Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe

The Best Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe for Fall Mornings

Autumn whispers bring magic to my favorite seasonal pumpkin zucchini muffins that blend earthy vegetables into a delightful breakfast treat.

Crisp mornings inspire cozy baking adventures with unexpected ingredient combinations.

Warm spices dance through each tender morsel, creating irresistible comfort.

zucchini adds surprising moisture while pumpkin delivers rich, deep flavor notes.

Nutritious ingredients merge seamlessly in these delectable baked goods.

Wholesome and inviting, these muffins promise a delicious start to your day.

Come savor every delightful bite of this simple, nourishing recipe.

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins That Everyone Will Love

  • Customize Your Comfort: Transform traditional shepherds pie into a hearty, soul-warming soup that adapts perfectly to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Simplify Family Meals: Create a one-pot wonder that combines protein, vegetables, and creamy potatoes, making dinner preparation stress-free and delightful for busy households.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dining: Bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with minimal cooking skills, turning a classic dish into an exciting, satisfying meal that impresses everyone at the table.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Deliver a nutritious, filling soup that feeds multiple people with minimal effort, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients Needed For Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich ingredient that adds moisture and deep autumn flavor to the muffins.
  • Zucchini: A fresh vegetable that provides natural moisture and subtle green color to the baked treat.
  • Flour: The primary structural component that helps bind the muffins together.
  • Eggs: Essential binding agents that provide structure and richness to the muffin batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the muffins remain tender and moist throughout baking.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a tender, golden-brown muffin texture.
For the Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create a cozy, aromatic flavor profile typical of autumn baking.
For the Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Critical ingredients that help the muffins rise and balance the overall flavor.
For the Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chopped Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Dried Fruit: Provide extra texture and flavor variations to personalize the muffins.
For the Flavoring:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall sweet flavor of the muffins.

Baking Instructions For Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Get your muffin tin ready by either lining it with cute paper liners or giving it a generous spray of cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices. This magical mix includes:
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cloves

Whisk until everything is perfectly combined and looks like a fragrant winter wonderland.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredient Magic

In a separate bowl, combine your moist ingredients to create a luscious base. Stir together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Shredded zucchini
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients dance together smoothly and look beautifully blended.

Step 4: Marry the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together with love and care.

Stop mixing the moment everything looks combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 5: Boost the Flavor

Want to make your muffins extra special?

Gently fold in some fun additions like:
  • Chopped nuts
  • Chocolate chips
  • Dried fruit

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Distribute the batter evenly into your muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before diving into these scrumptious treats.

Helpful Tips To Make Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Swap zucchini with grated carrots for a different veggie twist, maintaining moisture and nutrients in the muffins.
  • Reduce sugar by using ripe bananas or applesauce as natural sweeteners, creating a healthier alternative.
  • Ensure zucchini is well-drained to prevent soggy muffins, gently squeezing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture and taste.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Flavor Variations To Try With Pumpkin Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Garden Muffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich pumpkin zucchini flavor.
  • Vegan Harvest Batch: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to create a plant-based muffin packed with autumn spices.
  • Protein Power Muffins: Incorporate protein powder and add chia seeds to boost nutritional content while keeping the original recipe's warm, comforting taste.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar while preserving the muffins' moist texture.

Perfect Pairings For Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Harvest Brunch Delight: Serve these warm muffins alongside a creamy maple yogurt dip, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and seasonal flair.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Plate the muffins on a rustic wooden board with a small pot of honey and softened butter, creating an inviting snack perfect for casual gatherings.
  • Breakfast on-the-go: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper, tie with twine, and pack with a fresh apple for a portable breakfast that celebrates autumn's bounty.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform muffins into a simple trifle by layering crumbled pieces with whipped cream and caramel sauce in clear glass cups for an elegant presentation.

Best Ways To Store Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly microwave when ready to enjoy.
  • Keep muffins in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.
  • Place a paper towel in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess, maintaining the muffins' perfect texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser and slightly heavier. Use a 1:1 ratio, and consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid to maintain moisture.

  • How do I prevent the zucchini from making the muffins soggy?

After grating the zucchini, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps maintain the muffins’ proper texture and prevents them from becoming too wet.

  • Is it necessary to peel the zucchini before grating?

No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds nutrition and color to the muffins. Just wash the zucchini thoroughly before grating.

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Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Hearty pumpkin zucchini muffins blend seasonal flavors in a delightful autumn-inspired treat. Warm spices and moist texture make these muffins a perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon snacks you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups (440 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners or generously greasing the surface.
  2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) together in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate container, thoroughly combine pumpkin puree, grated zucchini, granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
  4. Carefully incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just integrated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender muffin texture.
  5. Enhance the batter by delicately folding in optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for additional flavor and texture.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
  7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the muffins are fully cooked.
  8. Allow muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Customize the texture by adjusting zucchini moisture, squeezing out excess liquid ensures drier, fluffier muffins.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for dietary restrictions.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like applesauce or honey for a healthier version.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding seeds like chia or flaxseed for extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 20 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 0.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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