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    Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Breads and Muffins Breakfast Recipes Snacks July 31, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 27 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are packed with zucchini and double the chocolate for a muffin that tastes like dessert, yet healthy enough for breakfast. These Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are made with whole grains, refined sugar free, and packed with zucchini, yet are still super soft, tender, and most importantly, delicious!

    Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are packed with zucchini and double the chocolate for a muffin that tastes like dessert, yet is healthy enough for breakfast.

    Chocolate Zucchini Muffin with bite out of it next to chocolate chips and cocoa powder.


    While nothing compares to my mom's zucchini bread and I could go to town snacking on air fryer zucchini fries, I can never resist a chocolate zucchini muffin. And these double chocolate zucchini muffins are my kid's all-time favorite zucchini recipe.

    Why You Will Love These Muffins

    • Good For You. Instead of being loaded with refined flour and sugars, this recipe for chocolate zucchini muffins is made with whole grains, sweetened with honey, and lower in fat. But don't worry, even those these muffins are healthy, they taste sinful.
    • Amazing Texture. Even though these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are made with whole wheat flour, they bake up light and tender and stay perfectly moist thanks to the addition of zucchini and applesauce.
    • Double the Chocolate. These zucchini muffins don't skimp on the chocolate. The batter is made with rich cocoa powder and the muffins are studded with chocolate chips.
    • Filled with Vegetables. Just like Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins and Healthy Pumpkin Muffins, no one will complain about eating their veggies when they bite into one of these Healthy Zucchini Muffins. This healthy muffin recipe makes eating your vegetables feel decadent!

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for zucchini muffins labeled on counter.
    • Whole White Wheat Flour: Instead of all-purpose flour, I opt to use whole white wheat flour, which is 100% whole grain, yet bakes up just as light as all-purpose flour.
    • Chocolate Chips: Chocolate Chips can be omitted to keep these muffins 100% free from refined sugars, but I recommend adding them for a burst of fudgy deliciousness. I love to use mini chocolate chips but regular chocolate chips work as well.
    • Applesauce: Applesauce is used to cut back on the amount of oil needed, while still keeping these muffins light and tender. It also helps to naturally sweeten the muffins.
    • Oil: Use either canola oil, melted and cooled butter, or melted and cooled coconut oil.
    • Honey Instead of using granulated sugars, these muffins are sweetened with honey.
    • Milk: To keep the muffins light and fluffy, milk is needed. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk based on your preference.

    How To Make Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    Step One: Prepare Zucchini. It is important to remove the excess water from the zucchini, just as you would when making Zucchini Bread. This will keep the muffins from becoming dense and mushy.

    I find that the best way to remove the excess liquid from grated zucchini is to place it into a piece of cheesecloth and give it a good squeeze over the sink.

    Side by side photo showing grating zucchini.

    Step Two. Sift Dry Ingredients Together. Because cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda are all prone to clumping together, sifting the ingredients through a fine-mesh strainer will keep your batter lump-free and each bite of your zucchini muffin delish.

    Side by side bowl showing dry ingredients before and after sifting.

    Step Three: Combine Wet Ingredients. It is best to whisk the honey, egg, applesauce, oil, milk, and vanilla together prior to adding them to the flour mixture. This will help prevent overmixing the batter, which can result in dense muffins.

    Side by side bowl before and after mixing together the wt ingredients.

    Step Three: Fold Together. When working with muffins or quickbread recipes, you don't want to overmix the ingredients. It is best to gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until JUST combined. Once you no longer see pockets of flour, add in the prepared zucchini and chocolate chips, and using a spatula fold them into the muffin batter until JUST distributed.

    Side by side photo showing muffin batter before and after adding zucchini and chocolate chips.

    Step Four: Fill Muffin Tin. My best tip for scooping muffin batter into a prepared muffin tin is to use an ice cream scoop. Using an ice cream scoop will keep each muffin uniform in size, and is the least messy way to distribute the batter into the muffin tin.

    Chocolate Zucchini Muffin Batter in muffin tip topped with chocolate chips.

    Step Five: Bake. Bake the zucchini muffins until the muffins rise, the tops are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out dry. I recommend checking on the muffins 5-10 minutes prior to the baking time listed to ensure your muffins don't overbake.

    Healthy Zucchini Muffins on wire rack cooling.

    Storing Zucchini Muffins

    Because these zucchini muffins are loaded with zucchini and are whole grains, they are best stored in the refrigerator if stored longer than 24 hours.

    Once cooled, pop the muffins into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and place the muffins in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months. Just pop them into a freezer-safe storage container bag once fully cooled and place them into the freezer.

    Recipe Modifications

    • Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins: Replace the whole white wheat flour with an equal amount of 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I have done this many times with success.
    • Dairy-Free Zucchini Muffins: Be sure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and use your favorite non-dairy milk in place of milk for this recipe. I tend to use unsweetened plain almond milk when making these muffins dairy-free. Canned coconut milk is a great addition if using melted coconut oil, just be warned it will result in a slight "coconut" flavor. But chocolate + coconut is a great match!
    • Egg-Free Zucchini Muffins: A flax egg substitute can be made to keep these muffins egg-free with great success. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes before adding to the muffin batter.
    • Vegan Zucchini Muffins: With SEVERAL changes, these muffins can be made vegan-friendly. I have done this many times and the results are spectacular. Use a flax egg to replace the egg, use maple syrup instead of honey, and use non-dairy chocolate chips, and non-dairy milk.

    More Recipes Using Zucchini

    • Healthy Zucchini Bread
    • Zucchini and Squash Saute
    • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
    • Italian Baked Vegetables
    • Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
    • Air Fryer Squash

    If you enjoyed these Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Chocolate Zucchini Muffin with bite out of it next to chocolate chips and cocoa powder

    Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

    These Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are made with whole grains, naturally sweetened, and packed with zucchini, yet are still super soft, tender, and delicious!
    4.96 from 21 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 153kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups whole white wheat flour or all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup cocoa powder
    • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons canola oil
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • ¼ cup milk any variety
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup zucchini shredded, and squeezed dry
    • ½ cup chocolate chips optional, and divided
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a muffin pan by lining it with paper or silicone liners or greasing the muffin cups really well with butter or nonstick spray.
    • Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut off the stem of the zucchini and using a box grater or food processor fitted with a grating blade, shred the zucchini. Remove excess moisture from the zucchini by placing the shredded zucchini into cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeezing it firmly over the sink. Alternatively, place the shredded zucchini into a fine-mesh colander and use your hands to really press down hard on the zucchini to remove the excess liquid.
    • Using a fine-mesh strainer, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together, just be sure to remove any lumps.
    • In a separate smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined. 
    • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, careful to not overmix, as this can result in tough muffins.
    • Fold the shredded, drained zucchini and â…“ cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
    • Scoop out ¼ cup of batter into each muffin cup. Sprinkle each muffin with a couple of chocolate chips if desired.
    • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out dry. 
    • Place the baked muffins on a cooling rack and allow them to sit in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes, before removing them from the tin. Allow the muffins to cool fully before enjoying.

    Equipment Needed

    • muffin cup liners
    • muffin tin

    Notes

    Storage: Store zucchini muffins in an air-tight container at room temperature for 24 hours and then store in the refrigerator for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. 
    Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, use an all-purpose gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour. 
    Dairy-Free Zucchini Muffins: Be sure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and use your favorite non-dairy milk in place of milk for this recipe. I tend to use unsweetened plain almond milk when making these muffins dairy-free.
    Egg-Free Zucchini Muffins: A flax egg substitute can be made to keep these muffins egg-free with great success. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes before adding to the muffin batter.
    Vegan Modifications: Use a flax egg to replace the egg, use maple syrup in place of honey, and use non-dairy chocolate chips and milk. 
    Canola Oil Substitutes: Melted and cooled butter or coconut oil can be used in place of canola oil. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally published in 2018 but updated in 2022 with a new video. 

    « Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    Easy Thai Noodles »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Barbra

      April 01, 2021 at 10:47 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made these muffins with WWF, applesauce, coconut oil and unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and love them!! Healthy snack.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 02, 2021 at 7:47 am

        I love hearing you enjoyed with the modifications Barbra!

        Reply
    2. Susan

      September 11, 2020 at 3:33 pm

      4 stars
      I was seeking something to satisfy my sweet tooth as I cut sugars out of my diet, so these aren’t abundantly sweet - which is probably based on my past sugar filled baked goods taste buds. Since I only had sweetened applesauce I used approximately 3/8 c. Of a honey and agave nectar mix. I added a few pecans along with the (mini) chocolate chips. They are dense like a fudge brownie* and I am sure they will go well with a cup of coffee or a small (cheater!) glass of red wine for dessert! *I wonder if I used my electric beater whisk vs. hand whisking if they would be a tad lighter?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 11, 2020 at 4:11 pm

        Hi Susan! I am glad you found a treat to enjoy. I do think because you cut out some of the moisture (applesauce) it could be that. Typically overmixing results in tough muffins, so I doubt that was your issue.

        Reply
    3. Jessica

      July 07, 2020 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing! No one even knew there were veggies hidden inside.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 08, 2020 at 6:52 am

        Love hearing that Jessica!

        Reply
    4. Beth

      July 07, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! These are so tasty! My husband loved these.

      Reply
    5. Erin

      November 20, 2019 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      The honey is missing from the instructions on the recipe. I almost missed it completely. 😮 They’re in the oven now and smell amazing!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 21, 2019 at 7:12 am

        Hi Erin! I am seeing the honey on my end, but I am sorry you missed it! And so glad that you caught it in time and were able to enjoy the muffins!

        Reply
    6. Cindy

      August 26, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      These look amazing, can I make them with stevia as a sugar substitute as well? tysm

      Reply
    7. Noelle

      August 26, 2019 at 3:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love using zucchini in muffin recipes!! Chocolatey and delicious

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 26, 2019 at 3:15 pm

        Such a great way to enjoy veggie!

        Reply
        • Jeanie

          July 27, 2021 at 2:49 pm

          5 stars
          I made these into mini muffins. Had women asking for recipe.

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            July 28, 2021 at 6:36 am

            Thanks for sharing that Jeanie! I love hearing that others are enjoying this recipe so much.

            Reply
    8. Taylor

      August 02, 2019 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      So moist and delicious! Love the rich chocolate flavor. Yum!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 02, 2019 at 7:09 pm

        Thanks Taylor. The zucchini adds so much moisture!

        Reply
    9. Ashley

      August 02, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      I have so much zucchini in my garden and was looking for a way to use some of it. My kids even love these!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 02, 2019 at 3:17 pm

        I am so glad your kids enjoyed these muffins Ashley. We just made a batch this past week and my kids devoured them quickly!

        Reply
    10. Ashley SM

      September 03, 2018 at 9:54 am

      Quick question: your instructions call for mixing egg in... but egg isn’t listed in the ingredient list...?

      I have a batch in the oven right now - I added one egg... hope they turn out 😊

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 03, 2018 at 9:59 am

        Oh goodness, I need to fix that ASAP. You did need to add an egg. So they should be good!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are packed with zucchini and double the chocolate for a muffin that tastes like dessert, yet healthy enough for breakfast. These Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are made with whole grains, refined sugar free, and packed with zucchini, yet are still super soft, tender, and most importantly, delicious!

    Meet Kristen

    Kristen Chidsey with apron on in front of vegetables in kitchen.

    Hi! I'm Kristen. It is my honor and passion to share easy, wholesome recipes with you to in turn share your loved ones. These tried and true recipes will help you make delicious, family-friendly meals without stress! Read more

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    Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are packed with zucchini and double the chocolate for a muffin that tastes like dessert, yet healthy enough for breakfast. These Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are made with whole grains, refined sugar free, and packed with zucchini, yet are still super soft, tender, and most importantly, delicious!

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