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    Home » Recipes » Breads and Muffins

    Vegan Zucchini Muffins

    Published: Mar 9, 2021 by Jenn Sebestyen

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    One muffin on a white plate in front of a basket of vegan zucchini muffins.

    These wholesome, lightly sweetened Vegan Zucchini Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day! They’re loaded with healthy ingredients like flax, walnuts and, of course, zucchini. All you’ll taste is deliciousness!

    One muffin on a white plate in front of a basket of vegan zucchini muffins.

    I am all about making healthy snacks that can pose as breakfast, a lunchtime treat, an after school snack or quick grab-n-go fuel between activities. Better yet, I love sneaking in veggies where my kids least expect it.

    These Vegan Zucchini Muffins are soft and delicious, just sweet enough, and packed with nutritious ingredients. All 3 kids rave about these healthy muffins, including my zucchini-hating son. They can devour a whole batch (12 muffins!) in 2 days!

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients you need
    2 How to make the recipe
    3 Storage and freezing
    4 Pro tips and tricks
    5 FAQs
    6 More vegan muffin recipes
    7 Vegan Zucchini Muffins

    Ingredients you need

    Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls.
    Vegan Zucchini Muffins ingredients: flour, flaxmeal, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, vanilla, zucchini, and walnuts.

    Ingredient notes and substitutions

    Zucchini ~ It is low in calories and high in many vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, folate, B vitamins, potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, and even healthy fats and protein!  Learn all about zucchini and get even more easy zucchini recipes.

    Use the small grates on the grating blade if you want the zucchini to basically disappear into the batter. Use the larger grates if you want to see the gorgeous green flecks.

    Don’t like zucchini? Don’t worry, I tested these with carrots, too, and they were just as delicious! But, like I said above, even my son who is not a zucchini fan loved these!

    Flour ~ I like a combo of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour.

    You could use all all-purpose flour, white whole wheat or a gluten free flour blend meant to replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio, like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour.

    Flax ~ Flaxseed is high in fiber, healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and potassium. [source]. You need to use flaxseed meal, or flaxmeal or ground flaxseed as it may be called, because our bodies don’t digest whole flaxseed well.

    If you have whole flaxseed, simply grind it in a small coffee grinder before using.

    Arrowroot Powder ~ Arrowroot powder will help soften up the dense whole wheat flour. It also has binding properties which will help hold the muffins together.

    Sweetener ~ These vegan zucchini muffins have NO refined sugars! Just pure maple syrup. There is only ½ cup in the entire recipe and they are perfectly sweet. The vanilla and cinnamon lend to the sweetness, as well.

    Milk ~ I use almond milk. Oat or soy milk would work great. Whichever you choose, go for an unsweetened, plain variety.

    Flavorings ~ I love cinnamon and the flavor complements the zucchini and walnuts so well. This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and I think it creates the perfect balance of flavor. If you are sensitive to cinnamon and find it a strong flavor, use just 1 teaspoon instead.

    A little vanilla adds extra sweetness and balance of flavor.

    Walnuts ~ The nuts are optional, feel free to leave them out for a nut-free version or use raisins instead for extra sweetness. They’d be great with chocolate chips, too!

    How to make the recipe

    4 photo collage of separately whisking the dry and wet ingredients.

    Add the dry ingredients to a mixing bowl (1) and whisk well to combine (2).

    In a separate large mixing bowl add the wet ingredients (3) and whisk well until combined (4).

    4 photo collage of mixing the dry and wet ingredients to make a batter.

    Pour the dry ingredients into the wet (5) and whisk until just combined (6).

    Add the shredded zucchini (after squeezing out as much liquid as possible!) and chopped walnuts (7) and stir until evenly distributed throughout (8).

    Raw batter in a 12-cavity muffin tin ready to be baked.

    Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin (9). Fill each cavity about ⅔ of the way full.

    Freshly baked zucchini muffins in the pan.

    Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The batter should be firm and starting to pull away from the sides. The tops should be golden brown (10).

    Storage and freezing

    Counter: Store the muffins in an air-tight container on the counter for 3 to 4 days. You can line the container with a paper towel if they start to release moisture as they sit (this is common with traditional muffins, but I don’t find it happens with these Vegan Zucchini Muffins).

    Freezer: If you want them to last even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap or foil and then transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic zip-top bag. They should keep well for up to 3 months.

    Pro tips and tricks

    ~ Measure the flour using the spoon and level method.

    ~ For gluten free, use a gluten free flour blend designed to replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio. I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour for all of the process shots in this post.

    ~ If using gluten free flour, let the muffins cool completely for best texture. They’re even better the next day!

    ~ Be sure to use flaxseed meal. It’s sometimes called flaxmeal or ground flaxseeds. If you don’t find flaxseed meal, you can grind whole flaxseed in a small coffee grinder.

    ~ If your trying to hide the zucchini from your kids, use the smaller holes of the grater and it will all but disappear into the batter. If you like to see the pretty green flecks, use the larger holes on the grater.

    ~ Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the shredded zucchini. Wrap the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and wring it out. Just when you think you got all the liquid out, give it another good squeeze for good measure!

    ~ If you really don’t like zucchini, you can use shredded carrots instead.

    ~ Mix just until the batter comes together and no more white flour is visible. Do not over mix.

    ~ Nuts are optional, feel free to leave them out, use a different kind of nut, or even replace them with raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips!

    ~ Fill the muffin cavities about ⅔ of the way full. Do not overfill.

    ~ Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The batter should be firm and pulling away from the sides. They tops should be a lovely golden brown.

    ~ Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the muffins.

    ~ Continue to allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack.

    Pile of green flecked brown muffins in a wicker basket lined with a yellow towel.

    FAQs

    Does zucchini need to be peeled for muffins?

    Nope! You do not need to peel zucchini! Not just for these muffins, but ever. If you have a super picky family member who might balk at any sign of a green fleck, then ok, I give you permission to peel them, but otherwise, don’t create more work for yourself.

    If you are worried about pesticides in the skins, be sure to buy organic. And either way, always wash your produce really well!

    How do I grate zucchini?

    The easiest way to grate zucchini is with a food processor and a shredding disc.  

    You could also grate the zucchini using a box grater. 

    Whichever method you choose, be sure to squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible before adding it to the muffins. You can do this by wrapping the zucchini shreds in a clean dish towel or several layers of paper towels and wringing it out over the sink.

    What can I make with zucchini?

    If you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini on your hands, try one of these delicious vegan zucchini recipes:

    Black Bean and Zucchini Enchiladas
    Stir Fry Zucchini Noodles
    Baked Zucchini Amaranth Patties
    Breakfast Hash Browns and Veggie Skillet
    Vegetable and White Bean Soup
    Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad
    Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

    Two vegan zucchini muffins stacked on a white plate.

    More vegan muffin recipes

    • Strawberry Protein Muffins
    • Vegan Blueberry Muffins
    • Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Muffins
    • Cranberry Almond Muffins
    • Pineapple Coconut Muffins
    • Vegan Carrot Muffins

    I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.

    Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.


    For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

    One muffin on a white plate in front of a basket of vegan zucchini muffins.

    Vegan Zucchini Muffins

    These wholesome, lightly sweetened Vegan Zucchini Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day! They're loaded with healthy ingredients like flax, walnuts and, of course, zucchini. All you'll taste is deliciousness!
    4.60 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breads and Muffins
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegan
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 150kcal
    Author: Jenn Sebestyen

    Recommended Equipment

    • Box Grater
    • Mixing bowls
    • 12-cavity muffin pan
    • Cooling rack

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • ¾ cup all purpose flour
    • ½ cup flaxmeal
    • 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon use 1 teaspoon if you find cinnamon a strong flavor
    • ¾ cup non dairy milk I used almond milk. Oat or soy milk would also work.
    • ½ cup pure maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini squeeze out all water before adding to recipe
    • ¼ cup chopped walnuts optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Lightly spray a 12-cavity muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.
    • Whisk together the flours, flaxmeal, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
    • In as separate bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla.
    • Stir the dry into the wet and mix until just combined.
    • Stir in the shredded zucchini and walnuts and mix until just combined.
    • Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ of the way full with the batter.
    • Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
    • Let cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack for 10 to 15 minutes before removing them from the pan. The muffins should pop out easily.

    Notes

    ~ Measure the flour using the spoon and level method.
    ~ For gluten free, use a gluten free flour blend designed to replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio. I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour for all of the process shots in this post.
    ~ If using gluten free flour, let the muffins cool completely for best texture. They’re even better the next day!
    ~ Be sure to use flaxseed meal. It’s sometimes called flaxmeal or ground flaxseeds. If you don’t find flaxseed meal, you can grind whole flaxseed in a small coffee grinder.
    ~ If your trying to hide the zucchini from your kids, use the smaller holes of the grater and it will all but disappear into the batter. If you like to see the pretty green flecks, use the larger holes on the grater.
    ~ Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the shredded zucchini. Wrap the shreds in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and wring it out. Just when you think you got all the liquid out, give it another good squeeze for good measure!
    ~ Mix just until the batter comes together and no more white flour is visible. Do not over mix.
    ~ Fill the muffin cavities about ⅔rds of the way full. Do not overfill.
    ~ Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The batter should be firm and pulling away from the sides. They tops should be a lovely golden brown.
    ~ Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the muffins.
    ~ Continue to allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack.
    ~ Nuts are optional, feel free to leave them out, use a different kind of nut, or even replace them with raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips!
    ~ If you really don’t like zucchini, you can use shredded carrots instead.
    ~ Store completely cooled muffins in an air-tight container on the counter for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12Servings | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 321mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g

    Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Veggie_Inspired or tag #VeggieInspired!

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    Comments

    1. Trudy says

      July 22, 2022 at 11:12 am

      There is no stirring this batter. Ridiculously thick

      Reply
      • Jenn Sebestyen says

        July 26, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        Hi, Trudy. Sounds like you had too much flour. Be sure you use the spoon and level method mentioned in the post.

        Reply
    2. Di says

      August 02, 2018 at 10:55 am

      What can I sub for arrowroot powder ?

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        August 03, 2018 at 7:28 am

        Hi, Di. You can sub cornstarch for arrowroot. Enjoy!

        Reply
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    Jenn Sebestyen of Veggie Inspired

    Hi, I'm Jenn! This is where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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