Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

I've been craving chocolatey things lately.  So, I packed up all of my Paleo-friendly chocolate ingredients to-go this weekend and brought them to my parents house.  I felt like making something new- not the typical brownies or cookies, but something just as rich and decadent that contained a few extra nutrients.



My mom had a whole bunch of zucchini hanging out in the fridge, and I had chocolatey ingredients....  The obvious solution was chocolate zucchini bread!  I decided to skip the non-travel-friendly, pain-in-the-butt loaf idea, and went for individual muffins.  However, if you're feeling like a loaf would better suite your needs~ go for it!  This recipe would work either way.


I love how these little muffins can satisfy that chocolate craving, while serving up a dose of green veggies from the zucchini & protein from the eggs.  As always, these are free of dairy, gluten, grains, refined sugar, and soy, and are 100% Paleo/caveman-friendly.  They are also the most incredibly moist little muffins I have ever created!

If you're searching for extra sweetness & chocolate flavor, add the chocolate chips (I buy the "Enjoy Life" brand, which are gluten, soy, and dairy-free).  If you're looking for a traditional zucchini bread taste with just a hint of chocolate~ leave them out.  Either way, you are in for a treat!

Enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! :)



Ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. 
  2. In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients followed by the wet ingredients.  Mix until combined.
  3. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cups, and fill about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way with the mixture.
  4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let cool & enjoy! 




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15 comments:

Unknown said...

I gave up chocolate for Lent..but I plan to make these soon! They look AMAZING!

Julie B said...

Thanks, for cooking up my zucchini today - I think I like eating it this way! 😉

Jessie B said...

@ Bianka~ Good luck on your no-chocolate streak!! Let me know how they turn out if you make them :)

& Mom~ you are welcome! Thanks for always sharing your food with me ;)

Casey said...

If you wanted to sub coconut flour to make it but free how much would you use? Also how many chocolate chips- in the muffin or just sprinkled on top?

Casey said...

Nut

Jessie B said...

Hi Casey! Quantity of the chocolate chips is totally up to you... mix in a handful if you want more chocolatey flavor, or just sprinkle a few on top before baking (that's how mine were in the pictures).

As far as making these nut-free, I'm really not sure! Typically you would increase the amount of eggs with a smaller amount of coconut flour, but I haven't tried it with this recipe. Sorry I'm not more helpful!

A Day in the Life of One Girl said...

I unwrapped mine and put a dollup of coconut milk "Cool Whip" to the top and make a cupcake! So good. I didn't measure my zukes and just added 2 mediums. It might have been too much. I'll measure out the cup next time and not be lazy!

Jessie B said...

Ohh I love the "Cool Whip" topping idea! Sounds delish!

Anonymous said...

would this work if I substituted honey for maple syrup?

Jessie B said...

Definitely! Honey would work :)

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic recipe, thank you!

Tina said...

Nice way to help kids to have their veggies without a fuss.

Rebecca said...

I looked it up on My Fitness Pal and your nutritional information is way off (even without chocolate chips)! I got: 127 cal, 10g fat, 6g carbs and 5g protein. Just wondering how there is such a difference from your 69 calories?!

Jessie B said...

Hey Rebecca,

I also used the My Fitness Pal calculator when I wrote this post. I double checked it just now, and came up with numbers somewhere between my original post & what you commented. So strange. All I can think is that My Fitness Pal food entries may have changed over the past 2 1/2 years since I created the post? Sorry about that. Hope you can still enjoy the muffins, regardless of the calorie count! :)

Anonymous said...

Turned out great! I added a tsp of vanilla and chopped walnuts. Very moist muffins!