Rich and delicious chocolate zucchini muffins with a healthy(ish) twist and a full serving of fresh zucchini for added nutrition! Made with whole wheat flour, unrefined sugar and applesauce for an extra moist texture.
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-07.jpg)
The Best Chocolate Zucchini Muffins!
Hello zucchini season! Aka when the zucchinis begin exploding out of my garden and I’m attempting to pawn them off on everyone.
Truth is, I love to grow zucchinis every year because I can grate them and add them to all my baked goods. I also grate and freeze zucchini to add to snacks throughout the year.
My favorite part about these chocolate zucchini muffins is that they’re healthy…ish! I get the appeal of having a fully healthified muffin recipe (if so I might be able to entice you with these grain-free chocolate zucchini muffins) but lately I’ve kind of been wanting the real deal with a healthified twist.
These muffins are moist and delicious but also lightened up with applesauce and no refined sugar. I kept a little bit of melted butter…but otherwise these zucchini muffins are pretty darn healthy and I promise your whole family will love them!
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-05.jpg)
Ingredients in Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Whole Wheat Flour – you can use regular whole wheat flour or whole wheat bread flour. I like to use this to include whole grains. If you don’t have whole wheat flour feel free to use regular white flour instead.
- Regular White Flour – I break up some of the whole wheat flour to maintain the moisture in these muffins. You can use all white flour if you prefer but I wouldn’t recommend using all whole wheat flour.
- Cocoa powder- Regular cocoa powder works great but you could also sub raw cacao for that chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda + salt – to help the muffins rise and enhance flavor. Feel free to omit salt if watching sodium levels.
- Butter – I cut down the butter to only 3 tablespoons. I’ve tried less and find they aren’t as moist. Feel free to sub coconut oil if you want to keep them dairy-free.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – any liquid sweetener will work here but I find honey or pure maple syrup to be the most accessible and the best tasting.
- Applesauce – since we’re only use 3 tbsp of butter I add applesauce to keep these chocolate zucchini muffins extra moist. It’s a great hack for any muffin recipe!
- Almond Milk – you can sub in any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) but I tend to have unsweetened almond milk on hand.
- Egg – Necessary for binding. I haven’t tried to make these vegan but if you want to try I’d recommend using a flax egg and subbing coconut oil for the butter.
- Vanilla extract – you can’t have chocolate without a little vanilla!
- Zucchini – you’ll want to grate 1 med/large zucchini which comes out to roughly 1 cup. Then squeeze out all the extra water in a paper towel or dish towel. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
- Chocolate chips – semi-sweet or dark chocolate taste best but use whatever you have!
The BEST Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
STEP 1: COMBINE DRY INGREDIENTS
In a large bowl combine white flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-01.jpg)
STEP 2: COMBINE WET INGREDIENTS
In a separate bowl whisk together butter, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, egg, almond milk and vanilla.
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-02.jpg)
STEP 3: MIX TOGETHER
Slowly incorporate dry mix into wet. Stir in shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-03.jpg)
STEP 4: BAKE
Divide batter evenly into muffin pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until tops spring back and no wet batter remains when picked with a toothpick. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before removing to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-06.jpg)
Storage Instructions
If you’re planning to eat these muffins in the next few days you can store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, individually wrap each zucchini muffin in tin foil. Place muffins in a freezer-safe bag and seal tightly. They will keep for up to 3 months though if stored well can last up to 6 months.
Just remove your muffins the night before to thaw on countertop.
More Treats to Enjoy!
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Rich and delicious chocolate zucchini muffins with a healthy(ish) twist and a full serving of fresh zucchini for added nutrition!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed of all liquid*
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners.
- In a large bowl combine white flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a separate bowl whisk together butter, honey or maple syrup, applesauce, egg, almond milk and vanilla.
- Slowly incorporate dry mix into wet. Stir in shredded zucchini and chocolate chips.
- Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until tops spring back and no wet batter remains when picked with a toothpick.
- Allow to cool for 20 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Will keep up to 3-4 days in an airtight container or freeze individually for up to 3 months.
*Roughly one medium-large zucchini. Place in paper towel or a dish towel and squeeze to remove all liquid. Do not skip this step!
Keywords: zucchini muffins, chocolate zucchini muffins, healthy zucchini muffins
![](https://www.thehealthymaven.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/healthy-chocolate-zucchini-muffins-12.jpg)
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