Hidden Veggie Zucchini Muffins

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist, whole-grain muffins packed with grated zucchini and carrots, hidden in a sweet batter that even picky eaters will devour. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs finely grated and squeezed dry zucchini, grated carrots, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

★ 3.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1 cup grated and squeezed zucchini and 1/2 cup grated carrots into the wet ingredients, then fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, then divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Veggie Zucchini Muffins 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 Zucchini Muffins?

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 grated carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Zucchini Muffins?

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 Zucchini Muffins 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 Zucchini Muffins?

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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