Gluten Free Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ever heard the quote, “Feed a woman a fish, she eats for a day.  Teach a woman to garden and the whole neighborhood gets zucchini”?  If you’ve been drowning in zucchini in the summer months, then this recipe is for you.  These gluten free zucchini chocolate chip muffins are moist and filled with subtle spices.  The best part about these zucchini muffins is you will never know they’re gluten free.

This small batch muffin recipe makes just six bakery style zucchini muffins, which uses about half a 10-inch zucchini. If you have more on hand, you can easily double the recipe and freeze some for later or use that extra zucchini to make a loaf of my gluten free zucchini bread!

If you love muffins as much as I do, then take a look at my list of our favorite gluten free muffin recipes for more breakfast ideas the whole family will love.

Why you'll love this recipe

• They are so easy to make, no mixer required.
• Thanks to the zucchini and applesauce they stay extra moist.
• They taste just like zucchini bread with chocolate chips.
• It’s a sneaky way to get your kids to eat vegetables
• They are gluten free & dairy free.

Ingredient List

• Gluten Free Flour Blend – I use Bob’s Red Mill for almost all of my recipes.  You can use your own flour blend, but know it may not turn out the same. If you substitute another brand, make sure it contains xanthan gum.
• Baking Powder – Helps the muffins rise to get those nice tall muffin tops.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg Salt
• Sugar
• Egg - I haven’t tried this recipe with an egg replacement, but I suspect a flax egg would work great here.  If you try it, let me know in the comments.
• Olive Oil – I use olive oil for all of my baking, but you can use whichever light flavored cooking oil you prefer
• Vanilla
• Unsweetened Applesauce – Applesauce compliments the zucchini and spices in these muffins.  Make sure it’s unsweetened, or your muffins will end up too sweet.  If you don’t have any applesauce to hand, substitute with non-dairy milk.
• Zucchini - Shred the zucchini with the large size shreds on a box grater.  This recipe used about half of a 10-inch long zucchini.
• Mini Chocolate Chips - I used the Enjoy Life brand because they’re allergen free.  You can substitute with your brand of choice. 

Substitutions & Variations

• Make it Vegan / Egg Free - Replace the single egg with a flax egg. All other ingredients are already vegan.
• No chocolate chips - replace the chocolate chips with pecans, walnuts or even raisins in the same measure.

Instructions

As with all of my muffin recipes, I use the muffin method for mixing. It's easy and doesn't require an electric mixer. Plus it creates perfectly domed muffins every time.

STEP 1: Combine the gluten free flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices in a large bowl. Whisk until well mixed.

STEP 2: Crack the egg into a second smaller bowl and whisk until frothy like soap bubbles.

STEP 3: Add the oil and vanilla to the beaten egg and whisk again until smooth.

STEP 4: Add the egg mixture, applesauce and shredded zucchini to the bowl of dry ingredients. Fold together about 10 strokes.

STEP 5: Add the chocolate chips to the batter and continue to fold about 5 more strokes until they are evenly incorporated and all flour has been mixed in.

STEP 6: Portion the zucchini muffin batter into six lined muffin cups. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if using, and bake.

How to store leftover muffins

Place leftover muffins in an airtight container and store for 3-4 days.  If your home is especially warm, you may want to refrigerate the muffins.  They will last around 5 days in the refrigerator.

Zucchini muffins can also be frozen for a quick breakfast later. Individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer bag or freezer safe container. Store for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving.