Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, these muffins are a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate muffins.
- Veggie-Packed: Incorporating 1½ cups of grated zucchini adds moisture and a nutritional boost without compromising on flavor.
- One-Bowl Wonder: The recipe requires just one bowl, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to be dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate chips, or gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free flour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1½ cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup oil (coconut or avocado oil recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Directions
- Prepare Zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or lightly grease with cooking spray. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Variations
- Banana Substitute: Replace the applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor profile.
- Alternative Squash: Use yellow summer squash instead of zucchini for a subtle variation.
- Nutrient Boost: Stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of nutritious add-ins like hemp seeds, chia seeds, or ground flax seeds for extra health benefits.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For extended freshness, keep the muffins in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the muffins gluten-free.
2. Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?
No, there’s no need to peel the zucchini. The skin is thin and adds extra nutrients and color to the muffins.
3. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil, avocado oil, or even olive oil based on your preference.
4. How can I reduce the sugar content further?
You can reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey, but note that this may affect the overall sweetness and moisture of the muffins.
5. What can I use instead of applesauce?
Mashed banana or Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes for applesauce.
6. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely, chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch.
7. How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
Toss the chocolate chips in a small amount of flour before adding them to the batter to help prevent sinking.
8. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
Yes, adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes for mini muffins.
9. Is it necessary to squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini?
Yes, squeezing out excess moisture prevents the muffins from becoming too wet and ensures proper texture.
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these moist Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, a perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and wholesome ingredients like zucchini, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free snack, this one-bowl recipe is easy to make and customize for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups grated zucchini (squeezed to remove moisture)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup coconut or avocado oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini: Squeeze grated zucchini to remove excess moisture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Gently fold in zucchini and chocolate chips.
- Prep Muffin Tin: Divide batter evenly in a 12-cup muffin tin lined or greased. Top with extra chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: At 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Zucchini: No need to peel, but ensure you squeeze out moisture.
- Substitutes: Replace applesauce with mashed banana or Greek yogurt.
- Add-ins: Include nuts or seeds for extra nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 muffins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
