As the first hints of dawn cast a golden hue over the farmer’s market, I found myself wandering among the stalls, a sense of comfort enveloping me like a warm, knitted blanket. Today, I was on the hunt for zucchini – not just any kind, but the freshest, most succulent ones I could find. The reason? I craved the sweet aroma of zucchini muffins wafting through the kitchen at Food and Meal, the place I humbly call my second home.
Gobble here, your friendly neighborhood food enthusiast and recipe creator at Food and Meal, ready to share with you a little snippet of my weekend whimsy turned culinary delight. After a hectic week filled with meeting deadlines and crafting articles, I yearned for the simple pleasures that only baking can bring. There’s something inherently nourishing about transforming humble ingredients into a delicious masterpiece that can warm hearts and bellies alike.
Zucchini muffins, in their unassuming glory, have always held a special place in my heart. They’re the perfect union of nutrient-rich vegetable and comforting treat, wrapped in a moist, tender crumb that’s sure to tug at your taste buds. I’ll confess—these muffins are my go-to when I need a little pick-me-up or when the sky is overcast with heavy clouds promising rain.
As I selected the zucchinis, each one felt like a promise of the goodness to come. This recipe, my dear readers, is one close to my heart. Not only does it invoke the nostalgia of days spent in grandma’s kitchen, but it also represents my passion for creating dishes that are as healthy as they are indulgent. Today, I’m thrilled to bring a slice of my kitchen to yours.
So, let’s embrace the joy of baking together. I promise you, this zucchini muffin recipe is more than just a combination of ingredients; it’s a celebration of seasonal produce, the joy of baking, and the simple pleasure of a well-made muffin. Stay tuned, as what follows is not only a recipe but a tale of how a simple zucchini can be the main character in your next baking adventure.
Chocolate and Zucchini Muffins Recipes
Chocolate and Zucchini Muffins Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups zucchini coarsely grated
- 1/2 cup banana mashed ripe
- 3/4 cup milk 2 %, or soy milk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips mini
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F, and line a muffin pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the first 8 dry ingredients, and mix well using a whisk.
- Add the zucchini and banana, and mix well using a large wooden spoon or a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Add to the flour mixture and stir until well combined, careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips, and fill the muffin pan using an ice cream scoop.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Muffins can cool on a wire rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Chocolate and Zucchini Muffins Made in an Air Fryer
The air fryer has become an indispensable tool in modern kitchens. Not only does it provide a healthier cooking alternative, but its versatility is unmatched. Today, I’m taking our beloved Chocolate and Zucchini Muffin recipe and giving it a twist. We’re making these delights using an air fryer! It gives the muffins a crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and soft. Here’s how to do it:
To achieve perfectly baked muffins with a unique crisp texture, consider using your air fryer with the following steps. Begin by preparing your muffin batter following the original recipe’s guidelines. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Use air fryer-safe silicone muffin liners or small, oven-safe ramekins to facilitate easy removal and provide the muffins with a perfect shape. Fill the liners or ramekins about 2/3 full with the muffin batter, avoiding overfilling to prevent spillage as the muffins rise during cooking. Place the filled liners or ramekins into the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate space between each to allow proper air circulation. Depending on the air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the muffins at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. When they’ve risen, turned golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Carefully remove the muffins from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, these air-fried muffins are ready to be enjoyed, boasting a unique crisp exterior while maintaining a soft and moist interior.
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Garnished and gorgeous: ready to tantalize the senses.
Tips And Tricks
Serving Suggestions
Indulging in a scrumptious muffin, fresh from the air fryer, is already a treat in itself. However, there are various ways to elevate this experience and cater to different taste profiles.
- Complementary Beverages: A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy latte can complement the rich chocolate flavors and the underlying zucchini notes. If you’re more into teas, a mild Earl Grey or Chai could be your go-to with these muffins.
- Sides and Garnishes: If you’re in the mood to go a bit fancy, serve these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache. A sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts or almonds can add a pleasant crunch.
- Alternative Serving Styles: Instead of serving them just as muffins, try slicing them in half and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for a delightful dessert sandwich. Alternatively, crumble them over a bowl of yogurt for a delicious, textured parfait.
Cooking Tips
The list you’ve shared encompasses an array of international dishes and ingredients, ranging from Japanese classics like Gyoza, Sashimi, and Yakisoba to South African delights such as Bobotie. Additionally, various stocks, sauces, and cooking methods contribute to the diversity of flavors. Notably, zucchini muffins are not explicitly featured among the provided dishes. However, the broad culinary contexts and tastes present in the list offer a canvas for creative serving suggestions for zucchini muffins. Typically enjoyed as a sweet treat or breakfast item, any accompanying suggestions should either enhance the sweetness and texture of the muffin or introduce a contrasting flavor profile for a well-balanced experience. Inspired by the list, consider incorporating elements such as a Miso Butter Spread, Almond or Cashew Milk as a beverage pairing, a Shio Tare Glaze for a Japanese twist, a Fruit Compote for added sweetness, Chai Tea with Coconut Milk for warmth, or a Cheese Pairing with Akkawi or a mild white cheese for a balanced blend of sweet and savory notes.
List of 5 FAQs
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? Absolutely! Dark chocolate can enhance the depth of flavor. If you’re using a particularly bitter variety, you might want to adjust the sugar content slightly.
- How do I store leftover muffins? Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider refrigerating or freezing.
- Can I replace zucchini with another vegetable? While zucchini offers a unique texture and moisture, you can experiment with other squashes. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile might change.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? Certainly! You can replace the regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure you check the consistency, as gluten-free flours can sometimes make the batter a bit denser.
- Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the batter? Of course! Feel free to customize. Walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries can add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your muffins. Just be cautious of not overloading the batter.
With these insights, serving suggestions, and answers to common queries, you’re all set to wow your guests and treat yourself with these delightful Chocolate and Zucchini Muffins!
Conclusion
To conclude a blog post on zucchini muffins, it is essential to touch upon the versatility and health benefits of this simple yet delightful treat. Zucchini muffins offer an outstanding balance of flavor and nutrition.
The key to making excellent zucchini muffins lies in the moisture content provided by the grated squash, which makes for a delightfully tender crumb that’s not only appetizing but also better for you. Integrating vegetables into baked goods like these muffins can subtly bolster one’s daily vegetable intake, a smart strategy in any balanced diet.
Moreover, zucchini is rich in various vitamins and antioxidants. This renders the muffin not just a tasty snack or dessert, but also a wholesome component of a meal or a light, nutritious breakfast option.
For those worried about sugar and carbohydrates, the zucchini muffin can be easily adapted to suit lower carb and lower sugar diets, making it a recipe that can be enjoyed by many regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.
Foodies and cooking enthusiasts looking to explore more culinary treasures like the zucchini muffin can find a plethora of recipes, tips, and health-related content at Food And Meal (foodandmeal.com). From savory to sweet, and everything in between, this resource stands as a testament to how creative one can be in the kitchen while staying true to health-conscious choices.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.