Healthy Zucchini Chocolate Muffin Recipe

Healthy Zucchini Chocolate Muffin Recipe

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Photo by 2nd Act Photography (Insta: @2ndactphotography)

When it comes to baking, the possibilities are endless, but there’s one ingredient you might not have considered yet: zucchini. This humble green vegetable, often associated with savoury dishes, can be a game-changer in your baking adventures. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the compelling reasons why you should start baking with zucchini today, exploring the many benefits it brings to your sweet and savoury treats.

  1. Moisture Magic:

    Zucchini is packed with water content, which makes it an excellent natural source of moisture for your baked goods. Incorporating shredded zucchini into your recipes, like muffins or bread, ensures that your final product stays moist and delectable without the need for excessive fats or oils.

  2. Healthier Baking:

    Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that’s high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. By baking with zucchini, you’re not only introducing added nutrition to your treats but also reducing the overall calorie content. It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your waistline.

  3. Natural Sweetness:

    Zucchini has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with various baked goods. When you bake with zucchini, you can often reduce the amount of added sugar in your recipes, relying on the vegetable’s natural sweetness to enhance your treats.

  4. Texture Enchantment:

    Shredded zucchini adds an appealing texture to your baked goods. In muffins and cakes, you’ll enjoy a delightful combination of moistness and a pleasant, slightly crunchy texture, elevating your eating experience.

  5. Versatile Ingredient:

    Zucchini’s versatility shines in the world of baking. You can use it in sweet creations like bread, muffins, and brownies, but it’s equally suited for savoury dishes like quiches and pies. This flexibility allows you to experiment with a wide range of recipes.

  6. Hidden Veggie Goodness:

    If you have picky eaters at home (especially kids), baking with zucchini is a clever way to sneak in some extra veggies without them even noticing. The zucchini becomes almost invisible in most baked goods, making it an excellent choice for those trying to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

  7. Seasonal Abundance:

    Zucchini is in abundance during the summer months when gardens and farmers’ markets overflow with this green gem. Baking with zucchini is a great way to make the most of the seasonal bounty while enjoying fresh, home-baked treats.

Conclusion:

Incorporating zucchini into your baking endeavours is a wise choice for anyone looking to create healthier, moister, and more flavourful treats. Whether you’re aiming to cut calories, add nutrition, or simply experiment with new flavours and textures, zucchini can elevate your baking game to new heights. So, don’t be shy—grab some zucchinis and let your culinary creativity flourish with this versatile and nutritious ingredient. Your taste buds and your well-being will thank you!

Prep Time:

20 Minutes

Cook Time:

15-20 Minutes

Additional Time:

0 minutes

Total Time:

40 Minutes

Servings:

1 Muffin

Yield

A Dozen Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups of flour
  • ½ cup of quick oats
  • ¼ cup of ground flax seed
  • 2 tsp of baking soda
  • 1½ cups of cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup of unsweetened apple sauce
  • 1½ cups of white sugar (or Splenda)
  • ½ cup of canola oil
  • ½ cup of greek yogurt or sour cream
  • ½ tsp of cinnamon
  • 1 tsp of vanilla
  • 2 cups of grated zucchini with the excess moisture squeezed out
  • ¾ cup of chocolate chips
Photo by 2nd Act Photography (Insta: @2ndactphotography)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Line muffin tins with papers or spray with cooking spray (this recipe makes 18-24 muffins)
  3. Mix the first five dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.
  4. Set aside.
  5. In a larger bowl whisk together the eggs, apple sauce, sugar and oil.
  6. Add the yogurt, cinnamon and vanilla and mix well.
  7. Stir in the zucchini.
  8. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until just mixed.
  9. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  11. Cool on a wire rack.

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