Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread Muffins
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Finding balance in the midst of a busy life can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. One way to create small pockets of calm and nourishment is through baking wholesome, delicious treats for yourself and your family.
These Chocolate Zucchini Bread Muffins offer just that—a simple yet satisfying way to nurture your loved ones while sneaking in some extra veggies.
This blog post is a recipe for healthy chocolate zucchini bread muffins.
Zucchini makes these muffins extra moist, while a touch of chocolate brings indulgence without overloading on sugar.
And instead of using refined sugar, this recipe is naturally sweetened with honey (or maple syrup), offering a healthier alternative that still provides all the sweetness you crave.
Whether you're baking to fill lunchboxes, prepping for a busy week, or simply enjoying a mindful moment with your morning coffee, these muffins are a wonderful reminder that even small efforts in the kitchen can bring balance and joy to your home.
Why I Choose Organic Flour, Oats & Natural Sweeteners
In this recipe, I recommend using all-purpose flour, which is easy and versatile. However, I personally love using King Arthur Organic Flour and organic oats whenever possible.
Why? Both flour and oats can be commonly treated with glyphosate, a harmful pesticide that can linger in food products.
By choosing organic for these ingredients, you’re avoiding exposure to this toxic residue. While not everything in our kitchen needs to be organic, prioritizing organic grains is an easy, practical swap for a cleaner, healthier meal for your family.
And instead of refined sugar, these muffins are naturally sweetened with honey (or maple syrup). Natural sweeteners not only offer a gentler impact on blood sugar but also bring added nutrients like antioxidants. It’s a simple way to make everyday baking just a little healthier while still delivering on flavor.
How to Enjoy These Muffins in a Balanced Way
A muffin alone can be a delicious snack, but pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods ensures you’re fueling your body in a way that keeps you energized and satisfied. Here are a few simple ideas to enjoy these muffins as part of a balanced meal or snack:
Balanced Breakfast:
Start your day with a muffin alongside 2 pork sausage links and 3 scrambled eggs. This combo gives you a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs to keep you full and energized, without the need for a mid-morning snack.Mid-Morning Pick-Me-Up:
Pair a muffin with a glass of whole milk (or your favorite milk alternative) and stir in a scoop of collagen powder for added protein. This combination is not only filling but helps support healthy skin, hair, and joints—something we can all appreciate in our busy lives.Post-Workout Snack:
If you’ve had an active day or a workout, enjoy a muffin with a handful of almonds and a serving of Greek yogurt. The almonds provide healthy fats, while the yogurt adds protein and probiotics for a well-rounded, satisfying snack.
Why Balanced Meals Matter
As busy homemakers, it’s easy to focus on taking care of everyone else while overlooking our own needs. Creating balanced meals and snacks—ones that include a good source of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates—helps to keep our energy levels steady and our minds clear throughout the day. This is key to avoiding the energy dips that often lead to feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
When we take the time to balance our meals, we’re not only nourishing our bodies but also ensuring that we have the strength and focus to take on everything else in our day. Plus, it’s a simple form of self-care that reminds us we deserve to feel nourished, too.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (organic recommended to avoid glyphosate)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (organic recommended to avoid glyphosate)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or your preferred oil)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchinis)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- Grate your zucchini and gently press it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, but don’t squeeze it dry—keeping some moisture ensures a tender muffin.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—be mindful not to overmix.
- Fold in the grated zucchini, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage:
Store your zucchini bread muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
231.91Fat
12.64 gSat. Fat
6.95 gCarbs
26.72 gFiber
1.48 gNet carbs
25.25 gSugar
10.51 gProtein
4.16 gSodium
127.66 mgCholesterol
31.21 mgPro Tip: If you have extra zucchini on hand, shred it and freeze in portions for future batches. That way, you’re always ready to bake up some healthy muffins in no time!
A Sweet, Balanced Moment of Calm
Baking doesn’t have to be an elaborate process to bring joy and balance to your home. These Chocolate Zucchini Bread Muffins are a perfect example of how a small, mindful effort in the kitchen can create something nourishing for both body and soul.
Pair these muffins with nutrient-dense foods to create a balanced, wholesome meal that sustains you—whether fueling a busy morning or enjoying a quiet, peaceful moment in the afternoon. As always, homemaking is about finding those little moments of peace in the every day, and I hope this recipe helps bring a little bit of calm and balance to your day. Hugs!
This post was a healthy chocolate zucchini bread muffin recipe!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below and share how these muffins brought a little balance and nourishment to your day!
Updated on: 09/23/2024