Chocolate Zucchini Strawberry Muffins (Printable)
Rich chocolate muffins with fresh strawberries and grated zucchini for a moist, healthier treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
08 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
11 - 1 cup grated zucchini, well-drained and squeezed dry
12 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
13 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or coat generously with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
04 - Gently fold the grated, well-drained zucchini into the wet mixture until evenly distributed throughout.
05 - Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the muffins tough.
06 - Gently fold the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula, distributing them evenly with minimal stirring.
07 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one approximately three-quarters full.
08 - Bake on the center rack for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
09 - Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get to feel virtuous about eating vegetables for breakfast without sacrificing any chocolate satisfaction
- The fresh strawberries create these little bursts of brightness that cut through the rich chocolate in the most delightful way
02 -
- Draining the zucchini thoroughly is the most important step because excess water will make the muffins dense and gummy
- Overmixing once the flour is added will make these tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks
03 -
- Use the large holes on your box grater for zucchini that creates nice texture rather than disappearing completely
- Toss the strawberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom