Hidden Veggie Mini Muffins with Banana Boost

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Nutritious mini muffins hiding zucchini and carrots in a sweet banana base, ideal for fussy eaters. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole wheat flour, zucchini, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 American cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
  2. Step 2: Grate 1/2 cup zucchini and 1/4 cup carrot, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup mashed banana, 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 beaten egg. Stir in the grated zucchini and carrot until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
  6. Step 6: Divide batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full, and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Veggie Mini Muffins with Banana Boost take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hidden Veggie Mini Muffins with Banana Boost?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole wheat flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Mini Muffins with Banana Boost?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden Veggie Mini Muffins with Banana Boost for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hidden Veggie Mini Muffins with Banana Boost?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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