Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Easy Fluffy Zucchini Muffins Recipe for Sweet Morning Joy

Crafting delightful zucchini muffins brings comfort and joy to any kitchen adventure.

Soft, moist textures promise a delectable morning treat that surprises even picky eaters.

Summer gardens overflow with these green beauties, making them perfect for spontaneous baking moments.

Nutritious and light, these muffins blend wholesome ingredients with unexpected charm.

Bakers love how simple ingredients create magic in less than an hour.

Sweet hints of cinnamon complement the subtle vegetable undertones beautifully.

We bet you’ll want to share these irresistible treats with everyone around you.

Zucchini Muffins Delightful Morning Treat

  • Pack these muffins with shredded zucchini, providing hidden vegetables that kids and picky eaters will love without detecting the veggie flavor.
  • Enjoy these muffins as a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon snack, or light dessert that works wonderfully for meal prep and can be stored easily for several days.
  • Create a crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to all ages, with optional walnuts for added crunch and nutrition, making it adaptable to different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Zucchini Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice and enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the recipe.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture and richness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and soft, and helps distribute fat evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the zucchini.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture, nutrition, and a subtle green color to the muffins.
  • Walnuts: Optional ingredient that provides crunch and nutty flavor to the muffins.

How to Bake Zucchini Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab your muffin tin and line it with cute paper liners, creating perfect little homes for your soon-to-be delicious zucchini muffins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Blend them until they’re completely combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture:
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Whip them together until they’re perfectly integrated.

Step 4: Create Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Tenderly fold in:
  • Freshly shredded zucchini
  • Chopped walnuts (optional)

The batter should look wonderfully rustic and inviting.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Carefully distribute the batter among the lined muffin cups.

Make sure each cup gets an equal amount of the delightful mixture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes.

To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing, and these muffins will be ready to devour!

Expert Tips for Perfect Zucchini Muffins

  • Remove excess moisture from shredded zucchini by gently pressing with paper towels to prevent soggy muffins.
  • Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Reduce sugar by using ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce as a natural sweetener alternative.
  • Toss walnuts in a small amount of flour before adding to prevent them from dropping to the bottom of the muffins.
  • These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – wrap individually for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Storing and Reheating Zucchini Muffins

  • Place cooled muffins in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days maximum. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Pairing Suggestions for Zucchini Muffins

  • Pair with Coffee Companionship: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with subtle nutty undertones that complement the walnuts and enhance the muffins' warmth.
  • Match with Creamy Spread: Top the muffin with a dollop of honey-whipped cream cheese or maple butter to add luxurious moisture and sweet depth.
  • Create Morning Magic: Serve alongside a fresh fruit smoothie with banana and almond milk to balance the muffin's sweetness and add nutritional brightness.
  • Enjoy Afternoon Tea: Steep a light chamomile or vanilla rooibos tea that won't overpower the delicate zucchini and cinnamon flavors of the muffin.

Creative Variations on Zucchini Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Zucchini Muffins: Swap eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of regular oil. Choose maple syrup or agave as a plant-based sweetener alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Zucchini Muffins: Reduce sugar quantity and incorporate mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture while cutting down on refined sugar content.
  • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins: Fold in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a rich, indulgent version that adds extra flavor and antioxidants to the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • Are zucchini muffins healthy?

These muffins offer nutritional benefits with fresh zucchini providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re lower in fat compared to traditional muffins and contain less sugar when using whole wheat flour.

  • Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

  • How do I prevent my muffins from becoming soggy?

Squeeze excess moisture from shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel before adding to the batter. This helps maintain the muffins’ light and fluffy texture.

  • What can I do if I don't have walnuts?

You can replace walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Alternatively, use chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or simply omit nuts altogether without affecting the recipe’s overall structure.

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Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Zucchini Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Zucchini Muffins deliver garden-fresh flavor in a perfect handheld treat. Moist crumb and subtle sweetness make these muffins a delightful breakfast or snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) shredded zucchini
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) sugar

Leavening and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well integrated.
  3. Create a smooth mixture in a separate bowl by beating eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract together until fully blended.
  4. Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
  5. Delicately fold shredded zucchini and chopped walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Carefully portion the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
  8. Allow muffins to rest in the tin for 5 minutes to set their structure.
  9. Transfer muffins to a wire rack, letting them cool completely to room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Grate zucchini with a box grater or food processor, ensuring excess moisture is removed by squeezing with a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy muffins.
  • Swap regular flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour blend for a more nutritious and dietary-friendly version that maintains a soft texture.
  • Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the muffins.
  • Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle of cream cheese glaze after cooling for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 157
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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