Dr. Ahmed The 2024 Paris Olympics provided its share of lasting athletic achievements but also another viral food trend.
TikTok was buzzing with a video of a Norwegian swimmer, Henrik Christiansen, raving about the chocolate muffins available in the Olympic Village.
Inspired by his infectious enthusiasm, home-bakers all over the world have been eager to recreate this “gold medal” muffin.
The three-chocolate muffin with its fudgy, moist crumb, gooey chocolate chunks, and ganache-filled center is deservedly worthy of the highest rung of things to taste.
The History Behind the Famous Olympic Chocolate Muffins
At the Paris Olympics, discussions went far beyond record-breaking performances. The food of the athletes and, particularly, their treats were on everyone’s lips.
When Henrik Christiansen declared his love for these chocolate muffins—rating them an 11/10—social media lit up with fans trying to replicate the experience at home.
Food bloggers, culinary enthusiasts, and even casual bakers began sharing their versions with detailed tips on achieving the perfect high-rise, bakery-style muffin that remains tender inside yet boasts a beautifully domed top.
While this experience may be baking-driven, more importantly, it is a homage to the virtues of passion.
They are muffins—and you’re going to eat them for breakfast to fuel a leisurely country getaway breakfast, a pièce de resistance dessert for a black tie gathering, or an afternoon snack that will elevate you out of your depression.
These muffins represent the spirit of the Olympic values of rising with creativity and then courage while embracing our fears.
Olympic Chocolate Muffins Recipe:
The following recipe ensures your muffins come out moist, extra chocolaty, and memorable.
Ingredients
For the Muffins (Makes 12 Regular Muffins or 6 Jumbo Muffins):
- Dry Ingredients:
- 240 grams (2 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 40 grams (1/3 cup) of cake flour (optional for a lighter texture)
- 175 grams of granulated sugar
- 50 grams light brown sugar, packed
- 50 grams of Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs + 1 extra egg yolk at room temperature
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) of vegetable or canola oil
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) of warmed buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Add-ins:
- 200 grams of chocolate chunks (a mix of milk and dark chocolate). Reserve about 25% for topping.
For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) of heavy cream
- 200 grams of chopped chocolate (a mix of semisweet, milk, or dark). High-quality chocolate is preferred.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How to Bake Perfect Olympics Chocolate Muffins?
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Start by preparing the tin by lining it with paper liners (fill each approximately quarter–full for regular muffins and nearly full for jumbo muffins).
Lining correctly is important because it not only ensures even baking but also gives a refined appearance to the muffins.
- Make the cocoa paste.
Next step is to make the cocoa paste by using a few tbsp of the hot buttermilk in a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and the instant espresso powder until fully integrated.
This is a quick, simple step that keeps the chocolate flavor consistent and even in the batter.
- Mix the wet ingredients.
Then, in a big mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, extra yolk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, vanilla, and cocoa paste.
Beat all the ingredients until they are light and fluffy—it adds air to the batter, which is necessary for creating that lofty domed top.
- Combine dry ingredients
Now get to the dry ingredients and sift the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients.
Combine all of these until there a little pockets of flour, and be sure not to overmix, or the muffin will be tough.
- Fold in chocolate
Gently fold in the chocolate chunks until evenly distributed. Reserve about a quarter of the chunks to put on top of the muffins before baking. This will ensure a more chocolaty bite.
- Fill and bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins. If you’re aiming for an authentic look, use a large ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks on top.
Put the tin in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Next, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for a further 12–15 minutes.
The short shock of high heat causes the muffins to rise spectacularly, and the lower temperature cooks them evenly. A toothpick inserted into the middle should emerge fairly clean with some moist crumbs.
After taking the muffins out of the oven, allow them to cool in the muffin tray for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Prepare the Ganache:
As the muffins cool, pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan over medium heat and just bring to a simmer.
Then, pour it over the cut chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes before whisking completely until smooth and glossy.
If desired, you can add the salt and vanilla extract and whisk it to combine. Let the ganache cool until it is thick enough to pipe (about 20–30 minutes).
This ganache will be used for the all-decadent filling that sets these muffins apart.
- Fill with Ganache:
Let the muffins cool completely. Once they are cool, remove a round piece from the center of each muffin using a small knife or cupcake corer.
Place the ganache into a piping bag fitted with a small tip, or you can also use a spoon if you prefer. Fill each muffin with about one tablespoon of ganache, letting it overflow a bit to add to the decadence.
- Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve your Olympics Chocolate Muffins at room temperature or slightly warm.
Tips for Success
If you want your muffins to be super soft and yummy, then here are some tips that you should keep in mind.
- Try two-stage baking instead of doing it in one go.
- Start at a temperature of 425°F so the dome is appropriately formed. When the muffins appear half-done, reduce the temperature to ensure even cooking and avoid drying out.
- While folding, make sure you fold until the dry and wet ingredients are well combined. However, be careful with the mixing because overmixing will result in excessive gluten formation, causing the muffins to be dense and chewy and not have the light texture desired.
- If you want good quality muffins then you must use good quality ingredients as that makes an excellent combo.
- Use good quality chocolate for the both the mouthful and the ganache, and ensure your eggs and dairy are fresh and at room temperature.
- Lastly, allowing the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes before putting it in the oven will help enhance the texture and overall flavor. During this time, the flour will fully hydrate before baking.
Olympic’s Chocolate Muffins Health Benefits
These chocolate muffins not only ease your cravings but also come with some awesome benefits.
- Dark cocoa is filled with flavonoids that can counter free radicals, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that support cellular health.
- The carbs, fats, and proteins in these muffins provide a steady stream of energy making it an ideal option for a pre-workout or mid-morning snack.
- Chocolate is known to stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, which may improve your mood and decrease stress.
- Buttermilk, sour cream, and eggs provide essential nutrients, such as calcium and protein that can help repair muscles and maintain bone health.
- When you bake at home, you can control portions so that you can still enjoy a tasty treat that satisfies your craving without overdoing it.
- If made with quality ingredients, dark chocolate polyphenols can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, which can have heart health benefits.
- A balanced, satisfying treat may prevent over-snacking later on while achieving satisfaction in how you feel and providing some nutritional value, all while being indulgent!
Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether you are cheering for your favorite Olympian or enjoying an elevated chocolate experience, these Olympic chocolate Muffins can add to the excitement of the competition of kitchen greatness.
These soft chocolate muffins with an irresistible ganache center and an extra crunch of chocolate chunks can surely impress anyone!
![Low Carb Chocolate Muffins [6-Pack] By Carb-o-licious- Delicious Keto Muffins With Only 3 Net Carbs Each- Sugar Free Healthy Snack With Almond Flour- Best Tasting Low-Carb Diet Treat Ever!](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sxXXw3P+L.jpg "Olympics Chocolate Muffins – Delicious Recipe and Perks 15")
