    If only I could stay at home, eat one of these muffins, and enjoy the snow too! But I'm stuck in my cubicle at work. Boo. Anyway, these muffins look great. I love that you added wheat germ-I try to add it to a lot of recipes to get that boost of protein and fiber. The name definitely threw me off at first, but now it's one of my favorite secret ingredients!
    • Posted by claire on
      Thursday, January 24th, 2013
      Now mine too!!
  2. Posted by RavieNomNoms on
    Thursday, January 24th, 2013
    Love Love Love wheat germ!! So delicious!
    • Posted by claire on
      Thursday, January 24th, 2013
      I know right? It's my first time using it!
  3. Posted by Sally on
    Thursday, January 24th, 2013
    i love these!! glad you agree with me that cherries and chocolate are a match made in heaven. :) I love the gorgeous cracked tops!
    • Posted by claire on
      Thursday, January 24th, 2013
      Thank you!! My husband thought they looked like cookies! :)
  4. Posted by Stephanie Wise on
    Thursday, January 24th, 2013
    More protein = full longer = less need for fat pants = eating these muffins = one very happy me. :)


    Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
    • Posted by claire on
      Thursday, January 24th, 2013
      EXACTLY! Glad you get my mathematics.
  5. Posted by Tutti Dolci on
    Thursday, January 24th, 2013
    How cute are these muffins!
    • Posted by claire on
      Saturday, January 26th, 2013
      Aren't they? I wish I could send you some!
  6. Friday, January 25th, 2013
    These are adorable and looked like they're packed with so much amazing flavor!
    • Posted by claire on
      Saturday, January 26th, 2013
      Thank you Kelly!!
  7. Posted by Alexandra on
    Friday, January 25th, 2013
    There's nothing like a good chocolate chip muffin, and your version looks so good with all of those juicy cherries added in! I've baked with wheat germ before, and even though I don't really think it seems that tasty itself (duh!), I've noticed that usually you can't taste it in the finished product. :) Anything to make a chocolate chip muffin seem healthy sounds good to me!
    • Posted by claire on
      Saturday, January 26th, 2013
      Oh I know, it's a little weird on it's own. haha!
  8. Posted by Kathryn on
    Saturday, January 26th, 2013
    These muffins are just packed full of so many tasty flavours, love them!
    • Posted by claire on
      Saturday, January 26th, 2013
      Thanks lovey!!
  9. Posted by Bonnie Gill on
    Saturday, February 23rd, 2013
    You mention "light cream" in your instructions but it is'nt listed in your ingredients. How much "light cream" is needed?