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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method

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*

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:

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

  2. 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.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

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

  4. Fold Batter Together:

    Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture and fold gently until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.

  5. Fill Muffin Cups:

    Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each to the brim.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.