Introducing my 4-ingredient zucchini muffins – a healthier, juicier alternative with grated zucchini, self-rising flour, cream cheese, and eggs. Perfect for sneaking in veggies for the kids and adding your creative twists with aromatic herbs. Let’s bake some deliciousness!
Have you ever found yourself craving a delicious, moist, and oh-so-satisfying muffin but wanted to keep it on the healthier side? Well, darlings, I’ve got a delightful surprise for you!
Introducing our fabulous 4-ingredient zucchini muffins – the epitome of easy-peasy, mouthwatering goodness!
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Four ingredients? Can it be truly delicious?”.
Oh, it’s true, and it’s fantastic! Trust me, you won’t believe how simple yet insanely delicious these muffins are!
And did I mention that these babies are secretly healthy? Sneaking in that grated zucchini not only adds moisture but also some much-needed veggies into your diet.
Also, that recipe will be a great option for mommies and daddies out there. These zucchini muffins are a sneaky way to get your little ones to eat their greens without even realizing it.
Hooray for parental ninja moves!
Plus, when the kids take one bite of these delightful treats, they’ll be begging for more – no bribes required!
Also, I will recommend using that recipe only as a starting point. Go ahead and throw in some other veggies or aromatic herbs for an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone begging for your secret recipe!
You know better what ingredients and flavors your family loves.
Get ready to fall in love with a muffin like never before – irresistibly moist, wonderfully healthy, and oh-so-easy to make.
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- With only four simple ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. The zucchini keeps these muffins irresistibly moist, giving each bite a delightful burst of flavor.
- A perfect recipe to sneak in some veggies for the little ones without any fuss – they’ll devour these muffins without even realizing they’re eating zucchini!
- Feel free to experiment with additional veggies or aromatic herbs to suit your taste and elevate the flavor profile.
- Whether it’s breakfast or snack time, these muffins fit the bill, catering to any time of day.
- Impress friends and family with these delectable muffins while keeping the secret of their simplicity to yourself!
- Bake a batch and spread the love with friends, colleagues, or at gatherings – these muffins are sure to be a hit with everyone.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Grated Zucchini adds moisture and subtle veggie goodness to the muffins. You can substitute it with grated carrots or finely chopped apples for a similar moisture boost and added sweetness.
- Self-rising flour provides the necessary lift and leavening to the muffins. If you don’t have it on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Cream Cheese lends a creamy richness to the muffins’ texture. Swap it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or mashed ripe bananas for a naturally sweet alternative.
- Eggs act as a binding agent and add structure to the muffins. To make these muffins egg-free, use unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to maintain the moisture and binding properties.
🍴 Tools Needed:
- Grater
- Muffin Pan
- Bowl
- Whisk
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Take a bowl in which it’s comfortable for you to mix all the ingredients. Add the eggs, a bit of salt to taste, and the cream cheese into the bowl. Mix well until the mixture is uniform.
Add zucchini grated on the small grater to achieve a more uniform consistency. If you want a stronger zucchini presence in the final product, you can grate them on the larger grater.
Mix well to evenly distribute the zucchini.
Add the flour and mix until it’s fully incorporated.
As soon as all the flour is incorporated, stop mixing to avoid the dough from becoming gummy.
Pro Tip: If you mix too much, the gluten casing will begin to form and the muffins won’t be as fluffy in the end.
Quick Note: The mixture might be more liquid due to the varying juice content in zucchini, in which case, you’ll need to add 1-2 tablespoons of flour until you achieve the necessary density for the mixture.
You should get a mixture like the one shown in the image below.
Pro Tip: For baking zucchini muffins, you’ll need a non-stick muffin baking mold or muffin cups.
Quick Note: To ensure the muffins don’t stick to the mold, I advise you to lightly oil even a non-stick mold.
Pour the obtained mixture into the muffin mold. If you will fill the muffin mold to ⅔ of their size, you will get 12 medium muffins.
Bake the zucchini muffins at 375°F (around 190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden on the outside.
Quick Note: As the ovens work differently, the timing can vary depending from case to case. Because of that, keep an eye on them and adjust the timing if needed.
In the end, you will enjoy these muffins that are golden and crunchy on the outside, while airy and creamy inside, thanks to the cream cheese.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Greek Yogurt or Almond Butter: Elevate your muffin experience by serving these beauties with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a luscious spread of almond butter. The contrasting textures and flavors create a delightful combination that will have you savoring every single bite.
- Afternoon Tea Pleasure: Host a charming afternoon tea party and feature these zucchini muffins as the star of your spread. Imagine your guests sipping on fragrant herbal teas while savoring the warm, freshly-baked muffins straight out of the oven. It’s an experience that exudes sophistication and comfort all at once.
- Grab-and-Go Snacking: Life can get busy, but these muffins have your back! Prepare a batch and have them ready for those on-the-go moments. Whether you’re heading out for a picnic adventure or need a quick energy boost during a busy day, these muffins will be your delicious and satisfying companion.
- Party Pleaser: Hosting a gathering with friends and family? Let these zucchini muffins take center stage on your party table. Arrange them on a beautifully decorated platter, garnish with vibrant fresh berries or edible flowers, and watch as they disappear in no time. Your guests will be delighted with these delightful, bite-sized treats.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Don’t overmix the self-rising flour into the batter. Just stir until everything is combined, and please resist the urge to go wild. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and we definitely want them to be tender and heavenly!
- When working with cream cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature for easier blending. We want those creamy dreams to come true and become one with the other ingredients. Oh, and if you’re feeling a bit daring, you can even add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- For the fluffiest results, crack the eggs into a separate bowl before adding them to the mixture. This way, you can spot any pesky eggshells before they cause trouble. Plus, it gives you a chance to beat the eggs slightly, giving your muffins that delightful lightness we all adore.
- These muffins need their time to rise and bloom into perfection. Keep an eye on them, but resist opening the oven door too often. Trust me, the mouthwatering aroma will tease you, but your patience will be rewarded with muffins that are gorgeously golden and tender.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. Just remember to add baking powder and a pinch of salt (1 1/2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour) to achieve similar results.
How Do I Ensure the Zucchini Doesn’t Make the Muffins Soggy?
To prevent the muffins from becoming too soggy, make sure to remove excess moisture from the grated zucchini. Simply squeeze the grated zucchini gently with your hands or use a clean kitchen towel to blot out the moisture.
Can I Make These Muffins Egg-Free?
Absolutely! If you prefer an egg-free version, you can substitute the eggs with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe bananas. These alternatives will still provide the necessary moisture and binding properties for the muffins.
How Should I Store the Muffins?
Once cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, pop them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap each muffin individually with plastic wrap and store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
📋 Recipe Card:
4 Ingredient Zucchini Muffins
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Zucchini Medium, Grated
- 1 cup Self-rising flour
- ½ cup Cream Cheese
- 2 Egg Medium
Instructions
- Take a large bowl and add the eggs, cream cheese, and a bit of salt to taste. Mix until you achieve a uniform composition.2 Egg, ½ cup Cream Cheese
- Grate the zucchini small, add them over the previous composition and mix until everything is evenly distributed.1 cup Zucchini
- Add the flour and mix well until everything is incorporated.1 cup Self-rising flour
- Pour the obtained mixture into the muffin baking mold.
- Preheat the oven and bake the zucchini muffins at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients to customize these muffins. Consider adding fresh blueberries, diced apples, or a sprinkling of cinnamon for delightful flavor variations.
- Greasing the Muffin Tin: To prevent the muffins from sticking to the tin, use muffin liners or grease the tin with cooking spray or softened butter.
- Freezing Tips: These muffins freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat in the microwave for a quick and tasty treat.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures easier blending and a smoother batter.
- Perfect for Breakfast On-the-Go: These zucchini muffins make a fantastic grab-and-go breakfast. Make a big batch during the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and satisfying morning meal.
- Citrus Zest Twist: For a burst of citrusy goodness, try adding the zest of a lemon or an orange to the batter. It’ll bring a refreshing and zesty flavor that complements the zucchini beautifully.
Elsa
Can I use almond flour? I do not use regular white flour. Thank you.
Victoria
You can replace the all-purpose flour with the same amount of whole wheat flour or if you want to avoid gluten, you can also try to use almond flour, but keep in mind that the muffins will be more crumbly in both cases.