Zucchini Banana Muffins

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Zucchini Banana Muffins are super moist with loads of flavor. The perfect way to use up all that leftover zucchini. These muffins are bursting with flavorful bananas and cinnamon. You won’t even taste the zucchini!

Zucchini muffins on wooden board with the wrapper peeled away from the one in front.

I love “sneaking” zucchini into baked goods. These chocolate zucchini cupcakes and classic zucchini bread are just a couple of examples of this. But I also love banana muffins.

So why not combine the two and have the most epic muffin for summer?

That’s exactly what happened here and these zucchini banana muffins are the absolute best way to use up leftover zucchini. I think you’ll love these as much as I do!

They bake up soft, spongy, and not overly sweet! The best part is you can’t even taste the zucchini and wouldn’t even notice it unless you see the little green specks in the muffin.

Why this recipe works

  • The recipe doesn’t call for milk. It’s not needed. The mashed banana, shredded zucchini, oil, and eggs add enough moisture to the batter to omit any extra liquid.
  • Fill each cavity only ⅔ of the way full. This is important because of the way the muffins are baked. If the muffin pan is too full, the batter could potentially spill over.
  • The muffins bake at 425°F for the first 5 minutes of baking then reduced to 350°F for the remaining baking time. The initial high temp will help create a lovely “bakery-style” muffin top.

You will adore these tender banana muffins with zucchini. They will make a great grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon snack.

Zucchini banana muffins stacked with a bite taken out of the top one so the fluffy inside is visible.

Ingredient notes

  • Banana: Make sure to use very ripe bananas. They’ll give the muffins the best flavor. Spotty brown skin = perfect for baking!
  • Zucchini: You will need to shred the zucchini but there’s no need to peel it first. I love to use a box grater for this!
  • Flour: I developed the recipe using all-purpose flour. I can’t guarantee how the muffins will turn out if you decide to use a different flour.
    • However, a gluten free blend that is formulated to be a 1-to-1 replacement for all-purpose flour should work fine.
  • Oil: I prefer canola or vegetable oil. But, you can use any flavorless oil.
Overhead of zucchini banana muffins with one broken open.

How to make banana zucchini muffins

You don’t need a ton of equipment to make these muffins! This limits the number of dirty dishes you’ll have.

Who can say no to easy cleanup? Certainly not me!

  1. Mix the dry ingredients.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
  4. Transfer the batter to a muffin pan and bake.

Step by step instructions

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
  2. Make a well in the center. To do this, use a spatula to push the dry ingredients to the outer edges of the bowl so there is a small hole in the middle. This where you’ll add the wet ingredients.
  1. Use a separate bowl or large measuring cup to whisk the oil, sugar, mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla together until well combined. Stir in the zucchini.

Use a box grater to grate the zucchini. It will be much thinner and

  1. Pour the wet ingredients into the well in the center of the dry intredients.
  2. Fold the ingredients together just until no dry streaks of flour are visible.

Quick Tip: Don’t overmix the batter or the muffins will be dense and tough. Mix only until fully combined.

  1. Spoon the batter into a 12-cup muffin pan lined with paper liners.
  2. Press a banana chip on top of each filled cup.
  1. Bake the muffins at 425°F for 5 minutes then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue to bake until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
Zucchini banana muffins topped with banana chips on a muffin pan.

Jen’s best tips

  • This recipe is great with cocoa powder! Whisk 3-4 tablespoons into the dry ingredients.
  • Skip the banana chip on top and opt for coarse sugar instead! Just sprinkle a bit over the batter before baking.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter thay’s melted can replace the oil. Keep in mind, the muffins will not be as moist as if using oil.
  • Add nuts! ½-⅔ cup of chopped nuts are great additions to this recipe.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Muffin batter should look “chunky” and not perfectly smooth. Overmixing causes too much gluten to develope and this will lead to tough muffins.
  • Don’t overbake. Overbaked muffins will be dry! Start checking for doneness about 5 minutes early.

Storing & Freezing

Banana zucchini muffins are always best on the day they are made. However, you can store them to eat later.

To store: Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

To freeze: The muffins can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?

No, not with this recipe. The liquid to dry ratio is specifically formulated with all-purpose flour. You may wish to make my whole wheat banana muffins instead. Simply add 1 cup of finely shredded zucchini to the batter.

Can I bake the batter in a bread pan?

Yes! Use a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. Tent loosely with aluminum foil if the top is getting too brown during baking.

Zucchini muffins on wooden board with the wrapper peeled away from the one in front.
4.70 from 33 votes

Zucchini Banana Muffins

Zucchini Banana Muffins are super moist with loads of flavor. The perfect way to use up all that leftover zucchini. These muffins are bursting with flavorful banana and cinnamon. You won’t even taste the zucchini!
Prep Time :20 minutes
Cook Time :20 minutes
Total Time :40 minutes
Servings :14
Author :Jen Sobjack

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • cup (80 ml) canola, or vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup (157 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ cups (345 g) pureed ripe banana, about 3 bananas
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (145 g) grated zucchini, about 1 medium zucchini
  • banana chips, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425° Spray 14 muffin cups with cooking spray or line with paper liners; set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir with a whisk to combine. Make a well in the center; set aside.
  • In a separate bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk the oil, sugar, banana, and vanilla together until well combined. Add the eggs and whisk to combine. Stir in the zucchini.
  • Pour the mixture into the center of the dry ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to fold the batter together just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan; filling each cup ⅔ full. Top each with a banana chip if desired.
  • Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Take care to not overbake as this will cause the muffins to dry out.
  • Remove the muffins from the pan immediately and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Oil: I don’t recommend substituting as this will compromise the muffin’s texture.
  • Banana: You can mash the bananas with a fork, but I find the texture of the muffin is best when the banana is pureed until completely smooth. I like to use an emulsion blender for this.
  • Zucchini: A box grater works best for shredding the zucchini.
  • Muffin liners: I’ve found that these muffins tend to stick to some paper liners. If this is what you plan to use, I recommend lightly spraying the liners with nonstick spray. Then use a small pastry brush to swirl the oil all around the bottom and up the sides of the liners.
Make ahead tip
  1. Muffins will stay fresh for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or up to 1 week stored in the refrigerator.
  2. They will keep for up to 3 months stored in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You may wish to warm them in the microwave for 10-12 seconds. Or place a single frozen muffin in the microwave for 40-60 seconds.
Mix it up!
  • Whisk 3-4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients.
  • Instead of adding a banana chip on top, sprinkle the batter with coarse sugar. As the muffins bake, the sugar melts slightly, creating a lovely crunchy texture on top.
  • Use ½ cup melted unsalted butter in place of oil.
  • Mix in ½ – ⅔ cup of chopped nuts. Use any that you prefer!
To Make Zucchini Banana Bread: Spread prepared batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. Tent loosely with aluminum foil if the top is getting too brown during baking. Bake times will vary so keep a close eye on the bread. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool the bread in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Remove the bread and cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffinCalories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 175mgPotassium: 154mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 62IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
*Nutrition Disclaimer
Course :Breakfast
Cuisine :American
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Recipe Rating




43 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These muffins were delicious! Perfectly moist, not too sweet, with a beautiful domed top. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      I’m thrilled to hear this. It’s a favorite of ours!!

  2. 5 stars
    Hands down the best i’ve ever had! I am replacing my banana bread recipe with this one. LOVED it!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Yay! I happy to hear this!!

  3. I just made theses. Delicious and moist, although I am trying one while it is very warm….with butter. I added some chopped walnuts and topped some with the walnuts. I also used parchment baking cups and they peel off easily. Will make these again as I have some frozen zucchini for months ahead. THANK YOU

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the muffins. They are the perfect way to use up zucchini!!

  4. 5 stars
    I made these last night and they’re wonderful! Instead of regular oil, I used 1/3 cup melted butter and then added a couple extra tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (I love the touch of flavor a quality, fragrant olive oil can add). I also added the zest of one lemon and about a half cup of chopped walnuts. SO GOOD!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      I’m so glad you loved the recipe! Thank you for sharing your feedback!

  5. 5 stars
    I forgot the oil and they still turned out great!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      That’s fantastic!

  6. I put zucchini where ever I can hide it. The obvious culprits being bread, muffins, etc. I also add it to my meatloaf and my family had absolutely no idea. Thanks for posting this, I can’t wait to try it.

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      You’re welcome! Enjoy!!

  7. Kristen Cyr says:

    5 stars
    First things first – these muffins are very good. I think I may add a wee bit less sugar the next time I make them (because there absolutely will be a next time!), but I don’t have too much of a sweet tooth. So this is a personal taste, not a reflection on your recipe!

    Secondly – I love the format in which you present the recipe. The summary at the top is wonderful and the fact that you show the tools needed. I really like the way you “present” your recipe. I look forward to trying more of your recipes! Thank you.

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Thank you so much for the kind words, Kristen!

  8. 4 stars
    I just made these and they tasted sooo good! I’d definitely make them again, however, the muffins were really hard to get out of their liners. They stuck to them! I baked them for 15 mins as directed and ended up leaving them in for another 5 mins. The batter didn’t come out sticky when I did the toothpick test though. I think next time I’ll bake it for 25 mins.

    1. 5 stars
      Update: so I realized now why they we’re sticking to the wrapper… They were still warm! Once they cooled completely, they were fine. I’m going to try making them with a little bit of cocoa powder like one commenter suggested 🙂

      1. 5 stars
        Update: I added 1/3 cup cocoa powder to fool my kids and a handful of crushed walnuts and it was awesome! This recipe is added to my favorites now 🙂

      2. Jen Sobjack says:

        That’s wonderful news, Jay! I’ll have to try them with cocoa as well.

  9. 5 stars
    Best. Muffins. Ever.

    I added 1/3 of a cup of cocoa to the batter and a couple of chocolate chunks to each muffin before baking them in the oven, per my son’s request. Soft, most, flavorful. Delicious!

  10. Charlotte says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Just made a batch in my attempt to get courgette into my son…

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Woohoo! I’m so glad you and your son enjoyed them!