Healthy Zucchini Applesauce Muffins are the perfect snack for any time of the day. Combining the goodness of both zucchini and applesauce, these muffins are packed full of nutrients and flavor. They’re moist and delicious – a treat that both kids and adults will enjoy. Plus, they make a great breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Healthy Zucchini Applesauce Muffins Overview
This recipe for Healthy Zucchini Applesauce Muffins is a great way to get your family and friends excited about healthy eating. It doesn’t hurt that they taste amazing either! The muffins require only a handful of ingredients – zucchini, applesauce, sugar, eggs, oil, baking soda, and flour. Plus, you can even make substitutions like making it vegan by swapping the eggs with a flax egg or apples with pears.
In terms of cooking time, this healthy Zucchini Applesauce Muffins recipe only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields 12 delicious muffins. Depending on your dietary preferences or restrictions, you can make a few variations or substitutions. For instance, you can replace the sugar with honey or use almond flour instead of regular flour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup zucchini, shredded
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, combine zucchini, applesauce, eggs, and oil.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill each muffin tin with batter (around 3/4 full).
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5 minutes and then transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 153 kcal
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
- Sodium: 107 mg
Cooking Time & Servings
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Muffin tin
- Toothpick
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the muffins as a grab-and-go breakfast or snack to keep the family fueled throughout the day.
- A scoop of honey ice cream or a dollop of yogurt also pairs wonderfully with these muffins.
- Display these muffins in a decorative plate with a handful of fresh berries.
- Garnish the muffins with a sprinkle of walnuts to add some crunch.
Variation Ideas
- Add a handful of raisins, cranberries, or nuts for extra crunch and sweetness.
- For a more unique flavor, scatter some diced apples on the top of each muffin.
- For an indulgent twist, mix melted dark chocolate chips into the batter.
Substitutions
- Eggs: Flax egg or milled chia seeds will work.
- Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar, fructose, or maple syrup.
- Oil: Any plant-based oil can be used, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Wheat flour: Alternatives include spelt flour, oat flour, and almond flour.
Storage
- The muffins can stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an air-tight container in the fridge.
- The muffins can also be frozen and stored up to three months.
Tips
- Make sure you shred the zucchini on the smallest hole of a grater.
- Make sure you don’t overmix the batter, as this will make the muffins dense.
- Let the muffins cool completely before removing them from the pan.
- To enhance the flavor, swap the applesauce for a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Notes
- These muffins can also be served warm, with a drizzle of melted butter or a dollop of ricotta.
- To keep the muffins moist, store them in a single layer in a zipper-lock bag or air-tight container.
- These muffins also make a wonderful addition to a weekend brunch.
- To keep the muffins from sticking to the pan, make sure to coat it thoroughly with cooking spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can replace the applesauce with mashed bananas, pears, or any other type of fruit puree. -
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative such as almond flour or oat flour. -
Do I need to use a mixer to make the batter?
No, you can simply use a whisk or a rubber spatula to mix the batter. -
How long do the muffins last?
The muffins will stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Category
This recipe is best categorized as a breakfast, snack, dessert, or any-time treat. It is a healthy yet delicious snack that can be enjoyed all season.
Personal Thought
Healthy Zucchini Applesauce Muffins are an incredibly versatile snack that can satisfy any craving or dietary requirement. Being packed full of flavor, nutrients, and a delightful moist texture, there’s no doubt this is the perfect sweet treat for anytime of the day. The recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and takes about 30 minutes, which makes it the perfect meal for busy people. It is also easy to adapt to dietary restrictions or preferences since multiple variations and substitutions can be made. Whether you’re a novice chef or experienced baker, you can create these yummy zucchini muffins with ease!
It is definitely worth giving this recipe a try and exploring the bountiful possibilities of flavor and nutrition that the combination of zucchini and applesauce can bring. And don’t forget to get creative with the serving suggestions and garnish with a few extra ingredients. So go ahead, grab your grocery list and get baking!
Encourage readers to try the recipe and explore their creativity by making variations or adding their personal touch. End with a warm closing statement, inviting readers to share their experiences, feedback, and suggestions. Thank them for their time and express hope that they enjoy preparing and savoring the dish.
“Food should be fun.” – Thomas Keller
