Moist Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Fall baking reaches new heights with these delightful pumpkin zucchini muffins that blend seasonal comfort and unexpected nutrition.

Veggie-packed treats surprise everyone who takes a bite.

Warm spices dance through each tender morsel, creating irresistible aroma.

Moisture from fresh zucchini ensures a soft, perfect crumb that melts in your mouth.

Subtle pumpkin undertones complement the green vegetable’s delicate flavor profile.

Quick to mix and even faster to devour, these muffins become an instant breakfast favorite.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear before your eyes.

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Highlights

  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with zucchini and pumpkin, these muffins deliver hidden vegetables and extra nutrients without compromising taste.
  • Craft Versatility: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes, these muffins adapt seamlessly to different meal moments and preferences.
  • Master Easy Baking: Straightforward mixing technique and simple ingredients make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Customize Creatively: Swap ingredients or add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to personalize the muffins and match individual tastes.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Provide structure and texture to the muffins.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Add warm, comforting spices that complement the pumpkin flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the muffins.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and nutrition to the muffins.
  • Zucchini: Brings moisture and subtle vegetable flavor to the baked goods.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic essence.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Muffin Tin Liners: Prevent the muffins from sticking and make serving easier.

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper liners, creating cozy little homes for your muffins.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat together:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs

Whip these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Moisture and Flavor

Stir in:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Grated zucchini
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until everything is evenly distributed and your batter looks inviting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix – you want your muffins to be tender and light.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about two-thirds full, giving the muffins room to rise and become beautifully rounded.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes.

Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These pumpkin zucchini muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or anytime you need a delicious treat!

Tips for Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Grate zucchini using a box grater and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy muffins.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for dietary preferences without compromising texture.
  • Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra crunch and flavor variation.
  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Enhance nutritional value by incorporating ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the dry ingredient mixture.

Flavor Twists on Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and choose plant-based sugar alternatives.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Swap brown and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Add protein powder or incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to increase protein and enhance nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Harvest Breakfast Companion: Pair these moist muffins with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or fresh coffee for a cozy morning treat that celebrates autumn flavors.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these muffins on a rustic wooden board with a dollop of maple cream cheese spread, creating an elegant and inviting snack for afternoon gatherings.
  • Lunch Box Star: Pack these nutrient-rich muffins as a midday energy boost, tucking them alongside fresh fruit or a small yogurt for a balanced, satisfying meal on the go.
  • Dessert Transformation: Warm the muffins slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert that turns a simple baked good into an indulgent experience.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
  • Refrigerate muffins in a sealed container for 5-7 days, extending their shelf life while maintaining moisture.
  • Freeze individual muffins wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months for long-term storage.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen muffins by microwaving for 15-20 seconds, or warming in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. However, this may slightly change the texture and make the muffins denser.

  • How do I prevent my zucchini from making the muffins too wet?

After grating the zucchini, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps prevent soggy muffins.

  • Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.

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Moist Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe

Moist Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Seasonal pumpkin zucchini muffins blend autumn’s warmth with garden-fresh ingredients, creating a comforting breakfast treat. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, these moist muffins offer delightful flavor that you’ll savor with morning coffee.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 2 large eggs

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners inside a muffin pan.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients – wheat and all-purpose flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Incorporate pumpkin puree, freshly grated zucchini, and vanilla extract into the sugar-oil mixture, stirring until well integrated.
  5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overmixing – stop when ingredients are just combined and no visible flour streaks remain.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly into prepared muffin liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising during baking.
  7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature, allowing them to set and develop full flavor.

Notes

  • Grate zucchini using the large holes of a box grater for perfect texture and moisture distribution in the muffins.
  • Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy muffins and ensure a light, fluffy result.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
  • Reduce sugar by using mashed ripe bananas or applesauce as a natural sweetener for a healthier alternative that maintains moisture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 153 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 117 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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