Healthy Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins: Moist, Delicious, and Perfect for Meal Prep

Looking for a nutritious and delicious snack? These gluten-free zucchini muffins are the answer! Moist, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients, they’re perfect for home cooks who love easy, vegetarian recipes. Best of all, these muffins freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

Zucchini muffins are a creative way to use up the abundant zucchini harvest in late summer. Zucchini, a type of summer squash, is often added to baked goods to keep them moist and add a subtle, mild flavor. Although zucchini muffins don’t have a specific historical origin, they’ve become a popular choice for health-conscious individuals looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste.

What You’ll Need to Make These Muffins

• 2 ¼ cups gluten-free flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp almond or peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 ½ cups shredded zucchini, very well-drained
• ¼ cup non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy milk works great)

Instructions: How to Make Healthy Zucchini Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners or use a non-stick muffin tin if you prefer not to use paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana. Add the almond butter (or peanut butter), vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Stir well to combine until smooth.

Step 4: Add Shredded Zucchini

Grate the zucchini and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Add the well-drained zucchini to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. If you have leftovers, store them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

3 Additional Tips for Perfect Zucchini Muffins

1. Don’t skip squeezing out the zucchini – Removing excess moisture helps the muffins maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming soggy.
2. Mix gently – Overmixing the batter can make the muffins dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
3. Use overripe bananas – The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins will be.

How to Store and Reheat Zucchini Muffins

• Storing: Keep your muffins at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze muffins for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour? Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust for the different consistency.
2. How can I make these muffins sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter muffin, you can increase the sugar by 2 tablespoons or add a drizzle of maple syrup on top before baking.
3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Feel free to stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or dairy-free chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Health Benefits of Zucchini Muffins Ingredients

These gluten-free zucchini muffins not only taste amazing, but they also offer several health benefits thanks to their wholesome ingredients:

• Zucchini: Rich in vitamins A and C, zucchini is also a good source of fiber, helping to support digestive health.
• Almond or Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, these nut butters help keep you feeling full longer.
• Banana: Full of potassium and antioxidants, bananas are great for heart health and provide natural sweetness without added sugar.
• Non-Dairy Milk: A great alternative to dairy, non-dairy milk provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.

Nutritional Breakdown of Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins (Per Muffin)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 7g (mostly from almond/peanut butter)
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g (natural sugars from banana)

5 Vegetarian Meal Pairings for Zucchini Muffins

1. Avocado Toast – Pair a warm zucchini muffin with creamy avocado on whole grain toast for a balanced meal.
2. Vegan Soup – Serve with a bowl of tomato soup or lentil soup for a hearty lunch or dinner.
3. Green Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette is a great side dish.
4. Hummus and Veggies – For a quick snack, pair your zucchini muffin with some hummus and fresh veggies like cucumber or carrots.
5. Smoothie – A fruity smoothie, made with almond milk, berries, and a banana, complements the muffins for a healthy breakfast.

Enjoy these healthy zucchini muffins? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below, or tag us on social media when you make them! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who love healthy snacks!

Other Vegetarian Recipes You Might Enjoy

1. Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl – A nourishing, hearty meal packed with protein and fiber.
2. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – A plant-based twist on a classic comfort food.
3. Chia Pudding with Berries and Almond Butter – A quick, nutritious breakfast option.

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