Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

An easy and healthy recipe for gluten free chocolate zucchini muffins, made with low carb ingredients like almond flour. These double chocolate muffins are moist, fluffy, and perfect for kids and adults alike!

Delicious double chocolate zucchini muffins

These gluten free chocolate zucchini muffins may just be my new favorite breakfast ever. First off, who doesn't want to eat chocolate for breakfast? Second off, they are loaded with healthy and wholesome ingredients like almond flour, maple syrup, and zucchini.

That's right, we're sneaking in some veggies! But, don't worry. These muffins don't taste healthy at all. The veggies actually add to the texture by providing a moist, fluffy consistency that makes them that much better.

I love baking with zucchini and have to share my Zucchini Protein Baked Oats too. They are a must bake.

These are one of my favorite treats to make ahead of time for breakfast whenever I have a busy morning. If you're whipping up an entire batch and you don't need them all right away, just pop them in the freezer for later.

When you're ready to dive in, defrost them on the counter or in the fridge and you've got yourself a homemade bakery style muffin in literally no time.

Bonus Tip: I'm known to slather one up with some peanut butter or almond butter, throw some extra chocolate chips on top, and dive in. 10/10 recommend!

Long story short, these treats are pure bliss.

Ingredients used in chocolate chip zucchini muffins

This ingredients list is simple, easy, and filled with things you most likely already have in your pantry. I love when a recipe includes mostly staples, because it means I probably won't need to make a trip to the grocery store. The simpler, the better!

Almond flour
I use almond flour in these muffins to make them completely gluten-free and low-carb. This ingredient doubles as my favorite healthy swap because it's more nutrient-rich than other flours and helps to create moist and fluffy baked goods!

Cocoa powder
I like to use a dark or Dutch processed cocoa powder. In fact, my favorite type is the Whole Foods 365 brand because it provides the perfect amount of chocolate flavor! I often use this ingredient in my chocolate baked goods.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is my go-to oil because it's a great alternative to canola or vegetable oil. If you don't like the flavor of coconut, use a refined option. The refined versions don't come with a nutty taste, which is why I use that type in most of my recipes.

Maple syrup
By far my favorite non-refined, all-natural sweetener! I love to use this ingredient because it provides the perfect amount of sweet flavor.

Eggs
For this recipe, eggs help to create the correct consistency and contribute to the fluffy texture.

Zucchini
Feel free to keep the skin on your zucchini when shredding it. You can go for a fine shred by using a food processor, or skip that step if you prefer bigger zucchini chunks. I also like to lightly squeeze mine after shredding to discard the extra moisture.

Chocolate chips
The chocolate chips make this recipe complete! I use the dairy free type from Enjoy Life, but you can use whichever brand you prefer.

Tools needed to make this recipe

As far as kitchen items are concerned, you'll need the following:

• Muffin tin
• Muffin liners
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Small mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Stirring utensil
• Spoon
• Optional: Food processor
• Measurements: ¼ tsp, ½ tsp, 1 tsp, ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, 1 cup

How to make healthy chocolate zucchini muffins

If you've ever made muffins before, you probably know that it's not too complicated. Simply mix the ingredients together, spoon the batter into muffin liners, and bake! This recipe should take about a half an hour from start to finish.

To make healthy chocolate zucchini muffins, start by preheating the oven to 350F and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. I like to spray the liners with non-stick to be extra careful and ensure that not a single crumb will get left behind.

In a small bowl, whisk the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set it aside.

Then, in a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the coconut oil and maple syrup, and then stir until everything is well combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and mix everything together.

Fold in the zucchini, followed by half of the chocolate chips.

Scoop the batter into the muffin tins, filling each one ¾ of the way. Top the batter with the remaining half of the chocolate chips for a delicious chocolatey top layer.

Bake for 19-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Missing an ingredient? Try this!

If you find yourself an ingredient or two short, you may be able to get away with using an easy swap. Here are some common replacements for the coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and chocolate chips!

• Coconut oil: Canola, vegetable, or any similar high-fat oil will work to replace coconut oil. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Maple syrup: You can use molasses or honey in place of maple syrup. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Chocolate chips: Don't have any chocolate chips on hand? Simply leave them out! A second option is to use any candy or chocolate that you have on deck by chopping it up into small chunks.

More muffin ideas from Erin Lives Whole

In the mood for some more muffin ideas? You'll want to try these! Each recipe is made with simple, easy ingredients.

• Sweet Potato Muffins
• Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
• Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Strawberry Banana Muffins
• Lemon Blueberry Muffins