Print

Moist and tender zucchini muffins with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, crunchy pecans, and an easy oil-based batter perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Grate zucchini finely; if very watery or using frozen zucchini, thaw/drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, grated zucchini, vanilla, and chopped pecans until blended.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in three additions, stirring gently each time just until no dry streaks remain (do not overmix).
  6. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups.
  7. Bake for 18–21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool muffins in the pan about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dense muffins., Use unbleached, chlorine-free paper liners for a natural look and easy cleanup., Finely grate zucchini for green flecks throughout the muffins., Be gentle when mixing to keep muffins tender and avoid toughness., For variations, substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts; add chocolate chips or dried fruits., Use whole wheat or gluten-free flours to suit dietary preferences., Reduce fat by substituting half the oil with unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt., Reduce sugar by ¼ cup if a less sweet muffin is preferred., Add lemon or orange zest or spices like ginger or cloves for flavor twists., Adjust baking time for mini muffins (10–12 minutes) or jumbo muffins (24–28 minutes)., Store at room temperature in airtight container for up to 4 days; refrigerate up to a week; freeze up to 3 months., Reheat in microwave 10–20 seconds or oven at 325°F for 8–12 minutes to refresh.

Nutrition