Zucchini Muffins are a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy the natural sweetness and moist texture of zucchini. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With a blend of warm spices, a touch of sweetness, and the crunch of chopped pecans, these muffins are both wholesome and satisfying. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make Zucchini Muffins step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate Zucchini:
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Use a box grater or a food processor to grate the zucchini. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Beat Eggs and Oil:
- In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add Zucchini and Vanilla:
- Stir in the grated zucchini and pure vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
- Fold in Pecans:
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Prepare Muffin Tin
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line or Grease Muffin Tin:
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Fill Muffin Cups:
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve:
- Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a delicious treat.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Zucchini: Be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the muffins from becoming too wet.
- Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute the chopped pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts altogether.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of spices to your taste. Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for additional flavor.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Lemon Zucchini Muffins
- Add Lemon:
- Add the zest of 1 lemon to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Healthy Zucchini Muffins
- Use Applesauce:
- Replace half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.
Serving Suggestions
With Spreads
- With Butter:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- With Cream Cheese:
- Spread with cream cheese for a tangy contrast.
With Beverages
- With Coffee:
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful breakfast.
- With Tea:
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking.
Q: How do I store leftover muffins? A: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven if desired.
Q: Can I freeze these muffins? A: Yes, you can freeze the muffins. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have brown sugar? A: You can use an equal amount of granulated sugar or try using coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar.
Q: Can I add other vegetables or fruits? A: Yes, you can add finely grated carrots or apples for additional flavor and texture.
Zucchini Muffins are a moist and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their blend of warm spices, sweet zucchini, and crunchy pecans, these muffins are both wholesome and satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Zucchini Muffins are easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful muffins with your family and friends!
