I absolutely love this Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between moist and fluffy, with just a hint of cinnamon warmth that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how versatile it is—perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet little dessert. Plus, using zucchini sneaks in some veggies without sacrificing any flavor, so it’s a win-win for me and my family.
You’ll find that this Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe is also incredibly forgiving, which makes it great if you’re new to baking or just want something reliable you can whip up on a whim. I love making a batch when zucchini is in season—I stash them in the freezer for busy weekdays, and my kids go crazy for them every time. Seriously, these muffins might just become your new favorite way to enjoy that garden-fresh zucchini sitting in your fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful: The shredded zucchini keeps these muffins tender and full of natural moisture.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins to suit your family’s tastes.
- Kid-Friendly: A sneaky way to get veggies into picky eaters without them noticing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe work together to create a perfect texture and warm, spicy flavor. I usually pick out fresh zucchini and opt for a mix of brown and white sugar for depth, but you can adjust to your liking.
- All-purpose or whole wheat flour: The base for your muffins; whole wheat adds nuttiness and fiber.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help your muffins rise beautifully.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Bring cozy spice notes that pair perfectly with zucchini.
- Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: Adds moisture and richness.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The combo adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding structure.
- Vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds a little moisture and helps blend the ingredients.
- Shredded zucchini: The star ingredient—no need to blot it dry, which saves time!
- Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for extra texture and taste.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I have in the pantry, so feel free to get creative with this Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe. It’s totally forgiving, so your variations will turn out delicious.
- Chocolate Chips: Adding a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips was a family game-changer—my kids couldn’t get enough of those gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped flour for a gluten-free blend with great results—just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Nuts or Seeds: Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch and are perfect if you want some extra texture.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for a fun twist on the classic cinnamon-nutmeg combo.
How to Make Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepping a 12-count muffin pan. Spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray, or line it with cupcake liners if you prefer easier cleanup. Getting this out of the way early means you’re ready to bake as soon as your batter is mixed.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where you build the muffin’s base flavor, so take a moment to enjoy that warm, spicy aroma starting to develop.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until everything’s smooth and combined. Then stir in the shredded zucchini—don’t worry about blotting it dry! The moisture from the zucchini keeps these muffins wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Combine and Add-Ins
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl, then gently whisk or fold everything together until just combined. The batter should be thick, so stop mixing as soon as you don’t see flour streaks. If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins here, fold those in now to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each all the way to the top for a nice dome shape. Optional: sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a little crunchy sweetness. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 15–17 minutes. That two-step baking keeps the muffins rising tall and golden brown without drying out.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. But honestly, I love them warm with a little pat of butter or cream cheese—totally irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe
- No Need to Squeeze Zucchini: I learned this trick early on—leaving the zucchini juices intact means the muffins stay moist and tender.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir your batter just until combined to avoid tough, dense muffins.
- Use Two-Stage Baking: Starting at a higher temp for 5 minutes then lowering it helps muffins rise tall and bake evenly.
- Cool Before Removing: Give your muffins a few minutes to firm up in the pan before transferring to avoid crumbly edges.
How to Serve Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these muffins with a light spread of cream cheese or a dollop of honey butter for an extra tasty touch. If I’m feeling fancy, a quick dusting of powdered sugar makes them look irresistible for guests.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they also make a great side alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I like arranging the muffins on a tiered stand with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of edible flowers—it makes the whole spread pop and invites everyone to dig in. Wrapping each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine is another cute way to gift them to friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days—I like to keep a kitchen towel over them to absorb any excess moisture. After that, I move them to the fridge, where they keep well for up to a week without drying out.
Freezing
Freezing leftover zucchini bread muffins is a lifesaver. I individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want one, I just pull it out the night before and let it thaw on the counter—still delicious and moist after freezing.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat these muffins is in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—this revives a fresh-baked texture without drying them out. A quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave works, too, if you’re in a hurry, but I prefer the oven method for that fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen zucchini for this Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the zucchini fully and drain any excess liquid before adding it to your batter. Using frozen zucchini can make the muffins extra moist, but you don’t want them too watery, which might affect baking.
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How do I prevent this recipe from turning out too dense or soggy?
The key is not to overmix your batter and to follow the two-temperature baking method—baking first at a high temperature and then lowering it helps the muffins rise well without becoming dense. Also, using the right amount of shredded zucchini without squeezing it too much keeps moisture balanced.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! For dairy-free, just swap milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. To make it vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use vegetable oil or coconut oil. The texture might vary slightly but still tastes great.
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Are these muffins freezer-friendly?
Definitely. These muffins freeze beautifully when wrapped well. Thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat for an easy grab-and-go snack or breakfast option.
Final Thoughts
This Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it perfectly balances healthful ingredients with comforting flavors, plus it’s just so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping snacks for the week, or looking to sneak in some veggies in a fun way, these muffins won’t let you down. I genuinely recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll end up making it again and again, just like I do!
PrintZucchini Bread Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously moist and flavorful Zucchini Bread Muffins made with shredded zucchini, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast treat, these muffins offer a wonderful way to incorporate vegetables into your diet with optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour (or mix of both), spooned & leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 and 3/4 cups (210g) shredded zucchini (no need to blot)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped nuts, raisins, etc.)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line it with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside this dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Zucchini: Stir the shredded zucchini into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to evenly distribute without overworking the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet zucchini mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir or whisk gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the muffins tender. The batter will be thick.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: If using chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins, fold them into the batter carefully at this stage.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to the top. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for another 15–17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For mini muffins, bake at 350°F (177°C) for 11–13 minutes total.
- Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm.
- Storage: Store muffins covered at room temperature for a few days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
- No need to blot shredded zucchini; moisture helps keep muffins moist.
- Use either all-purpose or whole wheat flour, or a mix, according to preference.
- Optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust baking time if making mini muffins.
- Do not over-mix batter to prevent tough muffins.
- Coarse sugar topping adds appealing crunch but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg