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Top-down look at a zucchini muffin with visible green flecks, a domed top, and a golden-brown crust.

Zucchini Muffins

Moist and tender zucchini muffins with warm cinnamon spice, ready in 30 minutes. A simple way to use fresh zucchini.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 188g (do not scoop with measuring cup, spoon in and level with the straight edge of a butter knife)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts 180g, optional
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil 59ml (or other preferred oil)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce 62.5g (or additional oil)
  • 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar 100g
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100g
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini about 1-2 medium to large zucchinis*

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:

    Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat muffin pan with spray or line with paper liners.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients:

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until uniform. If using optional chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dry mix. Set aside.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients:

    In a separate medium bowl, combine oil, applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, and shredded zucchini; stir until well blended.
  • Fold Batter Together:

    Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture and fold gently until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
  • Fill Muffin Cups:

    Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each to the brim.
  • Bake with Temperature Change:

    Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes. Without removing muffins, lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 13–15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center emerges mostly clean. The initial high heat creates a rise, then the lower temperature bakes the interior.
  • Cool and Release Muffins:

    Take muffins out of oven and let them rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. If needed, run a knife around the edges to release.
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