Challenge #39 - Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins (Vegan)

This one was a pretty big challenge since I am really much more familiar with cooking and not baking.  .  It has taken me a few tries, but here is what I have come up with.  A few people had the batch I made the other night, and everyone liked them (people that eat with no restrictions).  So I took this as a good sign!  Some wanted more chocolate, some wanted less, so I leave it to you how much you want to add or omit.  The muffins were yummy.  They still need perfecting though.  A friend of mine who is a baker had some thoughts, so this is still a work in progress!  If you try this and make some adjustments, please let me know what you did and how it worked out!
Ingredients: Makes 12 muffins (or 6 large muffins)
1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp baking soda (aluminum free)
1 tsp baking powder (aluminum free)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin spice
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 dropper of stevia (can use only packets or liquid)
3 packets of stevia
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
70% dark chocolate chunks  (If you want these to be 100% vegan, use vegan carob chips or omit)

Step #1: Mix pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, vanilla, coconut oil & stevia in a bowl.

 Step #2: Mix buckwheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, & sea salt.

Step #3: Mix wet ingredients in to the dry ingredients.  Add in almond milk and continue to stir until batter is smooth.

Step #4: Half or quarter chocolate chunks and add to mix.  You can see in the photo below on the right is the cut chunks and the original size on the left.

Step #5: Use some coconut oil to grease cupcake tray. (My tray was also non-stick) and fill with batter.

 

Step #6: Bake on 350 for 30-35 minutes.  Check after 30 with toothpick.  Bake until toothpick comes out clean.

Step #7: Remove from oven and let cool.  Remove muffins from tray when cool.

Step #8: Enjoy delicious and healthy muffins.  Photo below of one of the muffins cut open.  The chips melt in beautifully.  Feel free to adjust spices and chocolate to your own preferences.