Chocolate Kodiak Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Kodiak Cakes pancake mix (or a similar whole-grain, protein-rich pancake mix)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sweetener (such as Stevia or a sugar substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana for natural sweetness)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for added protein)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-fat milk)
• 1 large egg (or an egg substitute)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (choose ones with lower sugar content)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Kodiak Cakes mix, cocoa powder, granulated sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, Greek yogurt, almond milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.