Derby Pie Muffins
Fudgy, chocolate-forward muffins studded with nuts and chips, inspired by the Kentucky classic Derby Pie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; for a slightly denser muffin use 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process or natural both work; Dutch will be richer
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed adds chew and depth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled substitute melted coconut oil for dairy-free
- 2 large eggs room temperature helps emulsify
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans toast for more flavor
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips semisweet or dark
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions. Stir gently until just combined; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips with a flexible spatula.
- Scoop batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Baking
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through if your oven runs hot.
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.
- Transfer muffins to a wire rack and let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a smear of softened butter or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of bourbon or a pinch of espresso powder. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap muffins individually for up to 3 months.