Looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy Healthy Chocolate Snacks? You’ll love these Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. These moist, rich muffins are packed with chocolate flavor and a secret healthy ingredient, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Zucchini: Don’t peel it! The skin adds nutrients. If you don’t have fresh, frozen shredded zucchini works too; just thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Both mini and regular work well. For an extra treat, use dark chocolate chips.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar. You can slightly reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Applesauce is a great substitute for a lower-fat option.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280-300 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, two mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This ensures your delicious Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; this creates a smooth base for your Healthy Chocolate Snacks.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This liquid mixture will bring moisture and sweetness to your muffins.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
5. Fold in Zucchini and Chocolate Chips
Add the shredded zucchini and 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed. You’re almost ready to bake your Healthy Chocolate Snacks!
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin if desired. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool Your Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Muffins: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny bit of instant espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, drop a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin and swirl with a knife.
- Berry Boost: Fold in ½ cup of fresh raspberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
Storage Instructions
Store your Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 30-60 seconds for a warm treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, just thaw it and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the batter.
My muffins came out dry, what happened?
You likely overmixed the batter or overbaked them. Make sure to mix until just combined and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make these mini muffins?
Yes, bake mini muffins for 10-15 minutes, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Do these muffins taste like zucchini?
No, the zucchini flavor is very mild and mostly disappears, leaving behind only moisture.
Are these suitable for a breakfast on the go?
Absolutely! These Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are a perfect grab-and-go option for Healthy Chocolate Snacks.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture, though they will be less sweet.