double chocolate zucchini muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Skill Level: Easy
Category: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine: American
Dairy-Free Option: Yes
Kid-Friendly:
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
½ cup whole wheat flour (or use all-purpose)
-
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or coconut oil)
-
½ cup maple syrup or honey
-
¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1½ cups finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
Chocolate:
-
½ cup mini or regular chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
-
Optional: ¼ cup chopped dark chocolate for richer texture
Equipment
-
12-cup muffin tin
-
Muffin liners or nonstick spray
-
Mixing bowls
-
Grater or food processor
-
Whisk and spatula
-
Cooling rack
Time & Effort
| Task | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Prep ingredients | 15 minutes | Easy |
| Bake | 18–22 minutes | Easy |
| Cool & serve | 10 minutes | Easy |
| Total Time | ~35 minutes | Easy |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
-
Grate zucchini using a fine grater.
-
Place grated zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture — especially important for muffins not to get soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
-
Eggs
-
Oil
-
Maple syrup
-
Brown sugar
-
Vanilla extract
Then stir in the grated zucchini.
In another bowl, sift together:
-
All-purpose flour
-
Whole wheat flour
-
Cocoa powder
-
Baking soda
-
Baking powder
-
Salt
-
(Optional) Cinnamon
Step 3: Combine and Fold in Chocolate
-
Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon.
-
Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips (and chopped chocolate if using).
Do not overmix — stir just until flour disappears for tender muffins.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Line a 12-cup muffin tin or grease well.
-
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
-
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a pretty (and melty!) finish.
Step 5: Bake
-
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
-
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect for:
-
Quick breakfasts on the go
-
School lunchbox treats
-
Afternoon snacks with coffee or tea
-
Chocolatey dessert with a dollop of Greek yogurt or peanut butter
Storage & Freezer Tips
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temp | 2–3 days in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2–3 months (wrap individually) |
| Reheat | Microwave for 20–30 seconds or thaw overnight |
Pro Tip: Freeze extras and reheat as needed for busy mornings!
Nutrition (Per Muffin – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~23g |
| Sugar | ~11g |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Fat | ~9g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~150mg |
Values depend on ingredients and substitutions used.