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These lightly sweetened Vegan Zucchini Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day! They’re loaded with good-for-you ingredients like flax, walnuts and, of course, zucchini. All you’ll taste is deliciousness!
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I am all about making recipes 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, yes, contain green veggies! All 3 kids rave about these muffins, including my zucchini-hating son. They can devour a whole batch (12 muffins!) in 2 days!
Ingredients you need
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Zucchini ~ 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? 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, so I recommend you give it a try!
Flour ~ I like a combo of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour.
You could use just one: all-purpose flour or white whole wheat.
To make vegan gluten-free zucchini muffins, use a gluten-free flour blend meant to replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio.
Flax ~ Flax absorbs liquid and will help to bind the muffins together. You want to use flax meal (ground flax seeds), not whole flax seeds.
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. Cornstarch may be used as a substitutie.
Sweetener ~ Just ½ cup of pure maple syrup provides just enough sweetness.
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
Please scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements and instructions.
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).
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).
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin (9). Fill each cavity about ⅔ of the way full.
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 a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend designed to replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio, like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour.
~ 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 you’re trying to hide the zucchini from your kids (or spouse), 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. Or try my Vegan Carrot Muffins.
~ 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.
FAQs
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!
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.
More vegan muffin recipes
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the star rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment with your feedback. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
Vegan Zucchini Muffins with Flax and Walnuts
Recommended Equipment
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 unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated zucchini squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to the 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. No visible white flour should remain, but a few lumps are okay. Do not over mix!
- Stir in the shredded zucchini and walnuts, if using, and mix gently to evenly distribute.
- 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
Nutrition
Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.
Mel
These are perfect for make ahead breakfasts. I love that you can use carrot instead of the zucchini too!
Jenn S.
Yes for sure! Perfectly portable!
Floortje
fantastick! i made them with rice and chickpea flour and hole flax and they turned out great, thank you so much i have something for my lunch !
Jenn S.
Great! I’m glad they turned out with those substitutions. Enjoy!
Floortje
This morning i made these with pices of apple and raisins, i was out of rice flower so i use quinoa flakes, they did not rise very wrl but were very jummy!!
Jenn S.
I’ve never used quinoa flakes in baking, so I can’t give any advice there. But I’m glad you the flavor was good! Thanks!
Sara
Jenn,
It’s zucchini time! Do you think that I could use all whole wheat flour and skip the all-purpose flour?
Jenn S.
Hi, Sara! Yes, it will work, but it will be a little more dense. Spelt flour would also be an option that would produce softer results than whole wheat. But, either way, should still be delicious! Let me know how they turn out!! 🙂
Aimee
My kind of muffin! These look so so good! I might try these 🙂
Jenn S.
I hope you do, Aimee! Thanks! Enjoy!
Becky Striepe
These look like a nice change of speed from toast with Earth Balance!
Jenn S.
Well, toast is often my go-to, but muffins feel like an indulgent treat from time to time. 🙂
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
I just can’t get over how gorgeous these muffins look and I love that you sweetened them with maple — my ultimate go-to 🙂
Jenn S.
I should own stock in a maple syrup company…I use it nearly everything…sweet and savory! 🙂 Thanks, Audrey!
Natalie
Yummmm these look amazing!! Can’t wait to whip these up and use some of the pounds of zucchini I have right now!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Natalie! Let me know if you try them!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven
I love zucchini muffins! Yours look so delicious and moist, Jenn! 🙂
The Vegan 8
Zucchini is my favorite vegetable ever and these look just to be the perfect muffin! I love the beautiful golden color and that they are oil-free!! Great recipe girl!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Brandi!! I love the color too! 🙂 Not too pretty to eat though!!
harrietemilys
These look so moist and delicious, Jenn! I love adding zucchini to cakes! What a perfect healthy breakfast option. I definitely need to try this!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Harriet! Let me know if you do!
Jenn S.
I haven’t made avocado brownies yet, but it’s on my list! Thanks, Ellen!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
You make the most lovely breads, Jenn!! These look wonderful 🙂
Jenn S.
Thanks, Ceara! The color on these did come out so beautiful!
veggiesdontbite
Looks delish Jenn! Perfect snack and grab and go!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Sohpia!
Linda @ Veganosity
You know that I loved tricking my kids when they were little. 😉 These are gorgeous and I know that they must taste amazing, Jenn. Pinned!
Jenn S.
Thanks so much, Linda! Nothing wrong with some sneaky veggies from time to time!! 🙂
Strength and Sunshine
Love the flax! Always my go-to seed in baked goods!
“If you really don’t like zucchini…” <— NO! How could someone NOT like zucchini!!!! Hahaha!
Jenn S.
LOL, I KNOW, I LOVE zucchini…but I know those people exist! Thanks!